Decoding the historical tale: COVID-19 impact on haematological malignancy patients-EPICOVIDEHA insights from 2020 to 2022

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic heightened risks for individuals with hematological malignancies due to compromised immune systems, leading to more severe outcomes and increased mortality. While interventions like vaccines, targeted antivirals, and monoclonal antibodies have been effective for the general population, their benefits for these patients may not be as pronounced.

Methods

The EPICOVIDEHA registry (National Clinical Trials Identifier, NCT04733729) gathers COVID-19 data from hematological malignancy patients since the pandemic's start worldwide. It spans various global locations, allowing comprehensive analysis over the first three years (2020-2022).

Findings

The EPICOVIDEHA registry collected data from January 2020 to December 2022, involving 8767 COVID-19 cases in hematological malignancy patients from 152 centers across 41 countries, with 42% being female. Over this period, there was a significant reduction in critical infections and an overall decrease in mortality from 29% to 4%. However, hospitalization, particularly in the ICU, remained associated with higher mortality rates. Factors contributing to increased mortality included age, multiple comorbidities, active malignancy at COVID-19 onset, pulmonary symptoms, and hospitalization. On the positive side, vaccination with one to two doses or three or more doses, as well as encountering COVID-19 in 2022, were associated with improved survival.

Interpretation

Patients with hematological malignancies still face elevated risks, despite reductions in critical infections and overall mortality rates over time. Hospitalization, especially in ICUs, remains a significant concern. The study underscores the importance of vaccination and the timing of COVID-19 exposure in 2022 for enhanced survival in this patient group. Ongoing monitoring and targeted interventions are essential to support this vulnerable population, emphasizing the critical role of timely diagnosis and prompt treatment in preventing severe COVID-19 cases.

Funding

Not applicable.

Prevalence of and risk factors for intestinal colonisation by multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria in patients with haematological malignancies: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Patients with haematological malignancies (HM patients) are at high risk of infections caused by multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (MDR-GNB). MDR-GNB intestinal colonisation is associated with MDR-GNB infections. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis on HM patients was to pool the prevalence of and risk factors for intestinal colonisation by MDR-GNB, including carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) and extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacterales, reported in previous studies.

METHODS

This study was conducted according to the protocol registered in PROSPERO (CRD42022374425). PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Ovid MEDLINE(R) ALL and Cochrane Library were searched from inception to 25 October 2022. Observational studies reporting CRE and/or ESBL intestinal colonisation in HM patients were included. Subgroup analyses were conducted by study region.

RESULTS

A total of 21 402 HM patients from 32 studies were analysed. The pooled CRE and ESBL colonisation rates were 21.7% [95% confidence interval (95%CI) 18.7-24.8] and 19.2% (95%CI 13.9-24.5), respectively. Prior exposure to tigecycline [odds ratio (OR) 3.99, 95%CI 2.08-7.68], carbapenem (OR 1.84, 95%CI 1.13-2.97) or penicillin (OR 1.72, 95%CI 1.05-2.83), as well as chemotherapy (OR 2.45, 95%CI 1.05-5.73), neutropenia (OR 1.88, 95%CI 1.08-3.26) and acute myeloid leukaemia (AML; OR 1.86, 95%CI 1.33-2.61), were risk factors for CRE colonisation in HM patients. Prior antibiotic exposure was a risk factor for ESBL colonisation in HM patients (OR 4.90, 95%CI 2.76-8.70).

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows the high prevalence of MDR-GNB (CRE and ESBL) colonisation in HM patients and explains associated factors for the colonisation. The results provide evidence for MDR-GNB infection control in HM management.

Assessing the risk of venous thromboembolism in patients with haematological cancers using three prediction models

PURPOSE

Assessment of individual VTE risk in cancer patients prior to chemotherapy is critical for determining necessity of interventions. Risk assessment models (RAM) are available but have not been validated for haematological malignancy. We aimed to assess the validity of the Vienna Cancer and Thrombosis Study (V-CATS) score in prediction of VTE in a variety of haematological malignancies.

METHODS

This is a prospective cohort study conducted on 81 newly diagnosed cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Demographic, clinical and cancer related data were collected, patients were followed up for 6 months, and VTE events were recorded. Khorana score (KS) was calculated. Plasma D-dimer and sP-selectin were measured, and then, V-CATS score was calculated. Receiver operator curve (ROC) was used to assess the sensitivity and specificity of RAMs. A modified V-CATS was generated and subsequently assessed by using new cut-off levels of d-dimer and sP-selectin based on ROC curve of the patients' results and compared the probability of VTE occurrence using all three RAMs.

RESULTS

Among the 81 patients included in this study, a total of 2.7% were diagnosed with advanced metastatic cancer. The most frequent cancer was non-Hodgkin lymphoma (39.5%), and 8 patients (9.8%) developed VTE events. The calculated probability of VTE occurrence using KS, V-CATS and modified V-CATS scores at cut-off levels ≥ 3 was 87.5%, 87.5% and 100%, respectively. The AUC in ROC curve of modified Vienna CATS score showed significant difference when compared to that of V-CATS and KS (P = 0.047 and 0.029, respectively).

CONCLUSION

The findings of our study highlight the value of three VTE risk assessment models in haematological malignancies. The modified V-CATS score demonstrated higher specificity compared to both V-CATS and KS, while all three scores exhibited similar sensitivity. We encourage the implementation of RAMs in haematological cancers for an appropriate use of thromboprophylaxis.

Acute kidney injury in children with haematological malignancy: a territory-wide study

BACKGROUND

In onco-nephrology, data on acute kidney injury (AKI) among children with haematological malignancies are scarce.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study of all patients in Hong Kong diagnosed with haematological malignancies from 2019 to 2021 before 18 years of age, was conducted to investigate the epidemiology, risk factors and clinical outcomes of AKI during the first year of treatment. AKI was defined according to the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) criteria.

RESULTS

We included 130 children with haematological malignancy at median age of 9.4 years (IQR, 3.9-14.1). Of these patients, 55.4% were acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), 26.9% were lymphoma and 17.7% were acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Thirty-five patients (26.9%) developed 41 AKI episodes during the first year of diagnosis, corresponding to 32 episodes per 100-patient-year. A total of 56.1% and 29.2% of the AKI episodes occurred during induction and consolidation chemotherapy respectively. Septic shock (n = 12, 29.2%) was the leading cause of AKI; 21 episodes (51.2%) were stage 3 AKI; 12 episodes (29.3%) were stage 2 AKI; and 6 patients required continuous kidney replacement therapies. Tumor lysis syndrome and impaired baseline kidney function were significantly associated with AKI on multivariate analysis (P = 0.01). History of AKI was associated with chemotherapy postponement (37.1% vs. 16.8%, P = 0.01), worse 12-month patient survival (77.1% vs. 94.7%, log rank P = 0.002) and lower disease remission rate at 12-month (68.6% vs. 88.4%, P = 0.007), compared to patients without AKI.

CONCLUSION

AKI is a common complication during treatment of haematological malignancies which is associated with worse treatment outcomes. A regular and dedicated surveillance program for at-risk patients should be studied in children with haematological malignancies for prevention and early detection of AKI. A higher resolution version of the Graphical abstract is available as Supplementary information.

Family caregivers' experiences of caring for children diagnosed with haematological malignancies receiving chemotherapy in Ethiopia: A qualitative study

PURPOSE

Studies from different countries show that caregivers of children with haematological cancer receiving chemotherapy encounter substantial distress when witnessing their children's suffering from the illness and chemotherapy side effects, alongside experiencing psychosocial problems and financial difficulties. However, no studies for this are available from Ethiopia in its specific cultural background and health care system. Thus, this study aimed to explore and bring into light the experiences of Ethiopian family caregivers of children with haematological malignancies receiving chemotherapy.

METHODS

A qualitative descriptive study was conducted using a maximum variation purposive sampling method among 20 caregivers. Semi-structured in-depth face-to-face interviews were conducted until no new themes discovered. The data were analysed through qualitative thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Participants believed cancer comes from different reasons and chemotherapy is ineffective in curing cancer. They identified various chemotherapy-related side effects, and psychosocial problems. The lack of health insurance, loss of job or income, and high cost of treatments were the major financial challenges. Adhering to treatments, acceptance and reassurance, religious and spiritual therapies, traditional medicine, and a support system were the major coping strategies. They had needs for improved support in information and education, psychosocial support, and in the availability of medications.

CONCLUSIONS

Systematic health assessment, provision of targeted information and education, psychosocial support, nursing care respecting the caregivers' positive coping strategies, improvement in chemotherapy medication availability, and facilitating connections with supporting organisations would help improve child outcomes and address caregiver needs.

Tigecycline as salvage treatment of febrile neutropenia in patients with haematological malignancies-a retrospective single-centre analysis of 200 cases

Tigecycline has been used to treat patients with febrile neutropenia (FN). This study aims to analyse the effectiveness of tigecycline as salvage treatment of FN. Patients records from 09/2004 to 04/2019 were reviewed. Cases were eligible if fever persisted/recurred (p/r-FN) after 3 days of second-line treatment with a carbapenem, and were divided into three groups: switch to tigecycline (TGC group), switch to other antibiotics (OAB group), and no switch (W&W group). The primary endpoint was response rate (defervescence for ≥ 7 days or at least until discharge); the key secondary endpoint was 30-day mortality rate. Two hundred cases from 176 patients (median 59 years; 53.5% men) treated were included, mostly acute myeloid leukaemias (61.0%). 45.5% of cases were in the TGC group (in combination with an anti-pseudomonal antibiotic, mostly ceftazidime [95.6%]); 35.5% were in the OAB and 19.0% in the W&W group. There was no significant difference in response rates (TGC, 73.6%; OAB, 62.0%; W&W, 78.9%; p = 0.12) or 30-day mortality rates (TGC, 7.7%; OAB, 7.0%; W&W, 5.3%; p = 0.94). Tigecycline plus an anti-pseudomonal antibiotic does not improve response or 30-day mortality rate compared to other antibiotics in patients with p/r-FN. Also, in some cases, no switch in antibiotics may be necessary at all.

Invasive Aspergillosis among Haematological Malignancy Patients in Ghana: A Pilot Study on Prevalence and Antifungal Prophylaxis at the National Referral Hospital

BACKGROUND

Invasive aspergillosis (IA) among haematological malignancy patients is rarely diagnosed or studied in many African countries. Aspergillus galactomannan (GM) enzyme immunoassay (EIA) utilized in aiding diagnosis is not readily accessible in Ghana. Previous studies have evaluated the IMMY sōna Aspergillus GM lateral flow assay (LFA) and suggested it as a potential alternative to the GM EIA.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to use the LFA in international (EORTC/ MSGERC) definitions to obtain preliminary data on IA among patients with haematological malignancies in Ghana with a focus on the prevalence and antifungal prophylaxis.

METHODS

We conducted a pilot study among patients with haematological malignancies at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Ghana using the LFA, culture and computed tomography scan to screen for and classify IA cases according to international definitions.

RESULTS

A total of 56 adult patients were recruited including acute leukaemia 14 (25.0%), chronic leukaemia 38 (67.9%), and lymphoma 4 (7.1%). Nine (16.1%) patients had a history of severe neutropenic episodes. All patients were on at least one chemotherapy drug. Three (5.4%) patients met the criteria for IA, comprising two probable IA in acute myeloid leukaemia and one possible IA in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and constitutes one of five (20%) patients with ongoing severe neutropenia. The LFA was diagnostic in two IA patients. The IA cases were among 49 (87.5%) patients who did not receive antifungal prophylaxis.

CONCLUSION

Proactive diagnostic approaches to IA and effective antifungal prophylaxis may be significant in the management of haematological malignancy patients with severe neutropenia in Ghana.

AGIHO guideline on evidence-based management of COVID-19 in cancer patients: 2022 update on vaccination, pharmacological prophylaxis and therapy in light of the omicron variants

The novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 and the associated infectious disease COVID-19 pose a significant challenge to healthcare systems worldwide. Patients with cancer have been identified as a high-risk population for severe infections, rendering prophylaxis and treatment strategies for these patients particularly important. Rapidly evolving clinical research, resulting in the recent advent of various vaccines and therapeutic agents against COVID-19, offers new options to improve care and protection of cancer patients. However, ongoing epidemiological changes and rise of new virus variants require repeated revisions and adaptations of prophylaxis and treatment strategies to meet these new challenges. Therefore, this guideline provides an update on evidence-based recommendations with regard to vaccination, pharmacological prophylaxis and treatment of COVID-19 in cancer patients in light of the currently dominant omicron variants. It was developed by an expert panel of the Infectious Diseases Working Party (AGIHO) of the German Society for Hematology and Medical Oncology (DGHO) based on a critical review of the most recent available data.

Mesenchymal stromal cell senescence in haematological malignancies

Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL), and multiple myeloma (MM) are age-related haematological malignancies with defined precursor states termed myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis (MBL), and monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), respectively. While the progression from asymptomatic precursor states to malignancy is widely considered to be mediated by the accumulation of genetic mutations in neoplastic haematopoietic cell clones, recent studies suggest that intrinsic genetic changes, alone, may be insufficient to drive the progression to overt malignancy. Notably, studies suggest that extrinsic, microenvironmental changes in the bone marrow (BM) may also promote the transition from these precursor states to active disease. There is now enhanced focus on extrinsic, age-related changes in the BM microenvironment that accompany the development of AML, CLL, and MM. One of the most prominent changes associated with ageing is the accumulation of senescent mesenchymal stromal cells within tissues and organs. In comparison with proliferating cells, senescent cells display an altered profile of secreted factors (secretome), termed the senescence-associated-secretory phenotype (SASP), comprising proteases, inflammatory cytokines, and growth factors that may render the local microenvironment favourable for cancer growth. It is well established that BM mesenchymal stromal cells (BM-MSCs) are key regulators of haematopoietic stem cell maintenance and fate determination. Moreover, there is emerging evidence that BM-MSC senescence may contribute to age-related haematopoietic decline and cancer development. This review explores the association between BM-MSC senescence and the development of haematological malignancies, and the functional role of senescent BM-MSCs in the development of these cancers.

A protracted outbreak of difficult-to-treat resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa in a haematology unit: a matched case-control study demonstrating increased risk with use of fluoroquinolone

BACKGROUND

Between September 2016 and November 2020, 17 cases of difficult-to-treat resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (DTR-PA) were reported in haematology patients at a tertiary referral hospital in the North of England.

AIM

A retrospective case-control study was conducted to investigate the association between DTR-PA infection and clinical interventions, patient movement, antimicrobial use and comorbidities.

METHODS

Cases were patients colonized or infected with the outbreak strain of DTR-PA who had been admitted to hospital prior to their positive specimen. Exposures were extracted from medical records, and cases were compared with controls using conditional logistic regression. Environmental and microbiological investigations were also conducted.

FINDINGS

Seventeen cases and 51 controls were included. The final model included age [>65 years, adjusted OR (aOR) 6.85, P=0.232], sex (aOR 0.60, P=0.688), admission under the transplant team (aOR 14.27, P=0.43) and use of ciprofloxacin (aOR 102.13, P=0.030). Investigations did not indicate case-to-case transmission or a point source, although a common environmental source was highly likely.

CONCLUSION

This study found that the use of fluoroquinolones is an independent risk factor for DTR-PA in haematology patients. Antimicrobial stewardship and review of fluoroquinolone prophylaxis should be considered as part of PA outbreak investigations in addition to standard infection control interventions.

Therapeutic drug monitoring-guided treatment versus standard dosing of voriconazole for invasive aspergillosis in haematological patients: a multicentre, prospective, cluster randomised, crossover clinical trial

OBJECTIVES

Voriconazole therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) is recommended based on retrospective data and limited prospective studies. This study aimed to investigate whether TDM-guided voriconazole treatment is superior to standard treatment for invasive aspergillosis.

METHODS

A multicentre (n = 10), prospective, cluster randomised, crossover clinical trial was performed in haematological patients aged ≥18 years treated with voriconazole. All patients received standard voriconazole dose at the start of treatment. Blood/serum/plasma was periodically collected after treatment initiation of voriconazole and repeated during treatment in both groups. The TDM group had measured voriconazole concentrations reported back, with dose adjustments made as appropriate, while the non-TDM group had voriconazole concentrations measured only after study completion. The composite primary endpoint included response to treatment and voriconazole treatment discontinuation due to an adverse drug reaction related to voriconazole within 28 days after treatment initiation.

RESULTS

In total, 189 patients were enrolled in the study. For the composite primary endpoint, 74 patients were included in the non-TDM group and 68 patients in the TDM group. Here, no significant difference was found between both groups (P = 0.678). However, more trough concentrations were found within the generally accepted range of 1-6 mg/L for the TDM group (74.0%) compared with the non-TDM group (64.0%) (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

In this trial, TDM-guided dosing of voriconazole did not show improved treatment outcome compared with standard dosing. We believe that these findings should open up the discussion for an approach to voriconazole TDM that includes drug exposure, pathogen susceptibility and host defence.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov registration no. NCT00893555.

Persistent SARS-CoV-2 infection in immunocompromised patients facilitates rapid viral evolution: Retrospective cohort study and literature review

Background

Most patients with SARS-CoV-2 are non-infectious within 2 weeks, though viral RNA may remain detectable for weeks. However there are reports of persistent SARS-CoV-2 infection, with viable virus and ongoing infectivity months after initial detection. Beyond individuals, viral evolution during persistent infections may be accelerated, driving emergence of mutations associated with viral variants of concern. These patients often do not meet inclusion criteria for clinical trials, meaning clinical and virologic characteristics, and optimal management strategies are poorly evidence-based.

Methods

We analysed cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection from a regional testing laboratory in South-West England between March 2020 and December 2021, with at least two SARS-CoV-2 positive samples separated by ≥ 56 days were identified. Excluding those with confirmed or likely re-infection, we identified patients with persistent infection, characterised by an ongoing clinical syndrome consistent with COVID-19 alongside monophyletic viral lineage of SARS-CoV-2. We examined clinical and virologic characteristics, treatment, and outcome. We further performed a literature review investigating cases of persistent SARS-CoV-2 infection, reviewing patient characteristics and treatment.

Results

We identified six patients with persistent SARS-CoV-2 infection. All were hypogammaglobulinaemic and had underlying haematological malignancy, with four having received B-cell depleting therapy. Evidence of viral evolution, including accrual of mutations associated with variants of concern, was demonstrated in five cases. Four patients ultimately cleared SARS-CoV-2. In two patients, clearance followed treatment with casirivimab/imdevimab. Both survived beyond thirty days following viral clearance, having experienced infections of 305- and 269-days duration respectively, after failed attempts at clearance with alternative therapies. We found 60 cases of confirmed persistent infection in the literature, with a further 31 probable cases. Of those, 80% of patients treated with monoclonal antibodies cleared SARS-CoV-2, and none died.

Conclusion

Haematological malignancy and patients receiving B-cell depleting therapies represent key groups at risk of persistent SARS-CoV-2 infection. Throughout persistent infection, SARS-CoV-2 can evolve rapidly, giving rise to significant mutations, including those implicated in variants of concern. Monoclonal antibodies appear to be a promising therapeutic option, potentially in combination with antivirals, crucial for individuals, and for public health.

Efficacy of a culturally tailored cognitive-behavioural intervention for Ethiopian children with haematological malignancies: study protocol for randomised controlled trial

Background

Paediatric cancer patients often experience anxiety and depression. Evidence suggests that cognitive-behavioural interventions may help reduce anxiety and depression in children undergoing cancer treatment. However, only a few studies evaluated its impact on the psychological well-being and quality of life of paediatric cancer patients globally. In Ethiopia, there has been no published study to date. Thus, this trial aims to evaluate the efficacy of a culturally tailored cognitive-behavioural intervention for Ethiopian children with haematological malignancies receiving chemotherapy.

Methods

A single-blinded, parallel-group, two-arm, repeated measure randomised controlled trial will be conducted. Eighty children aged 8 − 18 years with haematological malignancy receiving chemotherapy will be recruited and randomly assigned to experimental or control groups. The experimental group will receive five sessions of introducing cognitive-behavioural intervention, identifying and modifying maladaptive thoughts and behaviour, behavioural activation, practising deep breathing exercises, reassessing goals or treatment plans, and encouraging participants to maintain changes. Each session will be conducted face-to-face for 30–35 min a week. The control group will receive usual care. The outcomes will be measured at baseline, post-intervention, and one month after the intervention using the Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scale and Paediatric Quality of Life Inventory Generic Core Score 4.0.

Discussion

The findings of this study will provide evidence to support the integration of culturally effective cognitive-behavioural intervention strategies into paediatric oncology practice and thus, add new knowledge to the literature and help improve the care of children with haematological malignancies receiving chemotherapy. If the cognitive-behavioural intervention is shown to be effective and culturally acceptable, it will provide evidence to include the intervention as a standard of care in paediatric haematology/oncology.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05270655. Registered on March 8, 2022.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13063-022-06768-x.

Māori and Pacific Peoples With Multiple Myeloma in New Zealand are Younger and Have Inferior Survival Compared to Other Ethnicities: A Study From the Australian and New Zealand Myeloma and Related Diseases Registry (MRDR)

BACKGROUND

Māori and Pacific peoples (MPP) in New Zealand (NZ) have poorer health outcomes than other ethnicities. However, this has not been clinically investigated in multiple myeloma (MM). Using data from the Australian and NZ Myeloma and Related Diseases Registry for all participating centers in NZ, we compared MPP demographics, clinical characteristics, diagnostics, treatment, and outcomes to non-MPP.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

MPP were defined as having ≥1 grandparent of this heritage. We tested ethnicity as a predictor of overall survival (OS) with multivariable Cox regression.

RESULTS

Of 568 NZ patients with MM (September 2012 to April 2021) and ethnicity data, 138 were MPP. They were diagnosed younger than non-MPP (median age 63 [IQR: 57-72] vs. 70y [62-77], P < .001). Obesity (53 vs. 27%, P < .001), diabetes (24 vs. 8%, P < .001), renal insufficiency (28 vs. 17%, P = .005), pulmonary disease (10 vs. 5%, P = .02) and FISH abnormalities (54 vs. 42%, P = .04) were more common in MPP, and a lower proportion received first-line drug therapy (88 vs. 94%, P = .03) and autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) (age <70y: 56 vs. 70%, P = .03). OS for MPP was shorter than non-MPP even after adjusting for age, comorbidities, disease stage, performance status, FISH abnormalities and treatment (HR 1.58 [1.04-2.39], P = .03).

CONCLUSION

MPP with MM in NZ were younger, a greater proportion had comorbidities and FISH abnormalities at diagnosis, fewer received first-line treatment and/or ASCT, and they had poorer OS than non-MPP. Investigation of modifiable factors to improve outcomes and discern why MM occurs at a younger age in MPP is needed.

A critical care outreach team under strain - Evaluation of the service provided to patients with haematological malignancy during the Covid-19 pandemic

Purpose

Critical Care Outreach Teams (CCOTs) have been associated with improved outcomes in patients with haematological malignancy (HM). This study aims to describe CCOT activation by patients with HM before and during the Covid-19 pandemic, assess amny association with worse outcomes, and examine the psychological impact on the CCOT.

Materials and methods

A retrospective, mixed-methods analysis was performed in HM patients reviewed by the CCOT over a two-year period, 01 July 2019 to 31 May 2021.

Results

The CCOT increased in size during the surge period and reviewed 238 HM patients, less than in the pre- and post-surge periods. ICU admission in the baseline, surge and the non-surge periods were 41.7%, 10.4% and 47.9% respectively. ICU mortality was 22.5%, 0% and 21.7% for the same times. Time to review was significantly decreased (p = 0.012). Semi-structured interviews revealed four themes of psychological distress: 1) time-critical work; 2) non-evidence based therapies; 3) feelings of guilt; 4) increased decision-making responsibility.

Conclusions

Despite the increase in total hospital referrals, the number of patients with HM that were reviewed during the surge periods decreased, as did their ICU admission rate and mortality. The quality of care provided was not impaired, as reflected by the number of patients receiving bedside reviews and the shorter-than-pre-pandemic response time.

Clinical course of Coronavirus Disease-19 in patients with haematological malignancies is characterized by a longer time to respiratory deterioration compared to non-haematological ones: results from a case-control study

Background

We evaluated clinical features and risk factors for mortality in patients with haematological malignancies and COVID-19.

Methods

Retrospective, case–control (1:3) study in hospitalized patients with COVID-19. Cases were patients with haematological malignancies and COVID-19, controls had COVID-19 without haematological malignancies. Patients were matched for sex, age and time of hospitalization.

Results

Overall, 66 cases and 198 controls were included in the study. Cases had higher prior corticosteroid use, infection rates, thrombocytopenia and neutropenia and more likely received corticosteroids and antibiotics than controls. Cases had higher respiratory deterioration than controls (78.7% vs 65.5%, p = 0.04). Notably, 29% of cases developed respiratory worsening > 10 days after hospital admission, compared to only 5% in controls. Intensive Care Unit admission and mortality were higher in cases than in controls (27% vs 8%, p = 0.002, and 35% vs 10%, p < 0.001).

At multivariable analysis, having haematological malignancy [OR4.76, p < 0.001], chronic corticosteroid therapy [OR3.65, p = 0.004], prior infections [OR57.7, p = 0.006], thrombocytopenia [OR3.03, p < 0.001] and neutropenia [OR31.1, p = 0.001], low albumin levels [OR3.1, p = 0.001] and ≥ 10 days from hospital admission to respiratory worsening [OR3.3, p = 0.002] were independently associated with mortality.

In cases, neutropenia [OR3.1, p < 0.001], prior infections [OR7.7, p < 0.001], ≥ 10 days to respiratory worsening [OR4.1, p < 0.001], multiple myeloma [OR1.5, p = 0.044], the variation of the CT lung score during hospitalization [OR2.6, p = 0.006] and active treatment [OR 4.4, p < 0.001] all were associated with a worse outcome.

Conclusion

An underlying haematological malignancy was associated with a worse clinical outcome in COVID-19 patients. A prolonged clinical monitoring is needed, since respiratory worsening may occur later during hospitalization.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s15010-022-01869-w.

Neutrophil CD64: a potential biomarker for the diagnosis of infection in patients with haematological malignancies

METHODS

The clinical data of 76 patients with haematological malignancies and infection who were treated in our department between January 2014 and October 2019 were retrospectively analysed. To evaluate the diagnostic value of some biomarkers, infection indexes such as white blood cell count (WBC), neutrophil count (NEUT), neutrophil CD64 and procalcitonin (PCT) were compared across the patients with confirmed infection status and infection-control status. Sensitivity, specificity and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) were also determined.

RESULTS

The WBC and NEUT did not differ significantly, whereas the neutrophil CD64 and PCT levels were significantly elevated in patients with a confirmed infection status (p < 0.05), with sensitivity of 31.0%, 45.2%, 76.2% and 50%, respectively, and specificity of 90.5%, 69%, 71.4% and 64.3%, respectively. The AUC of WBC, NEUT, neutrophil CD64 and PCT was 0.528, 0.517, 0.844 and 0.599, respectively. Further highlighting their diagnostic value, the neutrophil CD64 and PCT levels in neutropenia patients were significantly upregulated in patients with infection status (p < 0.05) but the WBC and NEUT were unchanged, with sensitivity of 73.7%, 63.2%, 68% and 68.4%, respectively, and specificity of 68.4%, 52.6%, 57.9% and 63.2%, respectively. The AUC of neutrophil CD64, PCT, WBC and NEUT was 0.864, 0.593, 0.419 and 0.403, respectively.

CONCLUSION

These results indicate that neutrophil CD64 is a promising biomarker with superior sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing infection in patients with haematological malignancies, especially neutropenia patients.

Bacterial bloodstream infections and patterns of resistance in patients with haematological malignancies at a tertiary centre in Lebanon over 10 years

OBJECTIVES

Bacterial bloodstream infections (BSIs) with resistant pathogens in patients with haematological malignancies are rising due to increased use of novel chemotherapeutic agents and prophylactic antibiotics. Our goal was to understand the epidemiology and resistance patterns of bacterial pathogens in patients with haematological malignancies to help tailor empirical antibiotics and to limit resistance.

METHODS

This was a retrospective chart review looking at bacterial BSI episodes between 2007-2017 in patients previously diagnosed with haematological malignancy at a tertiary-care centre in Lebanon.

RESULTS

Among 165 hospitalised patients with haematological malignancy and bacterial BSI over 10 years, Gram-negative bacteria (GNB) caused 65.0% of all episodes, with the most common pathogens being Escherichia coli (45.6%), 79.6% of which were ESBL-producers, Pseudomonas aeruginosa (7.5%) and Acinetobacter baumannii (4.0%). The majority of the organisms (61.0%) were multidrug-resistant (MDR), with ANC < 100 neutrophils/μL (OR = 0.12, 95% CI 0.03-0.54) identified as an independent marker for increased multidrug resistance. The risk factors associated with increased mortality included recent use of amikacin (p<0.001) and infections with organisms resistant to amikacin (p<0.001) or ciprofloxacin (p=0.04). Our results reflect a persistent pattern of Gram-negative predominance with E. coli remaining the most common isolated pathogen in bacterial BSIs in patients with haematological malignancies. The relative frequency of GNB to Gram-positive bacteria remains similar to our data from 2007.

CONCLUSION

The persistent divergence between worldwide data and the results observed in our centre and the increasing rates of MDR pathogens emphasise the importance of tailoring empirical antimicrobial therapy according to the centre's epidemiology.

Treatment of catheter-related thrombosis in patients with hematologic malignancies: A Venous thromboEmbolism Network U.S. retrospective cohort study

INTRODUCTION

Optimal treatment of catheter-related thrombosis (CRT) is uncertain in patients with hematologic malignancy. We aimed to evaluate the treatment strategies, outcomes, and predictors of recurrent venous thromboembolism (VTE) associated with catheter-related thrombosis (CRT) in patients with hematologic malignancy.

METHODS

We performed a multicenter retrospective cohort study of eight institutions through the Venous thromboEmbolism Network US. Patients with hematologic malignancies with documented CRT were identified using ICD-9 and ICD-10 diagnostic codes. Semi-competing risks proportional hazard regression models were created.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

Of the 663 patients in the cohort, 124 (19%) were treated with anticoagulation alone, 388 (58%) were treated with anticoagulation and catheter removal, 119 (18%) treated with catheter removal only, and 32 (5%) had neither catheter removal nor anticoagulation. 100 (15%) patients experienced a recurrent VTE event. In the 579 patients who had catheter removal, the most common reason for catheter removal was the CRT [392 (68%)]. For subjects who received any anticoagulation (n = 512), total anticoagulation duration was not associated with VTE recurrence [1.000 (0.999-1.002)]. After adjustment patients treated with catheter removal only had an increased risk of VTE recurrence [2.50 (1.24-5.07)] and death [4.96 (2.47-9.97)]. Patients with no treatment had increased risk of death [16.81 (6.22-45.38)] and death after VTE recurrence [27.29 (3.13-238.13)]. In this large, multicenter retrospective cohort, we found significant variability in the treatment of CRT in patients with hematologic malignancy. Treatment without anticoagulation was associated with recurrent VTE.

Association between diabetes and haematological malignancies: a population-based study

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

Contemporary data for the association of diabetes with haematological malignancies are lacking. We evaluated the risk of developing haematological malignancies and subsequent mortality in individuals with diabetes compared with those without diabetes.

METHODS

We conducted a population-based observational study using healthcare databases from Ontario, Canada. All Ontario residents 30 years of age or older free of cancer and diabetes between 1 January 1996 and 31 December 2015 were eligible for inclusion. Using Cox regression analyses, we explored the association between diabetes and the risk and mortality of haematological malignancies (leukaemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma). The impact of timing on associations was evaluated with analyses stratified by time since diabetes diagnosis (<3 months, 3 months to 1 year, ≥1 year).

RESULTS

We identified 1,003,276 individuals with diabetes and age and sex matched these to 2,006,552 individuals without diabetes. Compared with individuals without diabetes, those with diabetes had a modest but significantly higher risk of a haematological malignancy (adjusted HR 1.10 [95% CI 1.08, 1.12] p < 0.0001). This association persisted across all time periods since diabetes diagnosis. Among those with haematological malignancies, diabetes was associated with a higher all-cause mortality (HR 1.36 [95% CI 1.31, 1.41] p < 0.0001) compared with no diabetes, as well as cause-specific mortality.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

Diabetes is associated with a higher risk of haematological malignancies and is an independent risk factor of all-cause and cause-specific mortality. Greater efforts for lifestyle modification may not only reduce diabetes burden and its complications but may also potentially lower risk of malignancy and mortality. Graphical abstract.

2021 update of the AGIHO guideline on evidence-based management of COVID-19 in patients with cancer regarding diagnostics, viral shedding, vaccination and therapy

The worldwide spread of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and the associated infectious coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has posed a unique challenge to medical staff, patients and their families. Patients with cancer, particularly those with haematologic malignancies, have been identified to be at high risk to develop severe COVID-19.

Since publication of our previous guideline on evidence-based management of COVID-19 in patients with cancer, research efforts have continued and new relevant data has come to light, maybe most importantly in the field of vaccination studies. Therefore, an update of our guideline on several clinically important topics is warranted. Here, we provide a concise update of evidence-based recommendations for rapid diagnostics, viral shedding, vaccination and therapy of COVID-19 in patients with cancer. This guideline update was prepared by the Infectious Diseases Working Party (AGIHO) of the German Society for Haematology and Medical Oncology by critically reviewing the currently available data on these topics applying evidence-based medicine criteria.

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in a patient with newly diagnosed acute myeloblastic leukaemia presenting with severe respiratory failure

Veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is typically instituted in severe respiratory failure, defined by Lung Injury Score, and caused either by pulmonary or extra-pulmonary reversible disease processes. These processes will have led to acute worsening of oxygenation and/or respiratory acidosis together with an inability to provide safe, lung protective, mechanical ventilation. Patients with underlying chronic immunosuppression or haematological malignancies treated with ECMO for severe respiratory failure have poor short- and long-term functional and survival outcomes. Consequently, in many centres, a diagnosis of haematological malignancy is considered a contraindication to provision of ECMO support for severe respiratory failure. We present a case of a 51-year-old female who attended her local hospital with symptoms suggestive of community-acquired pneumonia. Within a few days, there was progression to severe respiratory failure, initially managed with invasive mechanical ventilation but rapidly deteriorating respiratory failure triggered referral for ECMO support. Initial investigations on ECMO demonstrated features of acute myeloblastic leukaemia with a superimposed community-acquired pneumonia. This was successfully managed with supportive treatment alongside mechanical respiratory therapy and targeted chemotherapy, achieving complete remission and full functional recovery.

Fear of cancer recurrence following allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) for haematological malignancy: A cross-sectional study

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to quantify the prevalence of Fear of Cancer Recurrence (FCR) in patients with a prior haematology malignancy surviving more than one year post allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), and to identify the demographic, medical and psychological factors associated with FCR occurrence.

METHOD

Participants were adult allogeneic HSCT recipients who had undergone the procedure for acute leukaemia or other haematological malignancy between the years 2000-2012 in Sydney, Australia. They completed a purpose designed survey and six other validated instruments which assessed FCR, psychological functioning, quality of life, demographic, social and clinical variables.

RESULTS

Of the 364 respondents, approximately 11% of the sample lived with severe FCR while only 5% of subjects reported having no FCR. Variables significantly associated with higher FCR included unemployment, a shorter time (years) post-transplant, not attending to health screening (PAP smear), a secondary diagnosis of skin cancer, younger age, referral to a psychiatrist and taking psychotropic medication. Higher psychological distress (depression, anxiety, stress) and lower quality of life made a significant contribution to the prediction of FCR.

CONCLUSIONS

Post HSCT follow-up care should include an assessment and discussion regarding FCR to balance both realistic and unrealistic cancer recurrence risks. Managing FCR is one of the most ubiquitous unmet needs of survivors of haematological disease and it is important that HSCT nurses are both aware of the fear, and are equipped with knowledge on how to help patients navigate it with realistic expectations.

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy in multiple myeloma. A literature review and lessons to learn

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a rare opportunistic infection with high mortality rate usually seen in the context of immunosuppression. Although cases have been reported largely in patients with HIV/AIDS, following the use of monoclonal antibodies and occasionally in haematological malignancies, there is no review to date of patients with smouldering or treated myeloma who developed PML. Here, we conducted a literature search of PML cases in patients with multiple myeloma (MM), analyse patient and disease characteristics and describe the possible mechanisms that could lead to the development of PML. The lack of data and case reports until 2010 may indicate that PML in MM is underdiagnosed. Simultaneously, with an expanding field of new therapeutic options, patients with MM live longer, albeit continually immunosuppressed, and at risk of opportunistic infections. Emerging new treatments for PML in the horizon render the need to look out for this complication mandatory, and more case reports are needed to enrich our knowledge in this field.

Evidence-based management of COVID-19 in cancer patients: Guideline by the Infectious Diseases Working Party (AGIHO) of the German Society for Haematology and Medical Oncology (DGHO)

Since its first detection in China in late 2019 the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and the associated infectious disease COVID-19 continue to have a major impact on global healthcare and clinical practice. Cancer patients, in particular those with haematological malignancies, seem to be at an increased risk for a severe course of infection. Deliberations to avoid or defer potentially immunosuppressive therapies in these patients need to be balanced against the overarching goal of providing optimal antineoplastic treatment. This poses a unique challenge to treating physicians. This guideline provides evidence-based recommendations regarding prevention, diagnostics and treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 as well as strategies towards safe antineoplastic care during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was prepared by the Infectious Diseases Working Party (AGIHO) of the German Society for Haematology and Medical Oncology (DGHO) by critically reviewing the currently available data on SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 in cancer patients applying evidence-based medicine criteria.

Analysis of medico-social factors for return to work among patients presenting with haematological malignancy (adamantine): results of a 'pilot study'

Objective

The aim of this study was to describe return to work determinants in patients with haematological malignancy.

Results

This medico-social pilot study included patients with haematological malignancy in the département of Calvados, aged 18 to 55 years, diagnosed between 1st January and 31st December 2010 and alive at 1st January 2015. Patients were identified via consultation of the Lower Normandy haematological malignancy Registry. They completed a specially developed self-questionnaire, in addition to validated questionnaires for anxiety-depression, quality of life and fatigue. Of the patients contacted, 50% accepted to participate. The mean age at diagnosis was 49.8 years, and the majority of patients (79.2%) was professionally active at the time of diagnosis. Only 64.9% of subjects had stopped work due to illness. The psychological impact (demonstrated anxiety) was significantly greater in men (p = 0.01). The majority of subjects returned to work after treatment (80.7%) and among them, the mean duration of absence from work was 16.1 months. Only 52.6% of subjects had informed their occupational physician and 56.7% had benefited from a pre-return visit. The satisfactory response rate obtained is promising for the extension of the present project as a prospective multicentric study.

Necrotizing fasciitis in haematological patients: a different scenario

To describe and compare the characteristics of necrotizing fasciitis (NF) in patients with and without haematological malignancy. All adult patients diagnosed with NF and treated at our hospital were included (January 2010-March 2019). Diagnosis was based on intraoperative findings or consistent clinical/radiological characteristics, and patients were classified as group A (with haematological malignancy) or group B (without haematological malignancy). Student's t (quantitative), Fisher's exact (qualitative), and Kaplan-Meyer tests were used for the statistical analysis. The study included 29 patients: 8 in group A and 21 in group B. All haematological patients had severe neutropenia (0.2 [0.02-0.5] ×10⁹ cells/L; p < 0.001) and positive blood cultures (100% vs. 61.9%; p = 0.04) at diagnosis. Gram-negative bacilli NF was more common in group A (87.5% vs. 9.5%; p = 0.001), predominantly due to Escherichia coli (50% vs. 9.5%; p = 0.056). Surgical treatment was less common in haematological patients (5 [62.5%] vs. 21 [100%]; p = 0.015). Overall, 9 (31%) patients died: 4 (50%) in group A and 5 (23.8%) in group B (p = 0.17). The univariate analysis showed that mortality tended to be higher (OR 3.2; 95%CI 0.57-17.7; p = 0.17) and to occur earlier (2.2 ± 2.6 vs. 14.2 ± 19.9 days; p = 0.13) in haematological patients. The LRINEC index > 6 did not predict mortality in either group. In our study, NF in patients with haematological malignancies was mainly due to Gram-negative bacilli, associated to high and early mortality rates. In our experience, the LRINEC scale was not useful for predicting mortality.

Enhanced antimicrobial stewardship based on rapid phenotypic antimicrobial susceptibility testing for bacteraemia in patients with haematological malignancies: a randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVES

Recently, rapid phenotypic antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) based on microscopic imaging analysis has been developed. The aim of this study was to determine whether implementation of antimicrobial stewardship programmes (ASP) based on rapid phenotypic AST can increase the proportion of patients with haematological malignancies who receive optimal targeted antibiotics during early periods of bacteraemia.

METHODS

This randomized controlled trial enrolled patients with haematological malignancies and at least one positive blood culture. Patients were randomly assigned 1:1 to conventional (n = 60) or rapid phenotypic (n = 56) AST. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients receiving optimal targeted antibiotics 72 hr after blood collection for culture.

RESULTS

The percentage receiving optimal targeted antibiotics at 72 hr was significantly higher in the rapid phenotypic AST group (45/56, 80.4%) than in conventional AST group (34/60, 56.7%) (relative risk (RR) 1.42, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.09-1.83). The percentage receiving unnecessary broad-spectrum antibiotics at 72 hr was significantly lower (7/26, 12.5% vs 18/60, 30.0%; RR 0.42, 95% CI 0.19-0.92) and the mean time to optimal targeted antibiotic treatment was significantly shorter (38.1, standard deviation (SD) 38.2 vs 72.8, SD 93.0 hr; p < 0.001) in the rapid phenotypic AST group. The mean time from blood collection to the AST result was significantly shorter in the rapid phenotypic AST group (48.3, SD 17.6 vs 83.1, SD 22.2 hr).

DISCUSSION

ASP based on rapid phenotypic AST can rapidly optimize antibiotic treatment for bacteraemia in patients with haematological malignancy. Rapid phenotypic AST can improve antimicrobial stewardship in immunocompromised patients.

Challenges in the cultural adaptation of the German Myeloma Patient Outcome Scale (MyPOS): an outcome measure to support routine symptom assessment in myeloma care

BACKGROUND

Patients with multiple myeloma report more problems with quality of life (QoL) than other haematological malignancies over the course of their incurable illness. The patient-centred Myeloma Patient Outcome Scale (MyPOS) was developed to assess and monitor symptoms and supportive care factors in routine care. Our aim was to translate and culturally adapt the outcome measure to the German context, and to explore its face and content validity.

METHODS

Translation and cultural adaptation following established guidelines used an exploratory, sequential mixed method study design. Steps included: (1) forward translation to German; (2) backward translation to English; (3) expert review; (4) focus groups with the target population (patients, family members, healthcare professionals) to achieve conceptual equivalence; (5) cognitive interviews using Tourangeau's model with think-aloud technique to evaluate comprehension and acceptability; (6) final review. Results were analysed using thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Cultural and linguistic differences were noted between the German and English original version. The focus groups (n = 11) and cognitive interviews (n = 9) both highlighted the need for adapting individual items and their answer options to the German healthcare context. Greater individuality regarding need for information with the right to not be informed was elaborated by patients. While the comprehensive nature of the tool was appreciated, item wording regarding satisfaction with healthcare was deemed not appropriate in the German context. Before implementation into routine care, patients' concerns about keeping their MyPOS data confidential need to be addressed as a barrier, whereas the MyPOS itself was perceived as a facilitator/prompt for a patient-centred discussion of QoL issues.

CONCLUSION

With adaptations to answer options and certain items, the German version of the MyPOS can help monitor symptoms and problems afflicting myeloma patients over the course of the disease trajectory. It can help promote a model of comprehensive supportive and patient-centred care for these patients.

Venue of catheter insertion does not significantly impact the event of central line-associated bloodstream infection in patients with haematological diseases

Background

Central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) is a serious complication of central venous catheter (CVC) placement in patients with haematological diseases associated with neutropenia and immunosuppression. However, whether the venues where CVC are inserted influence CLABSI development remains unclear.

Methods

We investigated whether CVC insertion at venues with different standards of cleanliness altered the occurrence of CLABSI. We evaluated data from 279 patients (545 CVC insertions) with haematological diseases including age, sex, underlying disease, reason for insertion, insertion site, number of lumens, venue, dates of insertion and removal, complete blood counts, percentage of neutrophils and serum albumin concentrations at the time of CVC insertion.

Findings

Overall, 55 CLABSI events occurred during a period of 23,434 catheter days (2.35 per 1,000 catheter days). In total, 153 and 190 patients underwent 226 and 305 CVC insertions, respectively in a ward and in an operating room, respectively. Univariate analysis identified the operating room (P = 0.017), allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (P < 0.001), triple lumen catheter (P = 0.002), haemoglobin (P = 0.019), white blood cell count (P = 0.012) and percentage of neutrophils (P = 0.012) as significant factors for the development of CLABSI. However, multivariate analysis adjusted for age, reason for insertion, insertion site, number of lumens, haemoglobin, percentage of neutrophils and platelet counts found no significant differences between the venue where CVC were inserted and CLABSI development (P = 0.158).

Conclusion

The venue of CVC insertion is unlikely to influence CLABSI development in patients with haematological diseases.

Patients' experiences of living with multiple myeloma

BACKGROUND

Multiple myeloma is a B-cell haematological malignancy characterised by uncontrolled plasma cell proliferation. Patients with the disease often undergo periods of remission followed by multiple relapses. Understanding patients' experience of living with this chronic condition is key to providing effective patient-centred care.

AIMS

This qualitative descriptive study explored the experiences of patients living with multiple myeloma.

METHODS

A purposive sample of 6 patients was used. Data were collected using in-depth unstructured interviews and analysed using Colaizzi's (1978) thematic framework.

FINDINGS

The emergent themes included: information and communication; treatment and symptom burden; the importance of support from family/friends and professional help; psychosocial elements of survivorship.

CONCLUSION

The complex symptoms of multiple myeloma need to be treated holistically to manage the unpredictable nature of this disease.

The role of noncoding mutations in blood cancers

The search for oncogenic mutations in haematological malignancies has largely focused on coding sequence variants. These variants have been critical in understanding these complex cancers in greater detail, ultimately leading to better disease monitoring, subtyping and prognostication. In contrast, the search for oncogenic variants in the noncoding genome has proven to be challenging given the vastness of the search space, the intrinsic difficulty in assessing the impact of variants that do not code for functional proteins, and our still primitive understanding of the function harboured by large parts of the noncoding genome. Recent studies have broken ground on this quest, identifying somatically acquired and recurrent mutations in the noncoding genome that activate the expression of proto-oncogenes. In this Review, we explore some of the best-characterised examples of noncoding mutations in haematological malignancies, and highlight how a significant majority of these variants impinge on gene regulation through the formation of aberrant enhancers and promoters. We delve into the challenges faced by those that embark on a search for noncoding driver mutations, and provide a framework distilled from studies that have successfully identified such variants to overcome some of the most salient hurdles. Finally, we discuss the current therapeutic strategies being explored to target the oncogenic mechanism supported by recurrent noncoding variants. We postulate that the continued discovery and functional characterisation of somatic variants in the noncoding genome will not only advance our understanding of haematological malignancies, but offer novel therapeutic avenues and provide important insights into transcriptional regulation on a broader scale.

Summary: This Review highlights the challenging but rewarding search for somatic mutations in the noncoding genome, and how such variants nucleate aberrant enhancers and promoters that drive the expression of proto-oncogenes.

The TREATT Trial (TRial to EvaluAte Tranexamic acid therapy in Thrombocytopenia): safety and efficacy of tranexamic acid in patients with haematological malignancies with severe thrombocytopenia: study protocol for a double-blind randomised controlled trial

Background

Patients with haematological malignancies often develop thrombocytopenia as a consequence of either their disease or its treatment. Platelet transfusions are commonly given to raise a low platelet count and reduce the risk of clinical bleeding (prophylaxis) or stop active bleeding (therapy). Recent studies have shown that many patients continue to experience bleeding despite the use of prophylactic platelet transfusions. Tranexamic acid is an anti-fibrinolytic, which reduces the breakdown of clots formed in response to bleeding. Anti-fibrinolytics have been shown to prevent bleeding, decrease blood loss and use of red cell transfusions in elective and emergency surgery, and are used widely in these settings. The aim of this trial is to test whether giving tranexamic acid to patients receiving treatment for haematological malignancies reduces the risk of bleeding or death and the need for platelet transfusions.

Methods

This is a multinational randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel, superiority trial. Patients will be randomly assigned to receive tranexamic acid (given intravenously or orally) or a matching placebo in a 1:1 ratio, stratified by site. Patients with haematological malignancies receiving intensive chemotherapy or stem cell transplantation (or both) who are at least 18 years of age and expected to become severely thrombocytopenic for at least 5 days will be eligible for this trial. The primary outcome of the trial is the proportion of patients who died or had bleeding of World Health Organization grade 2 or above during the first 30 days of the trial. We will measure the rates of bleeding daily by using a short, structured assessment of bleeding, and we will record the number of transfusions given to patients. We will assess the risk of arterial and venous thrombosis for 120 days from the start of trial treatment.

Discussion

This trial will assess the safety and efficacy of using prophylactic tranexamic acid during a period of intensive chemotherapy and associated thrombocytopenia in people with haematological disorders.

Trial registration

This study was prospectively registered on Current Controlled Trials on 25 March 2015 (ISRCTN73545489) and is also registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03136445).

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s13063-019-3663-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Development and internal validation of a model for predicting 60-day risk of invasive mould disease in patients with haematological malignancies

OBJECTIVE

Our objective was to develop a model that predicts a patient's risk of developing invasive mould disease (IMD) within 60 days of admission for treatment of a haematological malignancy.

METHODS

We analysed 19 risk factors for IMD in a cohort of 1944 adult patients with haematological malignancies over 4127 admissions at a haematology referral centre in Northern Italy (2007-2016). We used a multivariable logistic regression to estimate the 60-day probability of developing probable or proven IMD. The model was internally validated using a bootstrap resampling procedure.

RESULTS

The prevalence of IMD was 3.3% (90 probable cases, 43 proven cases). Seven risk factors were retained in the final risk model: (1) uncontrolled malignancy, (2) high-risk chemotherapy regimen, (3) high-dose corticosteroids, (4) severe lymphopenia, (5) CMV reactivation or disease, (6) prolonged neutropenia, and (7) a history of previous IMD within 90 days. The model displayed good calibration and discrimination in both the derivation (aROC 0.85, 95% CI 0.84-0.86) and validation (aROC 0.83 95% CI 0.79-0.89) populations.

CONCLUSIONS

Our model differentiated with 85% accuracy whether or not patients developed IMD within 60-days of admission. Individualized risk assessment, aided by validated prognostic models, could assist IMD management and improve antifungal stewardship.

Distribution of multiple myeloma in India: Heterogeneity in incidence across age, sex and geography

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to investigate the distribution of multiple myeloma (MM) in India and provide a comprehensive narrative about its incidence, including differential patterns across age, sex and geography.

METHODS

MM cases diagnosed during 2012-14 were obtained from 27 populations based cancer registries in India by consulting the latest National Cancer Registry Programme reports. Crude (CR) and age-specific (ASR) rates of MM incidence were determined. Age-adjusted rates (AARs) were estimated by standardizing the CR values using age-specific weights recommended for LMIC countries (including India) for men and women separately, along with the corresponding 95% confidence interval (95% CI) measures.

RESULTS

Altogether, 1916 MM cases (male/female: 1123/793) were documented (i.e. 1.19% of all cancers, 95% CI: 1.14-1.24%). Overall CR of MM in India was 1.27 (95% CI: 1.20-1.35)/ 100,000 in men and 0.95 (95% CI: 0.89-1.02)/ 100,000 in women, while the corresponding AARs were 1.13 (95% CI: 1.07-1.20) and 0.81 (95% CI: 0.75 - 0.88) per 100,000 respectively. The ASR values increased steadily with age. Most cases belonged to the 60-69 yrs bracket. However, regional and sex-specific differences in MM profile were observed. MM incidence was highest in the Southern and Northern zones, and least in the Northeast. The Northern and Central zones had higher proportion of MM in the 50-59 yrs age group, whereas Eastern zone had higher proportion of cases aged 70 yrs and above.

CONCLUSION

Incidence of MM in India is presented. Marked variations in MM incidence were noted with respect to age, sex and geography.

Haematology nurses' perspectives of their patients' places of care and death: A UK qualitative interview study

Purpose

Patients with haematological malignancies are more likely to die in hospital, and less likely to access palliative care than people with other cancers, though the reasons for this are not well understood. The purpose of our study was to explore haematology nurses' perspectives of their patients’ places of care and death.

Method

Qualitative description, based on thematic content analysis. Eight haematology nurses working in secondary and tertiary hospital settings were purposively selected and interviewed. Transcriptions were coded and analysed for themes using a mainly inductive, cross-comparative approach.

Results

Five inter-related factors were identified as contributing to the likelihood of patients’ receiving end of life care/dying in hospital: the complex nature of haematological diseases and their treatment; close clinician-patient bonds; delays to end of life discussions; lack of integration between haematology and palliative care services; and barriers to death at home.

Conclusions

Hospital death is often determined by the characteristics of the cancer and type of treatment. Prognostication is complex across subtypes and hospital death perceived as unavoidable, and sometimes the preferred option. Earlier, frank conversations that focus on realistic outcomes, closer integration of palliative care and haematology services, better communication across the secondary/primary care interface, and an increase in out-of-hours nursing support could improve end of life care and facilitate death at home or in hospice, when preferred.

•

Patients with haematological malignancies are more likely to die in hospital than people with other cancers.

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No previous research has reported on UK haematology nurses' perspectives of their patients' place of care and place of death.

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Hospital deaths were largely attributed to disease characteristics, nature of treatment and difficulties with prognostication.

•

However, other modifiable factors were also identified as barriers to death at home.

Posaconazole trough concentrations are not influenced by inflammation: A prospective study

During inflammation, several cytochrome P450 enzymes are downregulated. Recently it was shown that voriconazole metabolism is reduced during inflammation. Posaconazole, another triazole with broad-spectrum antifungal activity, is metabolised only to a limited extent by cytochrome P450 enzymes and to a wider extent by phase 2 enzyme systems. The aim of this study was to investigate posaconazole concentrations during inflammation. Patients aged ≥18 years receiving posaconazole prophylaxis or treatment for fungal infections were enrolled in a prospective observational study. Samples for posaconazole and C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations were collected routinely for each patient. Longitudinal data analysis was performed to analyse the correlation between posaconazole serum trough concentrations and CRP values, corrected for potential factors that could influence the posaconazole concentration. Between August 2015 and June 2017, 64 patients were recruited to this study. Data for 55 patients (511 posaconazole samples) were included in the final analysis. The overall median posaconazole concentration was 1.8 mg/L [interquartile range (IQR) 1-2.9 mg/L, range 0.1-7.94 mg/L] and the overall median CRP concentration was 23.5 mg/L (IQR 5-75 mg/L, range 0-457 mg/L). Longitudinal data analysis showed that only the posaconazole daily dose (in mg/kg body weight) had a significant influence on posaconazole concentration after correction for other factors (P < 0.0001). Posaconazole concentrations were not influenced by CRP concentrations (P = 0.77). Posaconazole concentrations are not influenced by inflammation, reflected by CRP concentration. Therefore, more frequent therapeutic drug monitoring of posaconazole during inflammation or after an infection subsides is not necessary.

Long-term health-related quality of life of critically ill patients with haematological malignancies: a prospective observational multicenter study

Background

Although outcomes of critically ill patients with haematological malignancies (HMs) have been fully investigated in terms of organ failure and mortality, data are scarce on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in this population. We aim to assess post-intensive care unit (ICU) burden and HRQOL of critically ill patients with HMs and to identify risk factors for quality-of-life (QOL) impairment.

Results

In total, 1011 patients with HMs who required ICU admission in 17 ICUs in France and Belgium were included in the study; 278 and 117 patients were evaluated for QOL at 3 months and 1 year, respectively, after ICU discharge. HRQOL was determined by applying the interview form of the Short Form 36 (SF-36) questionnaire. Psychological distress symptoms were evaluated using the Hospital Anxiety Depression Score (HADS) and the Impact of Event Scale (IES). In-hospital mortality rates at 3 months and 1 year were, respectively, 39.1, 50.7 and 57.2%, respectively. At 3 months, median [IQR] physical and mental component summary scores (PCS and MCS) (SF-36) were 37 [28–46] and 51 [45–58], respectively. PCS was lower in ICU patients with HMs when compared to general ICU septic patients (52 [5–13], p = 0.00001). The median combined HAD score was 8 [5–13], and the median IES score was 8 [3–16]. However, recovery during the first year after ICU discharge was not consistent in all dimensions of HRQOL. Three months after ICU discharge, the maximum daily Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score and status of the underlying malignancy at ICU admission were significantly associated with MCS impairment (− 0.54 points [95% CI − 0.99; − 0.1], p = 0.018 and − 4.83 points [95% CI − 8.44; − 1.22], p = 0.009, respectively).

Conclusion

HRQOL is strongly impaired in critically ill patients with HMs at 3 months and 1 year after ICU discharge. Organ failure and disease status are strongly associated with QOL. The kinetic evaluation of QOL at 3 months and 1 year offers the opportunity to focus on QOL aspects that may be improved by therapeutic interventions during the first year after ICU discharge.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s13613-018-0478-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Urine cultures at the onset of febrile neutropenia rarely impact antibiotic management in asymptomatic adult cancer patients

PURPOSE

There is a paucity of data regarding the utility of routine urine cultures in adults with febrile neutropenia (FN) without urinary symptoms receiving protocolised antibiotics. This is reflected by inconsistent recommendations in international and regional FN guidelines. We addressed this issue by retrospectively reviewing the impact of routine urine cultures on antibiotic management in haematology cancer inpatients at a tertiary hospital.

METHODS

All haematology inpatients over a 5-year period (2011-2015) were retrospectively reviewed for episodes of FN (neutrophil count < 0.5 × 10⁹/L and fever > 37.5 °C). For each episode, demographic data, urinary tract symptoms and signs (absence of which was termed 'asymptomatic'), urinalysis and urine culture results, antibiotic therapy and duration, and patient outcomes were collected. A urine culture was considered positive if > 10⁵ colony forming units (CFU)/L were detected. Empiric antibiotic therapy for FN consisted of intravenous piperacillin/tazobactam in stable patients, with the addition of vancomycin and a single dose of gentamicin if systemically compromised.

RESULTS

Four hundred and thirty-three episodes of FN were identified in 317 patients. Urine cultures were performed in 362 (84%) episodes. Cultures were positive in 9 of 48 (19%) symptomatic episodes versus 8 of 314 (2.5%) asymptomatic episodes (RR = 7.4, p < 0.0001). A change in antibiotic management due a positive urine culture occurred in only 5 episodes (1.4%): 3 of 48 (6.3%) symptomatic and 2 of 314 (0.6%) asymptomatic episodes respectively (RR = 9.8, p = 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Routine urine cultures in FN patients without urinary symptoms who are already receiving protocolised broad spectrum antibiotics rarely impact subsequent antibiotic management.

Incidence and progression of Parvovirus B19 infection and molecular changes in circulating B19V strains in children with haematological malignancy: A follow up study

The present study was planned to estimate the incidence of human Parvovirus B19 infection and understand its progression in children suffering with hematological malignancy. The circulating B19V genotypes and viral mutations occurring in strains of B19V over one-year period were also studied. Children with malignancies were enrolled consecutively and were followed up for one-year period. Serum sample was collected at the time of enrolment and each follow up visit and was tested for anti B19V IgG and IgM as well as for B19V DNA. At least one B19V DNA positive sample from each patient was processed for sequencing. For patients positive for B19V DNA >1 time and at least 6 months apart, last positive sample from the same patient was also sequenced to study the nucleotide change over time. We have found very high incidence of B19V infection (100%) in the study population. All the patients tested positive for at least one B19V infection parameter (either antibodies or DNA) at least once, over one year of follow up. Cumulative percent positivity of anti B19V IgG, anti B19V IgM and B19V DNA was 85.3%, 45.2% and 72.1% respectively. Genotype 3b was reported, with occasional nucleotide change over one year period. DNA clearance was delayed in spite of appearance of IgG antibodies. Appearance of IgM class of antibodies was either delayed or absent. To conclude, children with haematological malignancies have high incidence of B19V infection with late and short lived serological response and persistence of DNA for long duration.

Clinical evaluation of the newly formatted lateral-flow device for invasive pulmonary aspergillosis

The study evaluated the newly formatted Aspergillus-specific lateral-flow-device (LFD), and compared its performance to the original prototype "old" LFD test using BALF samples from 28 patients (14 patients with probable/proven invasive pulmonary aspergillosis [IPA] and 14 patients with no evidence for IPA). A total of 10/14 (71%) of BALF samples from patients with probable/proven IPA resulted positive with the new LFD, including 8/9 with true-positive and 2/5 with false-negative results with the old LFD. All 14 samples from patients without IPA resulted negative with the new LFD; specificity of the new LFD was significantly improved compared to the old LFD.

Population pharmacokinetics of teicoplanin and attainment of pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic targets in adult patients with haematological malignancy

OBJECTIVES

To describe the population pharmacokinetics of teicoplanin in adult patients with haematological malignancies receiving higher than standard doses, and to perform Monte Carlo simulations to determine dosing regimens associated with optimal teicoplanin concentrations.

METHODS

This was a hospital-based clinical trial (EudraCT 2013-004535-72). Nine blood samples were collected on Day 3, plus single trough samples on Days 7 and 10, and 24 and 48 hours after the last dose. Teicoplanin minimum inhibitory concentrations were determined for Gram-positive isolates from study patients. Population pharmacokinetic analyses and Monte Carlo dosing simulations were undertaken using Pmetrics.

RESULTS

Thirty adult haematological malignancy patients were recruited with a mean (SD) loading dose, age, total body weight, and creatinine clearance of 9.5 (1.9) mg/kg, 63 (12) years, 69.1 (15.8) kg, and 72 (41) mL/min, respectively. A three-compartment linear pharmacokinetic model best described the teicoplanin concentration data. Covariates supported for inclusion in the final model were creatinine clearance for clearance and total body weight for volume of the central compartment. The median (IQR) area under the concentration-time curve from 48 to 72 hours (AUC_48-72h) was 679 (319) mg.h/L. There was a strong correlation between the AUC_48-72h and trough concentration at 72 hours (Pearson correlation coefficient 0.957, p <0.001). Dosing simulations showed that administration of five loading doses at 12-hourly intervals, stratified by total body weight and creatinine clearance, increased the probability of achieving target concentrations within 72 hours.

CONCLUSIONS

To increase the number of patients achieving optimal teicoplanin concentrations an individualized dosing approach, based on body weight and creatinine clearance, is recommended.

Hand grip strength as a screening tool for frailty in older patients with haematological malignancies

OBJECTIVES

Frailty is a geriatric syndrome characterized by decreased physiological reserves and an age-related vulnerability to stressors with higher risk of adverse health outcomes. Comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) might detect frailty but is time-consuming, implying the need for initial frailty screening. Most frailty screening tools do not include functional measures. Hand grip strength (HGS) is a reliable surrogate for overall muscle strength and predicts functional decline, morbidity and mortality. No studies are available in cancer patients on HGS as screening tool for frailty. We aimed to assess whether HGS can be used as a screening tool to predict an abnormal CGA and therefore frailty.

METHODS

Single centre cohort study in 59 patients aged 70 years or more with a haematological malignancy. HGS was measured using a vigorimeter. A patient was considered frail if any of the CGA elements were impaired.

RESULTS

Mean HGS before start of therapy in women was 37.0 ± 14.3 kPa and in men 66.1 ± 13.1 kPa. An abnormal CGA was present in 52 subjects (88%). HGS was associated with concurrent abnormal CGA (p = 0.058 in women, p = 0.009 in men). AUC was 0.800 (SE = 0.130) in women and 0.847 (SE = 0.118) in men. Optimal HGS cut-off points for likelihood of abnormal CGA were ≤52 kPa in women and ≤80 kPa in men.

DISCUSSION

In older patients with haematological malignancies, impairment in muscle function is present at diagnosis. HGS seems a promising screening tool to identify patients with abnormal CGA.

[Renal involvement during type 1 cryoglobulinemia]

Cryoglobulins are circulating immunoglobulins that precipitate with cold temperature and dissolve with rewarming. Type 1 cryoglobulinemia is composed of a single monoclonal immunoglobulin and is associated with renal involvement in up to 40% of cases. Type 1 cryoglobulinemia is related to an underlying B-cell haematological malignancy in 60% of patients. In the remaining cases, in the absence of criteria for malignancy, the diagnosis of monoclonal gammopathy of renal significance should be established. The clinical and biological setting and histological features of type 1 cryoglobulinemia are globally similar to those of mixed cryoglobulinemia. In case of haematological malignancy, the treatment is guided by the nature of the underlying disease, and aims at inducing haematological remission, which is necessary for the renal response. The management of monoclonal gammopathy of renal significance has been clarified by an international consensus group and is based on the nature of the underlying clone. In case of monoclonal cryoglobulinemia associated with a plasma-cell clone (IgG or IgA), the treatment is based on the combination of bortezomib, cyclophosphamide and dexamethasone. In case of IgM monoclonal cryoglobulinemia, the treatment is similar to that of Waldenström macroglobulinemia, and is based on rituximab. The clinical course of renal monoclonal cryoglobulinemia is intimately associated with the haematological response, and is usually favourable.

A phenomenological study

PURPOSE

This paper reports a study exploring the lived experience of fifteen men and women treated with allogeneic stem cell transplant (SCT) for haematological malignancy.

METHOD

The study followed an interpretive phenomenological methodology using semi-structured interviews. Participants aged between 22 and 68 years were purposively recruited from two specialist treatment centres and were interviewed within three months to one year post SCT between April and September 2013. Data were then analysed using interpretive phenomenological analysis.

RESULTS

An overarching theme that emerged from the data was: The Immediacy of Illness and Existential Crisis. The Immediacy of Illness and Existential Crisis developed from participants' experiences of critical events accompanied by enduring uncertainty continuing into the recovery period. Participants suffer major disruption to their lives physically, psychosocially and emotionally, including facing their own mortality, without a sense of when they may resume the normality of their former lives.

CONCLUSIONS

Ambiguity and uncertainty characterise the experiences of those with haematological malignancy. Whilst participants have access to specialist teams, there are opportunities for health and social care professionals to provide more support for individuals to come to terms with the critical events they have faced and to prepare them for their return home and to continue former lives and aspirations following prolonged hospitalisation.

[Association of lymphoma and granulomatosis: A case series]

PURPOSE

The sarcoidosis-lymphoma syndrome is a recognised entity. However, the presence of granulomas in patients with a haematological disease should not lead too easily to a diagnosis of sarcoidosis. The presence of granulomatous lesions during the follow-up of these patients raises diagnostic and therapeutic issues.

METHODS

We included 25 patients followed by the department of haematology in a French hospital (Centre Léon-Bérard). These patients presented with granulomatous lesions. Patients with a history of sarcoidosis were excluded. We report the type of haematological disease, the time of onset of the granulomatous disease compared to that of lymphoma, associated symptoms, aetiology and outcome. Patients were divided into three groups according to the time of onset of the granulomatous lesions.

RESULTS

Granulomatous lesions appeared before the haematological disease in 4 cases, was concomitant in 8 cases and appeared later in 13 remaining cases. The two main subtypes of lymphoma encountered were: diffuse large cell lymphoma (36%) and Hodgkin's lymphoma (28%). Granulomatous lesions were related to the progression of the hematological disease in 11 cases, to sarcoidosis in 4 cases, to infection in 3 cases, to drug allergy in one case, to inflammatory bowel disease in one case, to granuloma annulare in one case and was isolated in 4 cases (no identified etiology). In the group where granulomas appeared after the haematological disease, mean SUV was 11 for the haematological disease versus 6.4 for granulomas.

CONCLUSION

Granulomatous diseases in lymphomas can be due to various aetiologies: infection, reaction to the haematological disease, or systemic sarcoidosis. It is an important challenge for clinicians, who can miss the diagnosis of lymphoma and or conclude to a treatment failure or a relapse. Computed tomography scan (CT-scan) or (18)F-deoxyglucose-positron emission tomography scan can help establish a diagnosis but do not replace biopsy.

Oligo-based High-resolution aCGH Analysis Enhances Routine Cytogenetic Diagnostics in Haematological Malignancies

BACKGROUND

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the detection rate of genomic aberrations in haematological malignancies using oligobased array-CGH (oaCGH) analysis in combination with karyotyping and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analyses, and its feasibility in a clinical pragmatic approach.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The 4x180K Cancer Cytochip array was applied in 96 patients with various haematological malignancies in a prospective setting and in 41 acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients retrospectively.

RESULTS

Combined use of oaCGH analysis and karyotyping improved the overall detection rate in comparison to karyotyping-alone and vice versa. In cases with normal karyotypes oaCGH analysis detected genomic aberrations in 66% (39/60) of cases. In the group of simple karyotypes oaCGH analysis extended karyotypic findings in 39% (12/31) while oaCGH analysis extended the karyotypic findings in 89% (39/44) of cases with complex karyotypes. In 7% (5/75) of cases oaCGH analysis failed in detecting the observed abnormalities by karyotyping.

CONCLUSION

oaCGH analysis is a valuable asset in routine cytogenetics of haematological malignancies.

Preferred and actual place of death in haematological malignancy

Objectives

Home is considered the preferred place of death for many, but patients with haematological malignancies (leukaemias, lymphomas and myeloma) die in hospital more often than those with other cancers and the reasons for this are not wholly understood. We examined preferred and actual place of death among people with these diseases.

Methods

The study is embedded within an established population-based cohort of patients with haematological malignancies. All patients diagnosed at two of the largest hospitals in the study area between May 2005 and April 2008 with acute myeloid leukaemia, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma or myeloma, who died before May 2010 were included. Data were obtained from medical records and routine linkage to national death records.

Results

323 deceased patients were included. A total of 142 (44%) had discussed their preferred place of death; 45.8% wanted to die at home, 28.2% in hospital, 16.9% in a hospice, 5.6% in a nursing home and 3.5% were undecided; 63.4% of these died in their preferred place. Compared to patients with evidence of a discussion, those without were twice as likely to have died within a month of diagnosis (14.8% vs 29.8%). Overall, 240 patients died in hospital; those without a discussion were significantly more likely to die in hospital than those who had (p≤0.0001). Of those dying in hospital, 90% and 75.8% received haematology clinical input in the 30 and 7 days before death, respectively, and 40.8% died in haematology areas.

Conclusions

Many patients discussed their preferred place of death, but a substantial proportion did not and hospital deaths were common in this latter group. There is scope to improve practice, particularly among those dying soon after diagnosis. We found evidence that some people opted to die in hospital; the extent to which this compares with other cancers is of interest.