An international survey to better understand the current incidence, severity, and management of VOD/SOS.

This international questionnaire survey aimed to explore the current incidence, diagnostic policies, management, and outcomes of veno-occlusive disease/sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (VOD/SOS) among healthcare providers involved in the management of these patients. A questionnaire was e-mailed to practitioners with an interest in allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT). Of the respondents, 144 of 215 (67.0%) felt that early detection or diagnosis of VOD/SOS was difficult. Regarding diagnostic criteria, 142 (66.1%) already declared using the 2023 EBMT refined criteria. Most respondents (163/215, 75.8%) found these recent refined EBMT criteria useful for diagnosis, and 193 (89.8%) found the severity criteria easy to use. The major risk factors identified for VOD/SOS were a second allo-HCT (41.4%), pre-existing liver disease (54.9%), and prior use of antibody-drug conjugates (49.8%). Preferences for starting VOD/SOS treatment varied, with 61 (28.4%) preferring initiating therapy at a mild stage, and 122 (56.7%) preferring the moderate stage. In summary, this survey provided valuable insight into the challenges and opportunities of the identification and management of VOD/SOS. By improving current knowledge and increasing collaboration among healthcare professionals, early detection, management, and clinical outcomes for patients with this potentially serious complication can also be improved.

Donor KIR2DL1 Allelic Polymorphism Influences Posthematopoietic Progenitor Cell Transplantation Outcomes in the T Cell Depleted and Reduced Intensity Conditioning Setting.

The majority of established KIR clinical assessment algorithms used for donor selection for hematopoietic progenitor cell transplantation (HPCT) evaluate gene content (presence/absence) of the KIR gene complex. In comparison, relatively little is known about the impact of KIR allelic polymorphism. By analyzing donors of T cell depleted (TcD) reduced intensity conditioning (RIC) HPCT, this study investigated the influence on post-transplant outcome of 2 polymorphic residues of the inhibitory KIR2DL1. The aim of this study was to expand upon existing research into the influence of KIR2DL1 allelic polymorphism upon post-transplant outcome. The effects of allele groups upon transplant outcomes were investigated within a patient cohort using a defined treatment protocol of RIC with TcD. Using phylogenetic data, KIR2DL1 allelic polymorphism was categorized into groups on the basis of variation within codons 114 and 245 (positive or negative for the following groups: KIR2DL1*002/001g, KIR2DL1*003, KIR2DL1*004g) and the identification of null alleles. The influence of these KIR2DL1 allele groups in hematopoietic progenitor cell transplantation (HPCT) donors was assessed in the post-transplant data of 86 acute myelogenous leukemia patients receiving RIC TcD HPCT at a single center. KIR2DL1 allele groups in the donor significantly impacted upon 5-year post-transplant outcomes in RIC TcD HPCT. Donor KIR2DL1*003 presented the greatest influence upon post-transplant outcomes, with KIR2DL1*003 positive donors severely reducing 5-year post-transplant overall survival (OS) compared to those receiving a transplant from a KIR2DL1*003 negative donor (KIR2DL1*003 pos versus neg: 27.0% versus 60.0%, P = .008, pc = 0.024) and disease-free survival (DFS) (KIR2DL1*003 pos versus neg: 23.5% versus 60.0%, P = .004, pc = 0.012), and increasing 5-year relapse incidence (KIR2DL1*003 pos versus neg: 63.9% versus 27.2%, P = .009, pc = 0.027). KIR2DL1*003 homozygous and KIR2DL1*003 heterozygous grafts did not present significantly different post-transplant outcomes. Donors possessing the KIR2DL1*002/001 allele group were found to significantly improve post-transplant outcomes, with donors positive for the KIR2DL1*004 allele group presenting a trend towards improvement. KIR2DL1*002/001 allele group (KIR2DL1*002/001g) positive donors improved 5-year OS (KIR2DL1*002/001g pos versus neg: 56.4% versus 27.2%, P = .009, pc = 0.024) and DFS (KIR2DL1*002/001g pos versus neg: 53.8% versus 25.5%, P = .018, pc = 0.036). KIR2DL1*004 allele group (KIR2DL1*004g) positive donors trended towards improving 5-year OS (KIR2DL1*004g pos versus neg: 53.3% versus 35.5%, P = .097, pc = 0.097) and DFS (KIR2DL1*004g pos versus neg: 50.0% versus 33.9%, P = .121, pc = 0.121), and reducing relapse incidence (KIR2DL1*004g pos versus neg: 33.1% versus 54.0%, P = .079, pc = 0.152). The presented findings suggest donor selection algorithms for TcD RIC HPCT should consider avoiding KIR2DL1*003 positive donors, where possible, and contributes to the mounting evidence that KIR assessment in donor selection algorithms should reflect the conditioning regime protocol used.

Diagnosis and severity criteria for sinusoidal obstruction syndrome/veno-occlusive disease in adult patients: a refined classification from the European society for blood and marrow transplantation (EBMT).

Sinusoidal obstruction syndrome, also known as veno-occlusive disease (SOS/VOD), is a potentially life-threatening complication that can develop after hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). A new definition for diagnosis, and a severity grading system for SOS/VOD in adult patients, was reported a few years ago on behalf of the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT). The aim of this work is to update knowledge regarding diagnosis and severity assessment of SOS/VOD in adult patients, and also its pathophysiology and treatment. In particular, we now propose to refine the previous classification and distinguish probable, clinical and proven SOS/VOD at diagnosis. We also provide an accurate definition of multiorgan dysfunction (MOD) for SOS/VOD severity grading based on Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score.

Improved outcomes over time and higher mortality in CMV seropositive allogeneic stem cell transplantation patients with COVID-19; An infectious disease working party study from the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation registry.

Introduction: COVID-19 has been associated with high morbidity and mortality in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (allo-HCT) recipients. Methods: This study reports on 986 patients reported to the EBMT registry during the first 29 months of the pandemic. Results: The median age was 50.3 years (min - max; 1.0 - 80.7). The median time from most recent HCT to diagnosis of COVID-19 was 20 months (min - max; 0.0 - 383.9). The median time was 19.3 (0.0 - 287.6) months during 2020, 21.2 (0.1 - 324.5) months during 2021, and 19.7 (0.1 - 383.9) months during 2022 (p = NS). 145/986 (14.7%) patients died; 124 (12.6%) due to COVID-19 and 21 of other causes. Only 2/204 (1%) fully vaccinated patients died from COVID-19. There was a successive improvement in overall survival over time. In multivariate analysis, increasing age (p<.0001), worse performance status (p<.0001), contracting COVID-19 within the first 30 days (p<.0001) or 30 - 100 days after HCT (p=.003), ongoing immunosuppression (p=.004), pre-existing lung disease (p=.003), and recipient CMV seropositivity (p=.004) had negative impact on overall survival while patients contracting COVID-19 in 2020 (p<.0001) or 2021 (p=.027) had worse overall survival than patients with COVID-19 diagnosed in 2022. Discussion: Although the outcome of COVID-19 has improved, patients having risk factors were still at risk for severe COVID-19 including death.

Azacitidine for the treatment of steroid-refractory chronic graft-versus-host disease: the results of the phase II AZTEC clinical trial.

Chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGvHD) is a major cause of non-relapse morbidity and mortality following allogeneic stem cell transplant. Over half of patients with moderate or severe cGvHD fail to respond adequately to first-line treatment with systemic steroids, and although a range of second-line options have been employed, a lack of prospective evidence means there is no standard of care. The AZTEC trial is a prospective, single-arm, phase II study investigating the safety and activity of azacitidine for the treatment of cGvHD in patients who are resistant to, or intolerant of, systemic steroid therapy. The co-primary outcomes were treatment tolerability, and activity measured as objective response according to modified National Institutes of Health criteria. Fourteen patients were recruited to the first stage of the trial, of whom seven completed the planned six cycles of azacitidine 36 mg/m2 days 1-5 per 28-day cycle. Azacitidine was tolerated by 13/14 patients, and 7/14 showed an objective response. Clinical responses were mirrored by improvements in patient-reported cGvHD symptoms and quality of life. AZTEC demonstrates that azacitidine is a safe and promising option for the treatment of cGvHD, and continued evaluation in the second stage of this phase II efficacy study is supported.

National Institutes of Health Consensus Development Project on Criteria for Clinical Trials in Chronic Graft-versus-Host Disease: IIb. The 2020 Preemptive Therapy Working Group Report.

Chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) commonly occurs after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) despite standard prophylactic immune suppression. Intensified universal prophylaxis approaches are effective but risk possible overtreatment and may interfere with the graft-versus-malignancy immune response. Here we summarize conceptual and practical considerations regarding preemptive therapy of chronic GVHD, namely interventions applied after HCT based on evidence that the risk of developing chronic GVHD is higher than previously appreciated. This risk may be anticipated by clinical factors or risk assignment biomarkers or may be indicated by early signs and symptoms of chronic GVHD that do not fully meet National Institutes of Health diagnostic criteria. However, truly preemptive, individualized, and targeted chronic GVHD therapies currently do not exist. In this report, we (1) review current knowledge regarding clinical risk factors for chronic GVHD, (2) review what is known about chronic GVHD risk assignment biomarkers, (3) examine how chronic GVHD pathogenesis intersects with available targeted therapeutic agents, and (4) summarize considerations for preemptive therapy for chronic GVHD, emphasizing trial development, including trial design and statistical considerations. We conclude that robust risk assignment models that accurately predict chronic GVHD after HCT and early-phase preemptive therapy trials represent the most urgent priorities for advancing this novel area of research.

Real-world tyrosine kinase inhibitor treatment pathways, monitoring patterns and responses in patients with chronic myeloid leukaemia in the United Kingdom: the UK TARGET CML study.

Management of chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) has recently undergone dramatic changes, prompting the European LeukemiaNet (ELN) to issue recommendations in 2013; however, it remains unclear whether real-world CML management is consistent with these goals. We report results of UK TARGET CML, a retrospective observational study of 257 patients with chronic-phase CML who had been prescribed a first-line TKI between 2013 and 2017, most of whom received first-line imatinib (n = 203). Although 44% of patients required ≥1 change of TKI, these real-world data revealed that molecular assessments were frequently missed, 23% of patients with ELN-defined treatment failure did not switch TKI, and kinase domain mutation analysis was performed in only 49% of patients who switched TKI for resistance. Major molecular response (MMR; BCR-ABL1IS ≤0·1%) and deep molecular response (DMR; BCR-ABL1IS ≤0·01%) were observed in 50% and 29%, respectively, of patients treated with first-line imatinib, and 63% and 54%, respectively, receiving a second-generation TKI first line. MMR and DMR were also observed in 77% and 44% of evaluable patients with ≥13 months follow-up, receiving a second-generation TKI second line. We found little evidence that cardiovascular risk factors were considered during TKI management. These findings highlight key areas for improvement in providing optimal care to patients with CML.

Survivorship care for allogeneic transplant patients in the UK NHS: changes centre practice, impact of health service policy and JACIE accreditation over 5 years.

Care of long-term survivors of allogeneic transplant is known to be variable despite international guidelines and accreditation standards. In 2014 a survey of UK NHS-based adult transplant centres identified significant barriers to delivery of long-term follow-up services. In 2019, we repeated the survey to assess changes over a 5-year period when health service policies had mandated JACIE accreditation incorporating standards for long-term care. Improvements were seen in the number of centres having a dedicated long-term follow-up clinic for allogeneic transplant recipients (52% versus 33%) and a standard operating procedure (88% versus 69%). Inclusion of psychological support in standard operating procedures remained low at both time points (32% versus 28%). There was ongoing variation in practice regarding vaccination programmes, access to cancer screening, and audit processes between centres. Perceived barriers to implementation of comprehensive long-term follow-up clinics were similar in 2019; mainly resourcing clinical staff and psychological support. Whilst the survey reflects the changing practice of transplant centres, best explained by increasing recognition of late effects and survivorship by clinicians, health service policy and JACIE accreditation standards, further developments are warranted to address unmet healthcare needs of long-term HSCT survivors, especially access to psychological support, cancer screening and vaccinations.

Defibrotide sodium for the treatment of hepatic veno-occlusive disease/sinusoidal obstruction syndrome.

INTRODUCTION: Hepatic veno-occlusive disease/sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (VOD/SOS) is an unpredictable condition associated with endothelial-cell damage due to conditioning for hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (HSCT) or chemotherapy without HSCT. Mortality in patients with VOD/SOS and multi-organ dysfunction (MOD) may be >80%. Areas covered: Defibrotide is the only approved drug for the treatment of severe hepatic VOD/SOS after HSCT in the European Union and hepatic VOD/SOS with renal or pulmonary dysfunction in the United States. Its efficacy in patients with VOD/SOS with MOD post-HSCT was demonstrated in a clinical-trial program that included a historically controlled treatment study, a phase 2 trial, and a large T-IND expanded-access program that also included patients without MOD and who received chemotherapy without HSCT. Expert commentary: Defibrotide appears to protect endothelial cells and restore the thrombolytic-fibrinolytic balance. It addresses a significant clinical need and has demonstrated favorable Day +100 survival and overall adverse-event rates that seem similar to control groups receiving supportive care alone. Currently, defibrotide is under investigation for the prevention of VOD/SOS in high-risk pediatric and adult patients.

The role of extracorporeal photopheresis in the management of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, graft-versus-host disease and organ transplant rejection: a consensus statement update from the UK Photopheresis Society.

Extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) has been used for over 35 years in the treatment of erythrodermic cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) and over 20 years for chronic and acute graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) and solid organ transplant rejection. ECP for CTCL and GvHD is available at specialised centres across the UK. The lack of prospective randomised trials in ECP led to the development of UK Consensus Statements for patient selection, treatment schedules, monitoring protocols and patient assessment criteria for ECP. The recent literature has been reviewed and considered when writing this update. Most notably, the national transition from the UVAR XTS® machine to the new CELLEX machine for ECP with dual access and a shorter treatment time has led to relevant changes in these schedules. This consensus statement updates the previous statement from 2007 on the treatment of CTCL and GvHD with ECP using evidence based medicine and best medical practise and includes guidelines for both children and adults.

BCSH/BSBMT/UK clinical virology network guideline: diagnosis and management of common respiratory viral infections in patients undergoing treatment for haematological malignancies or stem cell transplantation.

A joint working group established by the Haemato-oncology subgroup of the British Committee for Standards in Haematology, the British Society for Bone Marrow Transplantation and the UK Clinical Virology Network has reviewed the available literature and made recommendations for the diagnosis and management of respiratory viral infections in patients with haematological malignancies or those undergoing haematopoietic stem cell transplantation. This guideline includes recommendations for the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of respiratory viral infections in adults and children. The suggestions and recommendations are primarily intended for physicians practising in the United Kingdom.

Measuring therapeutic response in chronic graft-versus-host disease. National Institutes of Health consensus development project on criteria for clinical trials in chronic graft-versus-host disease: IV. The 2014 Response Criteria Working Group report.

In 2005, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Chronic Graft-versus-Host Disease (GVHD) Consensus Response Criteria Working Group recommended several measures to document serial evaluations of chronic GVHD organ involvement. Provisional definitions of complete response, partial response, and progression were proposed for each organ and for overall outcome. Based on publications over the last 9 years, the 2014 Working Group has updated its recommendations for measures and interpretation of organ and overall responses. Major changes include elimination of several clinical parameters from the determination of response, updates to or addition of new organ scales to assess response, and the recognition that progression excludes minimal, clinically insignificant worsening that does not usually warrant a change in therapy. The response definitions have been revised to reflect these changes and are expected to enhance reliability and practical utility of these measures in clinical trials. Clarification is provided about response assessment after the addition of topical or organ-targeted treatment. Ancillary measures are strongly encouraged in clinical trials. Areas suggested for additional research include criteria to identify irreversible organ damage and validation of the modified response criteria, including in the pediatric population.