Clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential is rare in pediatric patients undergoing autologous stem cell transplantation.

Clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP) describes recurrent somatic gene mutations in the blood of healthy individuals, associated with higher risk for hematological malignancies and higher all-cause mortality by cardiovascular disease. CHIP increases with age and is more common in adult patients after chemotherapy or radiation for cancer. Furthermore, in some adult patients undergoing autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) or thereafter, CHIP has been identified. In children and adolescents, it remains unclear how cellular stressors such as cytotoxic therapy influence the incidence and expansion of CHIP. We conducted a retrospective study on 33 pediatric patients mostly with solid tumors undergoing ASCT for presence of CHIP. We analyzed CD34+ selected peripheral blood stem cell grafts after several cycles of chemotherapy, prior to cell infusion, by next-generation sequencing including 18 "CHIP-genes". Apart from a somatic variant in TP53 in one patient no other variants indicative of CHIP were identified. As a CHIP-unrelated finding, germline variants in CHEK2 and in ATM were identified in two and four patients, respectively. In conclusion, we could not detect "typical" CHIP variants in our cohort of pediatric cancer patients undergoing ASCT. However, more studies with larger patient numbers are necessary to assess if chemotherapy in the pediatric setting contributes to an increased CHIP incidence and at what time point.

A De Novo Frameshift Mutation in RPL5 with Classical Phenotype Abnormalities and Worsening Anemia Diagnosed in a Young Adult-A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Diamond-Blackfan anemia (DBA) is a congenital bone marrow failure syndrome associated with malformations. DBA is related to defective ribosome biogenesis, which impairs erythropoiesis, causing hyporegenerative macrocytic anemia. The disease has an autosomal dominant inheritance and is commonly diagnosed in the first year of life, requiring continuous treatment. We present the case of a young woman who, at the age of 21, developed severe symptomatic anemia. Although, due to malformations, a congenital syndrome had been suspected since birth, a confirmation diagnosis was not made until the patient was referred to our center for an evaluation of her anemia. In her neonatal medical history, she presented with anemia that required red blood cell transfusions, but afterwards remained with a stable, mild, asymptomatic anemia throughout her childhood and adolescence. Her family history was otherwise unremarkable. To explain the symptomatic anemia, vitamin deficiencies, autoimmune diseases, bleeding causes, and myeloid and lymphoid neoplasms were investigated and ruled out. A molecular investigation showed the RPL5 gene variant c.392dup, p.(Asn131Lysfs*6), confirming the diagnosis of DBA. All family members have normal blood values and none harbored the mutation. Here, we will discuss the unusual evolution of this case and revisit the literature.

Effect of MAPK activation via mutations in NRAS, KRAS and BRAF on clinical outcome in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma.

Until now, next generation sequencing (NGS) data has not been incorporated into any prognostic stratification of multiple myeloma (MM) and no therapeutic considerations are based upon it. In this work, we correlated NGS data with (1) therapy response and survival parameters in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma, treated by VRd * and (2) MM disease stage: newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (ndMM) versus relapsed and/or refractory (relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma). We analyzed 126 patients, with ndMM and relapsed refractory multiple myeloma (rrMM), treated at the University Hospital of Bern (Inselspital). Next generation sequencing was performed on bone marrow, as part of routine diagnostics. The NGS panel comprised eight genes CCND1, DIS3, EGR1, FAM46C (TENT5C), FGFR3, PRDM1, TP53, TRAF3 and seven hotspots in BRAF, IDH1, IDH2, IRF4, KRAS, NRAS. The primary endpoint was complete remission (CR) after VRd in ndMM, in correlation with mutational profile. Mutational load was generally higher in rrMM, with more frequently mutated TP53: 11/87 (13%) in ndMM versus 9/11 (81%) in rrMM (OR 0.0857, p = 0.0007). In ndMM, treated by VRd, mutations in MAPK-pathway members (NRAS, KRAS or BRAF) were associated with reduced probability of CR (21/38, 55%), as compared with wild type NRAS, KRAS or BRAF (34/40, 85%; OR 0.2225, p = 0.006). NRAS c.181C > A (p.Q61K) as a single mutation event showed a trend to reduced probability of achieving CR (OR 0.0912, p = 0.0247). Activation of MAPK pathway via mutated NRAS, KRAS and BRAF genes seems to have a negative impact on outcome in ndMM patients receiving VRd therapy. VRd* - bortezomib (Velcade®), lenalidomide (Revlimid®) and dexamethasone.

Correlation of Peripheral Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell (CAR-T Cell) mRNA Expression Levels with Toxicities and Outcomes in Patients with Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma

Cytokine-release syndrome (CRS) and immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS) are significant complications in patients with relapsed/refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma undergoing chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T cell) therapy. However, it remains unclear whether CAR-T cell expression itself is clinically relevant. We assessed CAR-T cell mRNA expression and DNA concentration by digital droplet PCR in peripheral blood from 14 sequential CAR-T cell recipients. Patients were grouped according to CAR-T cell peak expression. Patients with high CAR-T cell peak expression (8 patients; 57%) had higher rates of ICANS (p=0.0308) and intensive care unit admission (p=0.0404), longer durations of hospitalization (p=0.0077), and, although not statistically significant, a higher rate of CRS (p=0.0778). There was a correlation of CAR-T cell mRNA expression with DNA concentration, but CAR-T cell expression levels failed to correlate to response or survival. Our data suggest that higher CAR-T cell peak mRNA expression is associated with increased risk for ICANS and possibly CRS, requiring further investigation in larger studies.

Real-life experiences with CAR T-cell therapy with idecabtagene vicleucel (ide-cel) for triple-class exposed relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma patients.

BACKGROUND: Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy has revolutionized the treatment landscape of relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM), leading to unprecedented responses in this patient population. Idecabtagene vicleucel (ide-cel) has been recently approved for treatment of triple-class exposed RRMM. We report real-life experiences with the commercial use of ide-cel in RRMM patients. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of the first 16 triple-class exposed RRMM patients treated with ide-cel at a single academic center. We assessed toxicities, response to treatment, CAR T expansion and soluble BCMA (sBCMA) levels. RESULTS: We identified 16 consecutive RRMM patients treated with ide-cel between 06-10/2022. Median age was 69 years, 6 (38%) patients had high-risk cytogenetics, 3 (19%) R-ISS stage III, and 5 (31%) extramedullary disease. Median number of previous treatment lines was 6 (3-12). Manufacturing success rate was 88% (6% required second lymphapheresis, 6% received an out-of-specification product). At 3 months, the overall response rate (ORR) was 69% (44% sCR, 6% CR, 19% VGPR). Cytokine release syndrome (CRS) occurred in 15 (94%) patients (88% G1, 6% G2), immune effector-cell associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS) in 1 (6% G1), febrile neutropenia in 11 (69%), and infections in 5 (31%). Prolonged hematologic toxicity occurred in 4/16 (25%) patients. Other non-hematological toxicities were elevated hepatic enzymes (38%), colitis (6%, G3) and DIC (6%, G2). Responses were more frequent in patients with higher CAR T expansion (100% vs 38%), and lack of decrease or plateau of sBCMA levels was typically observed in non-responders. CONCLUSIONS: We report one of the first cohorts of RRMM treated with commercial ide-cel. The ORR was 69% and safety profile was manageable, but prolonged hematologic toxicity still represents a major challenge. Responses correlated with in vivo CAR T cell expansion, underlining the need of further research to optimize CAR T expansion.

"The Long Journey of Unexplained Erythrocytosis": Erythrocytosis due to High-Oxygen Affinity Hemoglobinopathy - Hemoglobin Variant Little Rock (HBB: c.432C>A) - A Report of a Swiss Family and Review of the Literature.

The differential diagnosis of erythrocytosis is complex, involving a tailored algorithm. Congenital causes are rare and such patients commonly face a long journey looking for diagnosis. This diagnosis requires expertise and accessibility to modern diagnostic tools. We present the case of a young Swiss man with long-standing erythrocytosis of unknown origin and his family. The patient had an episode of malaise as he went skiing above 2,000 m altitude. In the blood gas analysis, p50 was low (16 mm Hg) and erythropoietin was normal. Using next-generation sequencing, a mutation in the hemoglobin subunit beta gene was found, a pathogenic variant known as hemoglobin Little Rock causing high oxygen affinity. Some family members also had unexplained erythrocytosis, therefore the mutational status of the family was analyzed, the grandmother and mother showed the presence of the same mutation. The use of modern technology finally offered a diagnosis to this family.

CAR T-Cell Persistence Correlates with Improved Outcome in Patients with B-Cell Lymphoma.

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy has led to profound and durable tumor responses in a relevant subset of patients with relapsed/refractory (r/r) B-cell lymphomas. Still, some patients show insufficient benefit or relapse after CAR T-cell therapy. We performed a retrospective study to investigate the correlation between CAR T-cell persistence in the peripheral blood (PB) at 6 months, assessed by droplet digital PCR (ddPCR), with CAR T-cell treatment outcome. 92 patients with r/r B-cell lymphomas were treated with CD19-targeting CAR T-cell therapies at our institution between 01/2019-08/2022. Six months post-treatment, 15 (16%) patients had no detectable circulating CAR-T constructs by ddPCR. Patients with CAR T-cell persistence had a significantly higher CAR T-cell peak (5432 vs. 620 copies/ug cfDNA, p = 0.0096), as well as higher incidence of immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (37% vs. 7%, p = 0.0182). After a median follow-up of 8.5 months, 31 (34%) patients relapsed. Lymphoma relapses were less frequent among patients with CAR T-cell persistence (29% vs. 60%, p = 0.0336), and CAR T-cell persistence in the PB at 6 months was associated with longer progression-free survival (PFS) (HR 2.79, 95% CI: 1.09-7.11, p = 0.0319). Moreover, we observed a trend towards improved overall survival (OS) (HR 1.99, 95% CI: 0.68-5.82, p = 0.2092) for these patients. In our cohort of 92 B-cell lymphomas, CAR T-cell persistence at 6 months was associated with lower relapse rates and longer PFS. Moreover, our data confirm that 4-1BB-CAR T-cells have a longer persistence as compared to CD-28-based CAR T-cells.

Increased Inflammasome Activation Is Associated with Aging and Chronic Myelomonocytic Leukemia Disease Severity.

Aging causes chronic low-grade inflammation known as inflamm-aging. It is a risk factor for several chronic disorders, including chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML), a hematological malignancy that is most prevalent in older people. Recent studies suggest a critical role for the NLRP3 (NOD-, LRR- and pyrin domain-containing protein 3) inflammasome in inflamm-aging. However, the mechanisms involved in NLRP3 activation in aging and its involvement in CMML progression are not fully understood. In this study, we report that aging increases IL-1ß production upon NLRP3 activation in human CD14+ monocytes. Interestingly, we found that the TLR1/2 agonist Pam3CSK4 directly activates the NLRP3 inflammasome in monocytes from older but not from younger healthy donors. Furthermore, we observed a dichotomous response to NLRP3 inflammasome activation in monocytes from a small cohort of CMML patients, and some patients produced high levels of IL-1ß and some patients produced low levels of IL-1ß compared with older healthy donors. Intriguingly, CMML patients with heightened NLRP3 activation showed increased treatment dependency and disease severity. Collectively, our results suggest that aging causes increased sensitivity to NLRP3 inflammasome activation at a cellular level, which may explain increased inflammation and immune dysregulation in older individuals. Furthermore, NLRP3 inflammasome activation was dysregulated in a small cohort of CMML patients and was positively correlated with disease severity.

Experiences with Glofitamab Administration following CAR T Therapy in Patients with Relapsed Mantle Cell Lymphoma.

Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is a rare type of B-cell Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) affecting predominantly male patients. While complete remissions following first-line treatment are frequent, most patients ultimately relapse, with a usually aggressive further disease course. The use of cytarabine-comprising induction chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation, Rituximab maintenance, Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitors and CAR T therapy has substantially improved survival. Still, options for patients relapsing after CAR T therapy are limited and recommendations for the treatment of these patients are lacking. We report two cases of patients with mantle cell lymphoma who relapsed after CAR T therapy and were treated with the bispecific CD20/CD3 T cell engaging antibody glofitamab. Both patients showed marked increases of circulating CAR T cells and objective responses after glofitamab administration. Therapy was tolerated without relevant side effects in both patients. One patient completed all 12 planned cycles of glofitamab therapy and was alive and without clinical progression at the last follow-up. The second patient declined further treatment after the first cycle and succumbed to disease progression. We review the literature and investigate possible mechanisms involved in the observed responses after administration of glofitamab, such as proliferation of CAR T cells, anti-tumor effects of the bispecific antibody and the role of other possibly contributing factors. Therapy with bispecific antibodies might offer an effective and well-tolerated option for patients with mantle cell lymphoma relapsing after CAR T therapy.

Correlation of plasma cell assessment by phenotypic methods and molecular profiles by NGS in patients with plasma cell dyscrasias.

BACKGROUND: Next-generation sequencing (NGS) detects somatic mutations in a high proportion of plasma cell dyscrasias (PCD), but is currently not integrated into diagnostic routine. We correlated NGS data with degree of bone marrow (BM) involvement by cytomorphology (BMC), histopathology (BMH), and multiparameter flow cytometry (MFC) in 90 PCD patients. METHODS: Of the 90 patients the diagnoses comprised multiple myeloma (n = 77), MGUS (n = 7), AL-amyloidosis (n = 4) or solitary plasmocytoma (n = 2). The NGS panel included eight genes CCND1, DIS3, EGR1, FAM46C (TENT5C), FGFR3, PRDM1, TP53, TRAF3, and seven hotspots in BRAF, IDH1, IDH2, IRF4, KRAS, NRAS. RESULTS: Mutations were detected in 64/90 (71%) of cases. KRAS (29%), NRAS (16%) and DIS3 (16%) were most frequently mutated. At least one mutation/sample corresponded to a higher degree of BM involvement with a mean of 11% pathologic PC by MFC (range, 0.002-62%), and ~ 50% (3-100%) as defined by both BMC and BMH. CONCLUSIONS: The probability of detecting a mutation by NGS in the BM was highest in samples with > 10% clonal PC by MFC, or > 20% PC by BMC/ BMH. We propose further evaluation of these thresholds as a practical cut-off for processing of samples by NGS at initial PCD diagnosis.

Thrombophilia Impact on Treatment Decisions, Subsequent Venous or Arterial Thrombosis and Pregnancy-Related Morbidity: A Retrospective Single-Center Cohort Study.

(1) Background: Thrombophilia testing utility has remained controversial since its clinical introduction, because data on its influence on treatment decisions are limited. (2) Methods: We conducted a single-center retrospective cohort study of 3550 unselected patients referred for thrombophilia consultation at the Bern University Hospital in Switzerland from January 2010 to October 2020. We studied the influence of thrombophilia testing results on treatment decisions and evaluated the association between thrombophilia and thromboembolic and pregnancy-related morbidity events after testing up to 03/2021. (3) Results: In 1192/3550 patients (34%), at least one case of thrombophilia was found and 366 (10%) had high-risk thrombophilia. A total of 211/3550 (6%) work-ups (111/826 (13%) with low-risk thrombophilia and 100/366 (27%) with high-risk thrombophilia) led to an appropriate decision to extend or initiate anticoagulation, and 189 (5%) negative results led to the withholding of anticoagulation therapy inappropriately. A total of 2492 patients (69%) were followed up for >30 days, with a median follow-up of 49 months (range, 1−183 months). Patients with high-risk thrombophilia had a higher risk of subsequent venous thromboembolic events and pregnancy-related morbidity compared to those without thrombophilia. (4) Conclusions: Our study demonstrated the limited usefulness of thrombophilia work-up in clinical decision-making. High-risk thrombophilia was associated with subsequent venous thromboembolism and pregnancy-related morbidity.

JAK2 Unmutated Polycythaemia-Real-World Data of 10 Years from a Tertiary Reference Hospital.

(1) Background: Polycythaemia is defined by an increase in haemoglobin (Hb) concentration, haematocrit (Hct) or red blood cell (RBC) count above the reference range adjusted to age, sex and living altitude. JAK2 unmutated polycythaemia is frequent but under-investigated in original publications. In this retrospective cohort study, we investigated the clinical and laboratory data, underlying causes, management and outcomes of JAK2 unmutated polycythaemia patients. (2) Methods: The hospital database was searched to identify JAK2 unmutated patients fulfilling WHO 2016 Hb/Hct criteria for PV (Hb >16.5 g/dL in men and >16 g/dL in women, or Hct > 49% in men and >48% in women, or RBC mass > 25% above mean normal predicted value) between 2008 and 2019. Clinical and laboratory data were collected and analysed. (3) Results: From 727,731 screened patients, 294 (0.04%) were included, the median follow-up time was 47 months. Epo and P50 showed no clear pattern in differentiating causes of polycythaemia. In 30%, the cause remained idiopathic, despite extensive work-up. Sleep apnoea was the primary cause, also in patients under 30. Around 20% had received treatment at any time, half of whom had ongoing treatment at the end of follow-up. During follow-up, 17.2% developed a thromboembolic event, of which 8.5% were venous and 8.8% arterial. The mortality was around 3%. (4) Conclusions: Testing for Epo and P50 did not significantly facilitate identification of underlying causes. The frequency of sleep apnoea stresses the need to investigate this condition. Idiopathic forms are common. A diagnostic flowchart based on our data is proposed here. NGS testing should be considered in young patients with persisting polycythaemia, irrespective of Epo and P50 levels.

sBCMA Plasma Level Dynamics and Anti-BCMA CAR-T-Cell Treatment in Relapsed Multiple Myeloma.

BACKGROUND: Novel chimeric antigen receptor T-cells (CAR-T) target the B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) expressed on multiple myeloma cells. Assays monitoring CAR-T cell expansion and treatment response are being implemented in clinical routine. METHODS: Plasma levels of soluble BCMA (sBCMA) and anti-BCMA CAR-T cell copy numbers were monitored in the blood, following CAR-T cell infusion in patients with relapsed multiple myeloma. sBCMA peptide concentration was determined in the plasma, applying a human BCMA/TNFRS17 ELISA. ddPCR was performed using probes targeting the intracellular signaling domains 4-1BB und CD3zeta of the anti-BCMA CAR-T construct. RESULTS: We report responses in the first five patients who received anti-BCMA CAR- T cell therapy at our center. Four patients achieved a complete remission (CR) in the bone marrow one month after CAR-T infusion, with three patients achieving stringent CR, determined by flow cytometry techniques. Anti-BCMA CAR-T cells were detectable in the peripheral blood for up to 300 days, with copy numbers peaking 7 to 14 days post-infusion. sBCMA plasma levels started declining one to ten days post infusion, reaching minimal levels 30 to 60 days post infusion, before rebounding to normal levels. CONCLUSIONS: Our data confirm a favorable response to treatment in four of the first five patients receiving anti-BCMA CAR-T at our hospital. Anti-BCMA CAR-T cell expansion seems to peak in the peripheral blood in a similar pattern compared to the CAR-T cell products already approved for lymphoma treatment. sBCMA plasma level may be a valid biomarker in assessing response to BCMA-targeting therapies in myeloma patients.

Glofitamab Treatment in Relapsed or Refractory DLBCL after CAR T-Cell Therapy.

Chimeric antigen receptor T-cells (CAR T) treatment has become a standard option for patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphomas (DLBCL), which are refractory or relapse after two prior lines of therapy. However, little evidence exists for treatment recommendations in patients who relapse after CAR T-cell treatment and the outcome for such patients is poor. In this study, we evaluated the safety and efficacy of a monotherapy with the bispecific CD20xCD3 antibody glofitamab in patients who progressed after CAR T treatment. We report nine consecutive patients with progressive DLBCL after preceding CAR T-cell therapy. The patients received a maximum of 12 cycles of glofitamab after a single obinutuzumab pre-treatment at an academic institution. CRS was observed in two patients (grade 2 in both patients). We observed an overall response rate of 67%, with four patients achieving a complete response and a partial remission in two patients. Interestingly, we identified increased persistence of circulating CAR T-cells in peripheral blood in three of the five patients with measurable CAR T-cells. Our data suggest that glofitamab treatment is well tolerated and effective in patients with DLBCL relapsing after CAR T-cell therapy and can enhance residual CAR T-cell activity.

Comprehensive Laboratory Diagnostic Workup for Patients with Suspected Intraocular Lymphoma including Flow Cytometry, Molecular Genetics and Cytopathology.

BACKGROUND: Intraocular lymphoma (IOL) presents a real challenge in daily diagnostics. Cyto- and/or histopathology of vitreous body represent the diagnostic cornerstones. Yet, false negative results remain common. Therefore, we analyzed the diagnostic significance of flow cytometry (FC) within the workup algorithm of IOL and compared its sensitivity with the results obtained from routine cytopathology and molecular genetics; Methods: Seven patients undergoing vitrectomy due to suspected IOL were investigated by FC and parallel cytopathology and, if available, digital droplet PCR (ddPCR) for MYD88 L265P; Results: Four out of seven patients were finally diagnosed with IOL. Among the IOL patients, cytopathology confirmed the presence of lymphoma cells in only two cases. In contrast, FC was positive for IOL in all four cases, and FC additionally confirmed the lack of IOL in the remaining patients. In IOL patients diagnosed by FC and with available ddPCR, the diagnosis of IOL was confirmed by the presence of the MYD88 L265P mutation in all three patients; Conclusions: The combination with FC was superior to cytopathology alone in the diagnostic work-up of IOL, and it showed an excellent correlation with ddPCR results. A comprehensive diagnostic panel consisting of cytopathology, FC and molecular genetics should be considered for the work-up of suspected IOL.

NGS Evaluation of a Bernese Cohort of Unexplained Erythrocytosis Patients.

(1) Background: Clinical and molecular data on patients with unexplained erythrocyto-sis is sparse. We aimed to analyze the clinical and molecular features of patients with congenital erythrocytosis in our tertiary reference center. (2) Methods: In 34 patients with unexplained erythrocytosis, a 13-gene Next-Generation Sequencing erythrocytosis panel developed at our center was conducted. (3) Results: In 6/34 (18%) patients, eight different heterozygous gene variants were found. These patients were, therefore, diagnosed with congenital erythrocytosis. Two patients had two different gene variants each. All variants were characterized as variants of unknown significance as they had not previously been described in the literature. The rest of the patients (28/34, 82%) had no detected gene variants. (4) Conclusions: Our experience shows that the NGS panel can be helpful in determining the reasons for persistent, unexplained erythrocytosis. In our cohort of patients with erythrocytosis, we identified some, thus far unknown, gene variants which may explain the clinical picture. However, further investigations are needed to determine the relationship between the molecular findings and the phenotype.

Myelodysplastic Syndromes in the Postgenomic Era and Future Perspectives for Precision Medicine.

Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) represent a heterogeneous group of clonal disorders caused by sequential accumulation of somatic driver mutations in hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs). MDS is characterized by ineffective hematopoiesis with cytopenia, dysplasia, inflammation, and a variable risk of transformation into secondary acute myeloid leukemia. The advent of next-generation sequencing has revolutionized our understanding of the genetic basis of the disease. Nevertheless, the biology of clonal evolution remains poorly understood, and the stochastic genetic drift with sequential accumulation of genetic hits in HSPCs is individual, highly dynamic and hardly predictable. These continuously moving genetic targets pose substantial challenges for the implementation of precision medicine, which aims to maximize efficacy with minimal toxicity of treatments. In the current postgenomic era, allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation remains the only curative option for younger and fit MDS patients. For all unfit patients, regeneration of HSPCs stays out of reach and all available therapies remain palliative, which will eventually lead to refractoriness and progression. In this review, we summarize the recent advances in our understanding of MDS pathophysiology and its impact on diagnosis, risk-assessment and disease monitoring. Moreover, we present ongoing clinical trials with targeting compounds and highlight future perspectives for precision medicine.

Clonal Hematopoiesis after Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation Does Not Confer Adverse Prognosis in Patients with AML.

INTRODUCTION: Despite a 50% cure rate, relapse remains the main cause of death in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) consolidated with autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) in first remission (CR1). Clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CH) increases the risk for hematological and cardiovascular disorders and death. The impact of CH persisting after ASCT in AML patients is unclear. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively investigated the prognostic value of persisting DNMT3A, TET2, or ASXL1 (DTA) mutations after ASCT. Patients underwent stratification depending on the presence of DTA mutations. RESULTS: We investigated 110 consecutive AML patients receiving ASCT in CR1 after two induction cycles at our center between 2007 and 2020. CH-related mutations were present in 31 patients (28.2%) after ASCT. The baseline characteristics were similar between patients with or without persisting DTA mutations after ASCT. The median progression free survival was 26.9 months in patients without DTA mutations and 16.7 months in patients with DTA mutations (HR 0.75 (0.42-1.33), p = 0.287), and the median overall survival was 80.9 and 54.4 months (HR 0.79 (0.41-1.51), p = 0.440), respectively. CONCLUSION: We suggest that DTA-CH after ASCT is not associated with an increased risk of relapse or death. The persistence of DTA mutations after induction should not prevent AML patients in CR1 from ASCT consolidation. Independent studies should confirm these data.

When Should We Think of Myelodysplasia or Bone Marrow Failure in a Thrombocytopenic Patient? A Practical Approach to Diagnosis.

Thrombocytopenia can arise from various conditions, including myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and bone marrow failure (BMF) syndromes. Meticulous assessment of the peripheral blood smear, identification of accompanying clinical conditions, and characterization of the clinical course are important for initial assessment of unexplained thrombocytopenia. Increased awareness is required to identify patients with suspected MDS or BMF, who are in need of further investigations by a step-wise approach. Bone marrow cytomorphology, histopathology, and cytogenetics are complemented by myeloid next-generation sequencing (NGS) panels. Such panels are helpful to distinguish reactive cytopenia from clonal conditions. MDS are caused by mutations in the hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells, characterized by cytopenia and dysplasia, and an inherent risk of leukemic progression. Aplastic anemia (AA), the most frequent acquired BMF, is immunologically driven and characterized by an empty bone marrow. Diagnosis remains challenging due to overlaps with other hematological disorders. Congenital BMF, certainly rare in adulthood, can present atypically with thrombocytopenia and can be misdiagnosed. Analyses for chromosome fragility, telomere length, and germline gene sequencing are needed. Interdisciplinary expert teams contribute to diagnosis, prognostication, and choice of therapy for patients with suspected MDS and BMF. With this review we aim to increase the awareness and provide practical approaches for diagnosis of these conditions in suspicious cases presenting with thrombocytopenia.