A rare complication after allogeneic stem cell transplantation: post-transplant erythrocytosis.

Post-transplant erythrocytosis is an infrequent complication and has been reported after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) in aplastic anemia, acute myeloid leukemia, and chronic myeloid leukemia. The pre-disposing factors and treatment are not clearly defined. We present 11 post-transplant erythrocytosis cases. More studies should be conducted to distinguish the pathogenesis and follow-up for this rare complication.

Therapeutic plasmapheresis in geriatric patients: favorable results.

Therapeutic plasma exchange is generally a tolerable procedure, although several complications should be considered. Since geriatric population has been growing worldwide, the aim of this study was to retrospectively analyze 4709 TPE data from 981 geriatric procedures (20.8%) and to compare them with 3728 non-geriatric procedures (79.2%). The most common indications for TPE in both groups were sepsis/adult respiratory distress syndrome and multiple organ dysfunction. In geriatric patient group, contrary to expectations of aggravation, complication rate was statistically similar with non-geriatric group (P > 0.05). Therefore, TPE appeared to be a safe procedure in geriatric patients when performed by experienced practitioners.

Results of 4-year analysis of conversion from calcineurin inhibitors to mTOR inhibitors in renal transplant patients: single-center experience.

In this retrospective study, 83 patients were accepted. Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) group consisting of 37 patients were converted from calcineurin inhibitors (CNI), and the control group included 46 patients (initially CNI-receiving patients). As a control-match of each mTOR inhibitor patient, the succeeding patient with transplantation who continued CNI therapy was chosen. All patients received CNI, MMF, and prednisolone as an immunosuppressive therapy initially. In comparison of two groups, there was no significant difference between sex, donor organ source, donor organ ischemia time, or mismatches. However, mean age between groups was significantly different (mTOR group: 48.3 ± 12, CNI group: 38.6 ± 11, p < 0.001). Decision of conversion to mTOR inhibitors in 30 patients was made by biopsy. The reasons for conversion were determined as CNI nephrotoxicity in 15 patients, chronic allograft nephropathy in 15 patients, malignancy in 6 patients, and renal artery stenosis in 1 patient. Basal glomerular filtration rates (GFRs) were markedly lower in mTOR group than in CNI group (38.8 mL/min vs. 72.7 mL/min). At the end of 48-month follow-ups, GFR increased from 38 mL/min to 54 mL/min in mTOR group; however, it decreased to 53 mL/min from 72 mL/min in CNI group. There was no difference left between the two groups in GFR after 4-year follow-up. Hyperlipidemia was higher in mTOR group. Acute rejection rates were similar. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease was more prevalent in CNI group. Graft failure developed due to secondary reasons, causing mortality in both groups. We suggest that conversion to mTOR inhibitors maintains and improves graft functions well.

Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cell Therapy in Hematology.

It is well demonstrated that the immune system can control and eliminate cancer cells. Immune-mediated elimination of tumor cells has been discovered and is the basis of both cancer vaccines and cellular therapies including hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Adoptive T cell transfer has been improved to be more specific and potent and to cause less off-target toxicity. Currently, there are two forms of engineered T cells being tested in clinical trials: T cell receptor (TCR) and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) modified T cells. On 1 July 2014, the United States Food and Drug Administration granted 'breakthrough therapy' designation to anti-CD19 CAR T cell therapy. Many studies were conducted to evaluate the benefits of this exciting and potent new treatment modality. This review summarizes the history of adoptive immunotherapy, adoptive immunotherapy using CARs, the CAR manufacturing process, preclinical and clinical studies, and the effectiveness and drawbacks of this strategy.

Successful Bosutinib Experience in an Elderly Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Patient with Suspected Central Nervous System Involvement Transformed from Chronic Myeloid Leukemia.

Managing the blast phase in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is challenging because limited data are available for elderly patients. The involvement of the central nervous system (CNS) increases the risk of a poor prognosis. Here, we present an elderly blast phase CML patient with suspected CNS involvement who was successfully treated with bosutinib.

Successful desensitization of a patient with rituximab hypersensitivity.

Rituximab is a monoclonal antibody which targets CD20 in B cells that is used for the treatment of CD20 positive oncologic and hematologic malignancies. Rituximab causes hypersensitivity reactions during infusions. The delay of treatment or loss of a highly efficient drug can be prevented by rapid drug desensitization method in patients who are allergic to rituximab. We report a low grade B cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma patient with rituximab hypersensitivity successfully treated with rapid drug desensitization. In experienced centers, drug desensitization is a novel modality to break through in case of hypersensitivity that should be considered.

Mucosal healing effect of nilotinib in indomethacin-induced enterocolitis: A rat model.

AIM: To investigate the effects of nilotinib in a rat model of indomethacin-induced enterocolitis. METHODS: Twenty-one Wistar albino female rats obtained from Dokuz Eylul University Department of Laboratory Animal Science were divided into the following three groups: control (n = 7), indomethacin (n = 7) and nilotinib (n = 7). A volume of 0.25 mL of physiological serum placebo was administered to the control and indomethacin groups through an orogastric tube for 13 d. To induce enterocolitis, the indomethacin and nilotinib groups received 7.5 mL/kg indomethacin dissolved in 5% sodium bicarbonate and administered subcutaneously in a volume of 0.5 mL twice daily for three days. Nilotinib was administered 20 mg/kg/d in two divided doses to the nilotinib group of rats for 13 d through an orogastric tube, beginning on the same day as indomethacin administration. For 13 d, the rats were fed a standard diet, and their weights were monitored daily. After the rats were sacrificed, the intestinal and colonic tissue samples were examined. The macroscopic and microscopic pathology scores were evaluated. The pathologist stained all tissue samples using terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick-end labeling method. Mucosal crypts and apoptotic cells were quantified. The platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR) α and ß scores assessed by immunohistochemical staining method and tissue and serum tumor necrosis factor (TNF) α levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: Between days 1 and 13, the rats in the nilotinib and indomethacin groups lost significantly more weight than the controls (-11 g vs +14.14 g, P = 0.013; -30 g vs +14.14 g, P = 0.003). In the small intestinal and colonic tissues, the macroscopic scores were significantly lower in the nilotinib group than in the indomethacin group (1.14 ± 0.38 and 7.29 ± 2.98, P = 0.005; 1.14 ± 0.38 and 7.43 ± 2.64, P = 0.001, respectively), but the values of the nilotinib and indomethacin groups were similar to the control group. In the small intestinal and colonic tissues, the microscopic scores were significantly lower in the nilotinib group than in the indomethacin group (3.43 ± 2.99 and 7.67 ± 3.67, P = 0.043; 2.29 ± 0.76 and 8.80 ± 2.68, P = 0.003, respectively), but the values were similar to the control group. The PDGFR ß scores in the small intestine and colon were significantly lower in the nilotinib group than in the indomethacin group (1.43 ± 0.79 and 2.43 ± 0.54, P = 0.021; 1.57 ± 0.54 and 3 ± 0, P =0.001), and the values were similar to controls. The colonic PDGFR α scores were significantly lower in the nilotinib group than in the indomethacin group (1.71 ± 0.49 and 3 ± 0, P = 0.001). The colonic apoptosis scores were significantly lower in the controls than in the nilotinib group (1.57 ± 1.13 and 4 ± 1.29, P = 0.007). Furthermore, the serum and tissue TNF-α levels were similar between the nilotinib and indomethacin groups. CONCLUSION: In the indomethacin-induced enterocolitis rat model, nilotinib has a positive effect on the macroscopic and microscopic pathologic scores, ensuring considerable mucosal healing. Nilotinib decreases PDGFR α and ß levels and increases the colonic apoptotic scores, but it has no significant effects on weight loss and the TNF-α levels.

Aspergillus Thyroiditis after Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation.

Aspergillus thyroiditis is a rare disorder detected in immunocompromised patients during disseminated infections. Early management is essential to prevent high mortality. A 61-year-old allogeneic stem cell male recipient presented with painful thyroid nodular enlargement. He had low TSH and low free T4 levels. The thyroid ultrasound showed a hypoechoic nodule; biopsy indicated suppurative Aspergillus thyroiditis. He was successfully treated by amphotericin B.

Nilotinib-mediated mucosal healing in a rat model of colitis.

AIM: To investigate the effects of nilotinib in a rat model of trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitis. METHODS: Twenty-one Wistar albino female rats obtained from Dokuz Eylul University Department of Laboratory Animal Science were categorized into a control (n = 7), TNBS (n = 7) and nilotinib group (n = 7). Saline was administered orally for 14 d to the control and the TNBS group. The TNBS group received rectal TNBS on the first day while saline was administered to the control group. The nilotinib group received 20 mg/kg nilotinib for 14 d in 2 divided doses, starting the same day as TNBS administration. For 14 d, the rats were fed a standard diet, and their weights were recorded daily. After sacrifice, colon tissue samples from each group were scored for macroscopic and microscopic pathology. Apoptotic indices were determined by the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling method. Platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR) alpha and beta levels were assessed through immunohistochemistry staining scores and compared among the groups. Tissue and serum tumor necrosis factor (TNF) alpha levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: Between days 1 and 14, the nilotinib group rats lost significantly less weight than the TNBS group rats (-0.7 g vs -14.0 g, P = 0.047). The difference in weight between the control and nilotinib groups was also statistically significant (+8.3 g vs -0.7 g, P = 0.031). From day 7 to day 14, the weight differences of the control group vs the TNBS group, the TNBS group vs the nilotinib group, and the control group vs the nilotinib group were all statistically significant (+8.0 g vs -11.1 g, P = 0.007; -11.1 g vs +2.9 g, P = 0.015; +8.0 g vs +2.9 g, P = 0.042, respectively). Macroscopic and microscopic scores were significantly lower in the nilotinib group than in the TNBS group (0.00 ± 0.00 vs 1.43 ± 0.65, P = 0.009; 2.86 ± 0.55 vs 7.71 ± 1.48, P = 0.030, respectively). However, these scores were similar between the nilotinib and control groups. While no significant difference for the nilotinib vs control groups could be determined for PDGFR alpha and beta scores, PDGFR alpha and beta scores were lower in the nilotinib group than in the TNBS group. Furthermore, the TNF alpha levels in the serum, tissue and apoptosis scores were similar between the nilotinib and TNBS groups. CONCLUSION: Nilotinib prevents weight loss, facilitates mucosal healing by improving the pathological scores without introducing variation into the apoptotic scores or TNF alpha levels.

Successful hematopoietic engraftment with gray platelets after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation from gray platelet syndrome donor.

Gray platelet syndrome (GPS) is a rare inherited disorder characterized by the absence of α-granules and their constituents. It may be present with thrombocytopenia and bleeding tendency. Platelets have a large and gray appearance under light and electron microscope. A 19-year old female patient with her second relapse acute lymphoblastic leukemia had to be consolidated with allo-hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) after achieving remission with induction chemotherapy. The only available and one mismatch compatible donor was her brother, who was previously diagnosed as GPS. Allogeneic HSCT was performed from her brother in spite of GPS, and successful neutrophil and platelet engraftment achieved at the 12th and 42nd day of reinfusion, consecutively. The engrafted and circulating thrombocytes were large and gray and had little or no α-granules under electron microscope. The patient was well with no major bleeding event and increased need for thrombocyte replacement until developing bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia and respiratory distress syndrome. Thereafter death occurred. This is the first case of successful thrombocyte engraftment with documented gray thrombocyte megakaryopoiesis after allogeneic HSCT from a GPS donor. The only noteworthy issue was the slight prolongation of engraftment.

Ischemic stroke after recombinant factor VIIa treatment in acquired hemophilia A patient.

Acquired hemophilia is a rare, life-threatening coagulopathy in adults caused by the development of autoantibodies against factor VIII. Bypass agents such as recombinant factor VIIa (rFVIIa) are usually preferred for bleeding control; however, thromboembolic complications may occur. We report here a case that presented with extensive cutaneous and mucosal bleedings due to factor VIII inhibitors and was treated successfully with rFVIIa and steroid therapy, but was complicated with a life-threatening thromboembolic attack during follow-up.