The Impact of Splenectomy in Myelofibrosis Patients before Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation.

Performing a pretransplantation splenectomy in patients with myelofibrosis (MF) is a matter of debate, as while the procedure improves hematological recovery, it may lead to severe morbidities. We retrospectively analyzed data from 85 consecutive patients who underwent transplantation in our center for MF, including 39 patients who underwent splenectomy before their transplantation. A majority of them had primary MF (78%), were considered high-risk patients (84% dynamic international prognostic scoring system intermediate-2 or higher), and had received transplants from HLA-matched sibling donors (56%) after a reduced-intensity conditioning regimen (82%). One-half of all splenectomized patients presented surgical or postsurgical morbidities, most frequently thrombosis and hemorrhage. After adjustment using Cox models, pretransplantation splenectomy was not associated with nonrelapse mortality or post-transplantation relapse but with an improved overall survival (OS) and event-free survival (EFS). We conclude that some patients with huge splenomegaly may undergo pretransplantation splenectomy without a deleterious impact on post-transplantation outcomes. OS and EFS improvement should in confirmed in controlled study.

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis complicating a T-cell rich B-cell lymphoma.

BACKGROUND: Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis in adults is often secundary to an infection or a neoplasm. In this last case, T cell lymphomas are the most frequent causes. Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis secundary to a B cell lymphoma has been rarely reported. CASE PRESENTATION: We describe a case of a hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis complicating a T-cell rich B-cell lymphoma treated with conventionnal chemotherapy leading to a complete remission. CONCLUSION: Prompt etiologic diagnosis and treatment of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis leads to satisfactory outcome.

Management of early breast cancer in older women: from screening to treatment.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is a common condition. It is a leading cause of death among women, and its incidence increases with age. Aging of the population and improvement of the quality of life of elders make it a major public health issue. We reviewed the literature to try to determine the management of breast cancer in older women. METHODS: We conducted a narrative review by literature searches using key words "breast cancer", "elderly and older", and "women" in Pubmed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. The aim of this review is to summarize the management of early breast cancer in older women by discussing the controversies of screening in older women. Then, we try to define the optimal strategy for these women, either surgery alone or primary endocrine therapy. We also discuss the indications of lymph node dissection, and we evaluate the benefit of adjuvant radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and the anti HER2 treatment for these women. RESULTS: More than 50% of patients with breast cancer are 65 years or older, and around 30% are more than 70 years old. Most randomized trials did not include older women. Hence, the treatment of breast cancer in older patients is based on the management provided to younger women. Regardless of age, the treatment must aim for the best efficiency. Advanced age in itself should not be a limitation to treatment. There are no standard guidelines set for elderly patients. Surgical treatment for older patients evolved to avoid mastectomy, and conservative mammary surgery was proposed, similar to that used in younger patients. The proportion of elderly patients receiving adjuvant radiotherapy is increasing. The role of adjuvant radiotherapy in older patients with breast cancer was analyzed. Adjuvant chemotherapy is beneficial to women with hormone receptor-negative tumors. In those with hormone receptor-positive tumors, adjuvant chemotherapy in association to trastuzumab is beneficial for HER2-positive tumors, and for women with HER2-negative tumors adjuvant hormonal therapy is a very good option. CONCLUSION: Breast cancer is common in older women. This population requires particular and adapted management. It is essential for older patients to be included in new clinical trials for individualized treatment recommendation.