The role of chemotherapy in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for autoimmune disorders: From lymphoablative to myeloablative conditioning protocols.

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a medical procedure used mainly for the treatment of onco-hematologic disorders. Over the last two decades, autologous HSCT has been explored for the treatment of neurologic autoimmune diseases (ADs), being multiple sclerosis (MS) the most frequent indication in this setting. HSCT is characterized by the sequential administration of a conditioning regimen (CR) and the infusion of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), previously collected either by the individual himself in the autologous transplant (AHSCT), or by a healthy donor in allogeneic HSCT. CR consists of the administration of high-dose chemotherapy and/or total body irradiation (TBI), that in ADs is usually associated with an immunodepleting serotherapy, either by an animal-derived polyclonal serum or a monoclonal antibody (MoAb), to induce intense immunosuppression. CRs are classified according to the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT) guidelines for HSCT in ADs in three grades of intensity according to the degrees of depletion of the hemato-lymphopoietic system induced. In the present chapter, after a brief overview of mobilization and CR adopted in the neurologic autoimmune setting, the role of chemotherapy in HSCT will be discussed, providing a historical perspective on the use of different regimens and summarizing the available evidence on potential associations between CR and outcomes.

Allogeneic stem cell transplant in primary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis - a single-center experience.

Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a rare disorder of immune dysregulation characterized by fever, cytopenias, and splenomegaly. Its primary form poses a therapeutic challenge due to its high fatality when left untreated. We retrospectively analyzed 28 patients who underwent related-donor allogeneic stem cell transplant for primary HLH from 2010 to 2021. Among them were 10 cases of familial HLH, 8 cases of Griscelli syndrome type 2, and 1 case each with PRF1 and STX11 mutations. All the patients underwent transplants with reduced-intensity or myeloablative conditioning and 26 of them achieved neutrophil engraftment at a median of day + 14. The donors were either fully matched (68%) or haploidentical (32%). With a median follow-up of 1 year, overall survival was 68% (n = 19) and disease-free survival was 64.4% (n = 18). OS was better in patients transplanted with a sibling donor (compared to parent donor), who achieved complete donor chimerism, and those transplanted early in the course of the disease (diagnosis to transplant duration less than 6 months).

Busulfan-induced hepatic sinusoidal endothelial cell injury: Modulatory role of pirfenidone for therapeutic purposes.

Transplantation conditioning using Busulfan has been known to cause hepatotoxicity, which has great individual differences. Some have mild symptoms like the increase of hepatic drug-metabolizing enzyme, while others may have very serious ones, like hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome. However, simply controlling the exposure of Busulfan may not effectively prevent or reduce the occurrence of hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome. The occurrence of hepatic sinusoid obstruction syndrome is closely related to hepatic sinusoidal endothelial cells (HSECs). The objective of this study is to investigate the potential protective effect of Pirfenidone against Busulfan-induced damage to hepatic sinusoidal endothelial cells and to preliminarily explore the mechanisms underlying this protective effect. Our results indicate that Pirfenidone has a great protective effect on the injury induced by Busulfan. In addition, Busulfan increased the relative mRNA expression of transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGF-ß1), collagen and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 in HSECs. After pretreatment with Pirfenidone, the expression level of TGF-ß1 was down-regulated. Mechanically, Pirfenidone primarily improves liver fibrosis by inhibiting collagen formation and hepatic stellate cell activation, thereby providing a protective effect on HSECs damaged by Busulfan. Therefore, Pirfenidone may reduce the hepatotoxicity caused by transplantation conditioning regimens based on Busulfan.

Implementation of Blockchain Technology Could Increase Equity and Transparency in Organ Transplantation: A Narrative Review of an Emergent Tool.

In the last few years, innovative technology and health care digitalization played a major role in all medical fields and a great effort worldwide to manage this large amount of data, in terms of security and digital privacy has been made by different national health systems. Blockchain technology, a peer-to-peer distributed database without centralized authority, initially applied to Bitcoin protocol, soon gained popularity, thanks to its distributed immutable nature in several non-medical fields. Therefore, the aim of the present review (PROSPERO N° CRD42022316661) is to establish a putative future role of blockchain and distribution ledger technology (DLT) in the organ transplantation field and its role to overcome inequalities. Preoperative assessment of the deceased donor, supranational crossover programs with the international waitlist databases, and reduction of black-market donations and counterfeit drugs are some of the possible applications of DLT, thanks to its distributed, efficient, secure, trackable, and immutable nature to reduce inequalities and discrimination.

Clinical efficacy of chidamide combined with BEAC preconditioning regimen in high-risk or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma receiving autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation / 白血病·淋巴瘤

Objective:To investigate the clinical efficacy of chidamide combined with BEAC (camustine+etoposide+ cytarabine+cyclophosphamide) preconditioning regimen in high-risk or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) receiving autologous stem cell transplantation.Methods:The clinical data of 10 high-risk or refractory DLBCL patients with autologous stem cell transplantation after receiving chidamide combined with BEAC preconditioning regimen who were admitted to Xuzhou Central Hospital from March 2022 to May 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. The related complications during preconditioning and hematopoietic reconstruction process, the time of hematopoietic stem cell reconstruction after transplantation, and the short-term efficacy were summarized.Results:Of the 10 patients, 6 were women and 4 were men; the median age was 58 years old (27-68 years old). Hematopoietic reconstruction was achieved in all 10 patients after transplantation. The median time of neutrophil engraftment was 11 d (range 7-12 d), and the median time of platelet engraftment was 12 d (range 9-16 d) after transplantation. Hematological adverse reactions were described as follows: 2 cases had grade 3 febrile neutropenia, 1 case had grade 4 febrile neutropenia, 3 cases had grade 2 anemia, and 1 case had grade 3 anemia. Non-hematological adverse reactions were described as follows: 1 case had grade 2 nausea with vomiting, and 1 case had diarrhea. Eight patients were followed-up for >3 months after transplantation, 6 patients achieved complete remission, 1 patient achieved partial remission, and 1 patient with TP53 deletion developed disease progression 1 month after transplantation.Conclusions:Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation with chidamide combined with BEAC preconditioning regimen is effective for patients with high-risk or refractory DLBCL, and the adverse reactions are tolerable.

Advances in conditioning regimens for allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in elderly patients with acute myeloid leukemia / 中华器官移植杂志

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) is a sole viable treatment for acute myeloid leukemia (AML). As the median age of AML is approaching 68 years and the global population is aging, allo-HSCT for is becoming more vital for elderly AML patients (60 years and over). Conditioning regimen is important in determining the clinical outcomes of post-allo-HSCT patients.This review summarized the classic and latest conditioning regimens and evaluated their respective clinical outcomes.Clinicians may appreciate the advantages of each conditioning regimen and formulate optimal options for elderly AML patients.

Improved growth with growth hormone treatment in children after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

OBJECTIVE: Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) can be a curative treatment for malignant and nonmalignant diseases in children but is associated with significant late effects including growth failure. Growth hormone treatment (GHRx) is offered to improve growth, but limited data are available on its effect on adult height (AH). We aim to evaluate the effectiveness of GHRx. DESIGN: Single-center retrospective study. PATIENTS: Thirty-four patients who had received GHRx for ≥1 year were matched with two controls each, without GHRx, based on sex, indication for HSCT (malignancy, benign haematological disease or immunodeficiency), age at HSCT and conditioning with/without total body irradiation (TBI). All had reached AH. MEASUREMENTS: The primary outcome measure was the difference between AH and predicted AH (PAH) at start of GHRx or the equivalent age in controls (AH-PAH), calculated according to Bailey and Pinneau. RESULTS: GHRx was started at age 12.0 ± 2.6 years; median treatment duration was 3.8 years (range 1.7-9.2). AH-PAH standard deviation score (SDS) was significantly higher in growth hormone (GH) treated boys (-0.5 ± 0.7 SDS) than in controls (-1.5 ± 1.0 SDS, p < .001). Girls also had a higher AH-PAH after GHRx (+0.5 ± 0.6 SDS) compared to controls (-0.2 SDS ±0.7, p < .01). AH remained approximately 2 SDS below target height (TH) in treated and untreated individuals. Among GH-treated children, AH-PAH was higher in those who had received busulfan-based compared to TBI-based conditioning. CONCLUSION: GHRx had a significant positive effect on AH compared to PAH, although AH remained far below TH. Higher AH-PAH was observed in girls and in those conditioned without TBI.

Evaluating the Efficacy, Toxicity and Pharmacokinetic Profile of Oral Busulfan in Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplant Patients.

Background: Oral busulfan and intravenous cyclophosphamide (Bu/Cy) are common myeloablative preparations used in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Herein, we investigated the safety of (Bu/Cy) administration during HSCT. Methods: Patients administered Bu/Cy for allogeneic HSCT at Royal Perth Hospital and Fiona Stanley Hospital between 2007 and 2017 were reviewed for inclusion in the study. We performed busulfan pharmacokinetic (PK) testing for a subset of patients and allometric scaling modeling to assess the best method of busulfan dosing in patients at extremes of weight. Results: Sixty-nine patients were included in the clinical outcome analysis. The median follow-up period was 32 months (range, 9-114 months). The three-year overall survival rate was 62% (95% confidence interval (CI), 51%-75%), and transplant-related mortality was 4% at 6 months (95% CI, 1-7%), with a low rate of sinusoidal obstruction syndrome of the liver being observed. In addition, relapse was 38% (95% CI, 30%-44%) at 3 years. The PK information of 15 patients receiving busulfan was available after oral dosing. The average per-dose busulfan exposure was 1,350 µmol.min/L (range, 878-1,717 µmol.min/L), and the within target range was 1,000-1,500 µmol.min/L in 73% of patients. Of the size measures investigated, ideal and adjusted body weight (ABW40) provided the best fit. No association was observed between busulfan exposure, toxicity, and relapse. Conclusions: Overall, Bu/Cy administration appeared safe when dosed in relation to weight, showing a low early transplant-related mortality rate following adequate busulfan exposure in majority of the cases. Body size measures, such as ideal body weight or ABW40, are likely more suitable for use during busulfan dosing, particularly at high extremes of the body mass index classification.

Application of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in myelodysplastic syndrome / 白血病·淋巴瘤

Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is a kind of heterogeneous myeloid tumor that originates from hematopoietic stem cells and is characterized by hematopoietic dysfunction and high risk of transformation into myeloid leukemia. Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) has a great therapeutic potential for MDS patients and is the only effective option to cure MDS. Factors such as disease type, disease prognosis stratification, timing of transplantation, the intensity of preconditioning and relapse after transplantation all affect the survival of patients after transplantation. It is of great importance to clarify transplantation indications, flexibly choose patients at different times, select appropriate conditioning regimens and monitor the relapse after transplantation for improving the prognosis of MDS patients after transplantation. This article reviews the current progress of the application of allo-HSCT in MDS patients from these aspects.

Outcome of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients admitted to the intensive care unit with a focus on haploidentical graft and sequential conditioning regimen: results of a retrospective study.

Haploidentical transplantation has extended the availability of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (alloHCT) to almost all patients. Sequential conditioning regimens have been proposed for the treatment of hematological active disease. Whether these new transplantation procedures affect the prognosis of critically ill alloHCT recipients remains unknown. We evaluated this question in a retrospective study including consecutive alloHCT patients admitted to the intensive care unit of a tertiary academic center from 2010 to 2017. During the study period, 412 alloHCTs were performed and 110 (27%) patients-median age 55 (36-64) years-were admitted to ICU in a median time of 58.5 (14-245) days after alloHCT. Twenty-nine (26%) patients had received a haploidentical graft and 34 (31%) a sequential conditioning. Median SOFA score was 9 (6-11). Invasive mechanical ventilation (MV) was required in 61 (55%) patients. Fifty-six (51%) patients died in the hospital. Independent factors associated with in-hospital mortality were as follows: MV (OR=8.44 [95% CI 3.30-23.19], p<0.001), delta SOFA between day 3 and day 1 (OR=1.60 [95% CI 1.31-2.05], p<0.0001), and sequential conditioning (OR=3.7 [95% CI 1.14-12.92], p=0.033). Sequential conditioning was also independently associated with decreased overall survival (HR=1.86 [95% CI 1.05-3.31], p=0.03). Other independent factors associated with reduced overall survival were HCT-specific comorbidity index ≥2 (HR=1.76 [95% CI 1.10-2.84], p=0.02), acute GVHD grade ≥2 (HR=1.88 [95% CI 1.14-3.10], p=0.01), MV (HR=2.37 [95% CI 1.38-4.07, p=0.002), and vasopressors (HR=2.21 [95% CI 1.38-3.54], p=0.001). Haploidentical transplantation did not affect outcome. Larger multicenter studies are warranted to confirm these results.

Radiation-Free myeloablative allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia: A comparison of outcomes between patients with and without central nervous system involvement.

For patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT), total body irradiation (TBI) has been particularly advocated as a part of the conditioning regimen in case of extramedullary involvement in sanctuary sites such as the central nervous system (CNS), to ensure greater tissue penetration. In resource-limited countries lacking TBI facilities; however, ALL patients undergo radiation-free myeloablative conditioning, though its impacts on post-HSCT outcomes of the patients with pre-HSCT CNS involvement have not been analyzed. In this 14-year series of 278 adult (> 18 y) ALL patients undergoing TBI-free busulfan/cyclophosphamide conditioning allo-HSCT, we found that the long-term probabilities of overall survival, disease free survival, relapse and non-relapse mortality were not significantly different between CNS-involved and CNS-spared patients. Moreover, there was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of post-HSCT CNS relapse between CNS-involved and CNS-spared patients. Pre-HSCT cranial radiation therapy (CRT) showed no significant preventive effect on the likelihood of post-HSCT CNS relapse. Through multivariable regression analysis, grade III-IV acute graft-versus-host disease (GvHD), extensive chronic GvHD and post-HSCT relapse were ascertained as independent determinants of mortality (Adj.R2 = 53.9 %, F(12,265) = 28.1, P < 0.001), while other parameters including Philadelphia translocation, pre-HSCT CNS involvement and CRT were found to have no independent effect. Although this study was not an attempt to compare TBI-based vs. non-TBI conditioning, the TBI-free myeloablative allo-HSCT was shown to be feasible and an option for adult ALL patients with CNS involvement, considering the comparable outcomes between patients with and without CNS involvement.

Interacciones farmacológicas en pacientes sometidos a trasplante de progenitores hematopoyéticos: revisión sistemática / Drug-drug interactions in patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: systematic review

Objetivo: El objetivo principal de este trabajo es identificar, medianterevisión bibliográfica sistemática, los estudios sobre interacciones farmacológicas en pacientes sometidos a trasplante de progenitores hematopoyéticos.Los objetivos secundarios son describir la prevalencia de dichas interacciones y extraer información de interacciones fármaco-fármaco concretas.Método: Búsquedas en PubMed con los términos “drug-drug interaction”, “drug interaction”, “stem cell transplant”, “transplantation conditioning” y “conditioning regimen” y en Embase “drug interaction”, “stem celltransplantation” y “transplantation conditioning”, seleccionando aquellosresultados relacionados directamente con el objetivo de la revisión. Sepriorizaron estudios en humanos, en idiomas inglés y español, entre enerode 2000 y noviembre de 2020.Resultados: La revisión identificó dos grupos de estudios (epidemiológicosy de análisis de interacciones entre fármacos concretos). Los 10 estudiosepidemiológicos mostraron una prevalencia de interacciones entre el 60% yel 100%, la base de datos más utilizada fue Micromedex®, el mecanismofarmacocinético y los fármacos más implicados fueron los antifúngicos azólicos, con resultados muy heterogéneos. Los 52 estudios de interacciones entre fármacos fueron casi todos farmacocinéticos y se centraron fundamentalmente en las interacciones de antifúngicos azólicos e inhibidores de la calcineurina. Algunos estudios describieron la posible relación entre interaccionesy reacciones adversas concretas o muertes por efectos adversos. (AU)

Objective: The present paper provides a systematic review aimed atidentifying studies on pharmacological interactions in patients undergoinghematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Secondary objectives include acharacterization of the prevalence of such interactions and an investigation of their specific characteristics.Method: A search was performed of the terms “drug-drug interaction”,“drug interaction”, “stem cell transplant”, “transplantation conditioning”,and “conditioning regimen” in the PubMed database, and of the terms“drug interaction”, “stem cell transplantation”, and “transplantation conditioning” in the Embase database. Only results directly related to the objective of the review were selected. Studies in humans published betweenJanuary 2000 and November 2020, written in English or Spanish, wereprioritized.Results: The review identified two groups of studies: epidemiologicalstudies and studies analyzing interactions between specific drugs. The10 epidemiological studies selected, which showed a prevalence of interactions between 60 and 100%, mainly used the Micromedex® database, focused on pharmacokinetic interactions involving azole antifungals. Results were highly heterogeneous. Of the 52 drug interaction studiesreviewed, the majority were pharmacokinetic and focused primarily on theinteractions of azole antifungals with calcineurin inhibitors. Some studiesdescribed the possible relationship between the interactions and specificadverse reactions or deaths from adverse events. (AU)

Pregnancy post autologous stem cell transplant with BEAM conditioning for multiple sclerosis.

BACKGROUND: Given the increasing numbers of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients undergoing autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplant (AHSCT) worldwide, and with women of childbearing age overrepresented in the target population, it is increasingly important to review fertility and pregnancy outcomes following AHSCT. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the rate of pregnancy and complications post-AHSCT for MS. METHOD: Retrospective evaluation of the rate of pregnancy and associated complications in a cohort of patients post-AHSCT with BEAM conditioning for MS since 2010 in a tertiary referral centre. RESULTS: In our ongoing Phase 2 trial of AHSCT for MS, 55 patients have undergone AHSCT with 30 females being of childbearing age at time of transplantation. Four pregnancies occurred following AHSCT. Two pregnancies were carried to term. No maternal or neonatal complications were reported in either case. Two pregnancies were not carried to term due to elective terminations. Both of these patients became pregnant unexpectedly 2 years following AHSCT. Of the 21 male patients, one patient has fathered three children since his AHSCT. There were no newborn complications. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report to our knowledge on fertility outcomes in both sexes post-AHSCT for MS. Patients of both sexes should be counselled prior to treatment on infertility and contraceptive use.

The application of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in relapsed/refractory lymphoma / 白血病·淋巴瘤

The therapy of relapsed/refractory lymphoma is still a challenge, and high-dose chemotherapy combined with autologous stem cell transplantation, new drugs and cellular immunotherapy are the main treatment options. In recent years, the emergence of reduced intensity conditioning allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) and alternative donor have made allo-HSCT become a valuable option for relapsed/refractory lymphoma. The features of the disease, patients' clinical characteristics, selection of alternative donors, conditioning regimen and the management of transplantation-related complications affect the survival of patients after transplantation. The data of allo-HSCT in the treatment of relapsed/refractory lymphoma are mainly derived from retrospective reports of various transplantation centers, and a large number of prospective clinical trials are desperately needed to explore. There are still no consensus for the selection criteria of transplant patients, the timing of transplantation, the selection of graft source and transplantation conditioning. This paper reviews the current progress of the application of allo-HSCT in relapsed/refractory lymphoma.

Efficacy analysis of SEAM preconditioning regimen followed by autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in relapsed/refractory non-Hodgkin lymphoma / 白血病·淋巴瘤

Objective:To investigate the efficacy and adverse effects of SEAM (semustine, etoposide, cytarabine and melphalan) preconditioning regimen followed by autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (auto-HSCT) in treatment of patients with relapsed/refractory non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL).Methods:The clinical data of 20 NHL patients receiveing conditioning regimen followed by auto-HSCT in 920th Hospital of PLA Joint Logistic Support Force from January 2015 to September 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. The pretreatment-related adverse effects, recovery of hematopoietic function after transplantation, and disease prognosis were observed.Results:During the pretreatment of 20 patients, 1 patient had pulmonary infection, 8 patients had nausea and vomiting, 3 patients had diarrhea, 1 patient had fever, 1 patient had lung injury, and 1 patient had mucositis. After auto-HSCT, 16 patients achieved hematopoietic reconstruction, the median time of neutrophil engraftment (neutrophil ≥0.5×10 9/L) was 13 d (8-30 d) and the median time of platelet engraftment (platelets ≥20×10 9/L) was 13 d (9-37 d). The median follow-up time was 27 months (3-65 months). Until the end of the follow-up, 16 (80%) patients had disease-free survival, 4 patients died, and no patient had recurrence and disease progression; non-relapse mortality was 20%. Conclusions:SEAM conditioning regimen followed by auto-HSCT has a better tolerance, less adverse events, quick recovery of hematopoietic reconstruction and good efficacy for NHL patients.

Effects of different treatment regimens before allogeneic-hematopoietic stem cell transplantation on the outcome after transplantation of patients with myelodysplastic syndrome: a meta analysis / 白血病·淋巴瘤

Objective:To systematically evaluate effects of different treatment schemes before allogeneic-hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) on the long-term relapse and survival of patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) after transplantation.Methods:The related literatures were searched from databases of Ovid, Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, CNKI, VIP, WanFang and CBM from inception to December 2019. And then 2 reviewers independently extracted data, assessed methodological quality and crosschecked on the included literatures. According to the treatment methods, the cases included in the literatures were divided into demethylation drug (decitabine or azacytidine) treatment (demethylation treatment group) and traditional treatment regimen (including chemotherapy and support treatment) (traditional treatment group). RevMan 5.3 software was used to analyze overall survival (OS), recurrence, non-relapse mortality (NRM) and relapse free survival (RFS).Results:Finally, 10 articles were included. The results of meta-analysis showed that in the traditional treatment group, the differences of 3-year OS rate [44.6% (146/327) vs. 35.5%(138/389); OR = 0.93, 95% CI 0.38-2.27, P = 0.87], the recurrence rate [32.4% (106/327) vs. 37.3% (145/389); OR = 1.00, 95% CI 0.49-2.05, P = 0.99], NRM [26.3% (86/327) vs. 27.0% (105/389); OR = 1.05, 95% CI 0.75-1.49, P = 0.77], RFS rate [9.2% (30/327) vs. 12.6% (49/389); OR = 0.74, 95% CI 0.26-2.10, P = 0.57] between the chemotherapy group and the support treatment group were not statistically significant. The differences of 3-year OS rate [40.7% (165/405) vs. 45.9% (290/632); OR = 0.98, 95% CI 0.71-1.36, P = 0.28], recurrence rate [32.6% (132/405) vs. 38.3% (242/632); OR = 1.05, 95% CI 0.79-2.05, P = 0.25], NRM [27.2% (110/405) vs. 24.8% (157/632); OR = 0.81, 95% CI 0.59-1.11, P = 0.68], RFS rate [46.7% (189/405) vs. 42.2 (267/632); OR = 0.84, 95% CI 0.63-1.12, P = 0.85] between demethylation treatment group and traditional treatment group were not statistically significant. There were no significant differences in 3-year OS rate, recurrence rate, NRM and RFS rate between demethylation treatment group and chemotherapy group, demethylation treatment group and support treatment group (all P > 0.05). Conclusion:Different treatment regimens before allo-HSCT have no significant effect on survival or recurrence after transplantation for patients with MDS.

Lasting Gammaproteobacteria profile changes characterized hematological cancer patients who developed oral mucositis following conditioning therapy.

Background: Oral mucositis (OM) is a common side effect of conditioning therapy implemented before hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). The role of oral microbiome in OM is not fully elucidated. Objective: To determine oral microbiome profile changes post-conditioning in HSCT patients who developed moderate OM, or mild to no OM. Design: Patient groups were: Muc0-1 with OM-score = 0-1 (43 paired samples) and Muc2 with WHO OM-score = 2 (36 paired samples). Bacterial DNA was isolated from oral samples (saliva, swabs of buccal mucosa, tongue, and supragingival plaque) at pre-conditioning (T 0 ), post-conditioning mucositis onset (T Muc ), and one-year post-conditioning (T Year ). 16S-rRNA gene next-generation sequencing was used to determine the relative abundance (RA) of >700 oral species. Alpha-diversity, beta-diversity and linear discriminant analyses (LDA) were performed Muc2 versus Muc0-1. Results: Muc2 oral microbiome alpha- and beta-diversity differed between T 0 and T Muc . Muc2 alpha-diversity and Muc0-1 beta-diversity did not differ between T 0 and T Year . T 0 to T Muc LDA scores were significant in Muc2 for Gammaproteobacteria. For Muc2 patients, the average RA decreased for Haemophilus parainfluenza, a species known as mucosal surfaces protector, but increased for Escherichia-Shigella genera. Conclusions: Post-conditioning OM might contribute to long-term oral microbiome changes affecting Gammaproteobacteria, in HSCT patients.

Reduced-Intensity Conditioning with Busulfan and Fludarabine for Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.

PURPOSE: Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) with optimal conditioning has helped better long-term survival in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). This study investigated the efficacy and safety of reduced-intensity conditioning (RIC) with busulfan and fludarabine in adult ALL patients unfit for myeloablation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Records of 78 patients who underwent HSCT with RIC consisting of 3.2 mg/kg/day of busulfan for 2 or 3 days and 30 mg/m²/day of fludarabine for 5 or 6 days were analyzed. RESULTS: The median age at diagnosis was 49 years. Over a median follow-up of 22 months, 2-year estimates of relapse-free survival (RFS) and overall survival were 57.4% and 68.7%, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed a trend of improved RFS in patients with chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) (hazard ratio, 0.53; 95% confidence interval, 0.26-1.08; p=0.080). The cumulative incidences of relapse and non-relapse mortality were 42.9% and 19.6%, respectively and one case of central nervous system relapse was noted. No hepatic veno-occlusive disease was reported. Grade II-IV acute GVHD and any grade chronic GVHD occurred in 21.1% and 41.7%, respectively. CONCLUSION: RIC with busulfan and fludarabine is an effective and safe conditioning regimen for adult ALL patients unfit for myeloablation.

Improved Outcomes after Allogenic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation with Fludarabine/Treosulfan for Patients with Myelodysplastic Syndromes.

While allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HCT) currently offers the only curative option for patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), there is still a high risk of relapse or transplant-related complications. We collected data on all patients who had undergone allo-HCT at our center (Copenhagen University Hospital) between 2000 and 2018. In total, 215 patients with MDS (n = 196) or chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (n = 19) were included. Estimated 1-year overall survival (OS) was 70.3% (95% confidence interval [CI], 64.2% to 77.0%), and the median survival was 7.7 years (95% CI, 4.7 to indeterminable). There was a significant improvement in OS over time (P = .011, comparing 2000 to 2010, 2010 to 2014, and 2014 to 2018). Treatment was standardized throughout the study period, allowing comparison between patients receiving nonmyeloablative (NMA, n = 124), standard myeloablative (SMA, n = 36), and fludarabine and treosulfan (FluTreo, n = 55) conditioning. FluTreo has myeloablative properties but lower toxicity and replaced standard myeloablative conditioning at our center in 2014. The FluTreo group was significantly older and had more comorbidities than the SMA group but similar disease severity. One-year OS was 84.0% (95% CI, 74.3% to 94.9%), 58.3% (95% CI, 44.3% to 76.9%), and 68.3% (95% CI, 60.2% to 77.5%) for FluTreo, SMA, and NMA, respectively (P = .04). In univariate analysis, Revised International Scoring System (IPSS-R) (high versus low), donor sex mismatch, and cytomegalovirus status mismatch were significant factors for OS. In multivariate analysis of OS including age, IPSS-R, and HCT specific comorbidity index, NMA was borderline inferior to FluTreo (P = .073) while SMA was significantly inferior to FluTreo with a hazard ratio of 6.89 (95% CI, 2.53 to 18.77, P < .001). The introduction of FluTreo allowed us to administer a myeloablative regimen to a broader patient group and shows promising results.

Acute Kidney Injury and CKD Associated with Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation.

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is a life-saving therapy for many patients with cancer, as well as patients with some nonmalignant hematologic disorders, such as aplastic anemia, sickle cell disease, and certain congenital immune deficiencies. Kidney injury directly associated with stem cell transplantation includes a wide range of structural and functional abnormalities, which may be vascular (hypertension, thrombotic microangiopathy), glomerular (albuminuria, nephrotic glomerulopathies), and/or tubulointerstitial. AKI occurs commonly after stem cell transplant, affecting 10%-73% of patients. The cause is often multifactorial and can include sepsis, nephrotoxic medications, marrow infusion syndrome, hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome, thrombotic microangiopathy, infections, and graft versus host disease. The risk of post-transplant kidney injury varies depending on patient characteristics, type of transplant (allogeneic versus autologous), and choice of chemotherapeutic conditioning regimen (myeloablative versus nonmyeloablative). Importantly, AKI is associated with substantial morbidity, including the need for KRT in approximately 5% of patients and the development of CKD in up to 60% of transplant recipients. AKI has been associated universally with higher all-cause and nonrelapse mortality regardless of transplant type, and studies have consistently shown extremely high (>80%) mortality rates in those patients requiring acute dialysis. Accordingly, prevention, early recognition, and prompt treatment of kidney injury are essential to improving kidney and patient outcomes after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, and for realizing the full potential of this therapy.