Identification of the minimum requirements for successful haematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

Historically, defining haematopoietic subsets, including self-renewal, differentiation and lineage restriction, has been elucidated by transplanting a small number of candidate cells with many supporting bone marrow (BM) cells. While this approach has been invaluable in characterising numerous distinct subsets in haematopoiesis, this approach is arguably flawed. The haematopoietic stem cell (HSC) has been proposed as the critical haematopoietic subset necessary for transplantation. However, due to the presence of supporting cells, the HSC has never demonstrated sufficiency. Utilising the homeobox B5 (Hoxb5)-reporter system, we found that neither long-term (LT) HSCs nor short-term (ST) HSCs alone were sufficient for long-term haematopoietic reconstitution. Critically, reconstitution can be rescued by transplanting combined LT- and ST-HSCs, without supporting cells; a fraction we term the 'Minimum Subset for Transplantation' (MST). The MST accounts for only 0·005% of nucleated cells within mouse BM, and this MST can be cultured, expanded and genetically modified while preserving its rapid haematopoietic engraftment potential. These results support the consideration of an MST approach for clinical translation, especially for gene therapy approaches that require HSC compartment modification.

[Therapeutic Education Programs for the Patient (ETP) undergoing an allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation: Guidelines from the Francophone Society of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy (SFGM-TC)]. / Programme d'éducation thérapeutique du patient (ETP) faisant l'objet d'une allogreffe de cellules souches hématopoïétiques : recommandations de la Société francophone de greffe de moelle et de thérapie cellulaire (SFGM-TC).

Patients undergoing an allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant (allo-HCT) need to understand and adhere to the transplant process as well as post-transplant follow-up requirements. A working group has met during the eleventh edition of the Francophone Society of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy (SFGM-TC) Practice Harmonization Workshops. The analysis of a survey that was sent to several transplant centers belonging to the SFGM-TC has been used as a milestone to this article. While, post-transplant medical follow-up was comparable from one center to another, nursing care was found to lack harmonization between centers, although, all patients would receive therapeutic education at one time or another regarding potential transplant-related complications. A few centers in France has established a therapeutic education program that was approved by French health authorities. The aim of this work was to set up guidelines to help centers establishing such a program in well-harmonized way.

[National patient follow-up care logbook: Guidelines from the Francophone Society of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy (SFGM-TC)]. / Carnet national de suivi post-allogreffe de l'adulte : recommandations de la Société francophone de greffe de moelle et de thérapie cellulaire (SFGM-TC).

In an attempt to harmonize clinical practices among francophone hematopoietic stem cell transplantation centers, the Francophone Society of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy (SFGM-TC) held its eleventh annual workshop series in September 2020 in Lille. This event brought together practitioners from across Europe. Our article discusses the updates and modifications for the 2021 version of the national patient follow-up care logbook.

Clinical experience of coronavirus disease 2019 in hematopoietic cell transplant and chimeric antigen receptor T-cell recipients.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To discuss the clinical experience of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in hematopoietic cell transplant and chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy recipients over the past year and to identify key knowledge gaps for future research. RECENT FINDINGS: Immunocompromised individuals and those with chronic health conditions are especially susceptible to infections, which have had a disproportionate impact on health outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Several studies have evaluated the clinical characteristics and outcomes of transplant and cellular therapy (TCT) recipients who developed COVID-19. Age, sex, comorbid conditions, and social determinants of health are important predictors of the risk of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection and of the eventual severity of the disease. Various treatment approaches have been investigated over the last year. The paradigm of management strategies continues to evolve as more experience is accumulated. SUMMARY: In this review, we summarize some important findings as they relate to the clinical characteristics of TCT recipients who develop COVID-19. We also discuss some treatment approaches that are currently recommended and opine on vaccination in this population.

The new world: hematopoietic stem cell transplant during a pandemic.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) impacted every facet of hematopoietic cell transplantation. This article reviews the adjustments to recipient and donor care that occurred in response to this unprecedented event. RECENT FINDINGS: Transplant centers modified algorithms, patient flow, education, and how we provided care. Our donor center partners reworked how donors were evaluated and products delivered to the transplant center. Our professional societies provided guidelines for patient and donor care and rapidly modified these based upon the never-ending stream of new data learned about SARS-CoV-2. Our research organizations provided rapid analyses to ensure the care modifications necessitated did not have a profound negative impact on our patients or donors. SUMMARY: The efforts of transplant providers and donor centers worldwide allowed patients to receive the transplant needed with assurances that they were receiving the best care available despite the worldwide challenge.

[Establishment of Hematopoietic cell transplantation program in developing countries : Guidelines from the francophone Society of bone marrow transplantation and cellular therapy (SFGM-TC)]. / Mise en place d'un programme de greffe de cellules souches hématopoïétiques dans les pays en voie de développement. Recommandations de la Société francophone de greffe de moelle et de thérapie cellulaire (SFGM-TC).

Hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is the curative treatment for many malignant and non-malignant blood disorders and some solid cancers. However, transplant procedures are considered tertiary level care requiring a high degree of technicality and expertise and generating very high costs for hospital structures in developing countries as well as for patients without health insurance. During the 11th annual harmonization workshops of the francophone Society of bone marrow transplantation and cellular therapy (SFGM-TC), a designated working group reviewed the literature in order to elaborate unified guidelines, for developing the transplant activity in emerging countries. Access to infrastructure must comply with international standards and therefore requires a hospital system already in place, capable of accommodating and supporting the HCT activity. In addition, the commitment of the state and the establishment for the financing of the project seems essential.

[Autologous hematopoietic cells for severe autoimmune diseases: Guidelines of the Francophone Society of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy (SFGM-TC) for immune monitoring and biobanking]. / Suivi immunologique et collection biologique en vue de l'analyse de la réponse clinique après autogreffe de moelle pour maladies auto-immunes : recommandations de la Société francophone de greffe de moelle et de thérapie cellulaire (SFGM-TC).

Autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation (AHCT) is a new treatment option for patients with severe autoimmune diseases (AD), based on the use of intensive or myeloablative chemotherapy to eradicate the pathogenic autoreactive immune cells and to allow the installation of a new and tolerant immune system during immune reconstitution process. Immune reconstitution analysis after AHCT is required for patients clinical follow-up and to further identify biological and immunological markers of the clinical response to develop individualized AHCT protocols. These MATHEC-SFGM-TC good clinical practice guidelines were developed by a multidisciplinary group of experts including members of the french reference center for stem Cell Therapy in Auto-immune Diseases (MATHEC), hematologists from the French speaking Society of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy (SFGM-TC) and experts in immune monitoring and biobanking. The objectives are to provide practical recommandations for immune monitoring and biobanking of samples in patients with AD undergoing AHCT, for routine care purposes and investigational studies.

[How to deal with an unexpected event that could alter the normal activity of cellular therapy? Recommendations of the Francophone Society of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy (SFGM-TC)]. / Comment faire face à un événement inattendu pouvant modifier l'activité normale de thérapie cellulaire ? Recommandations de la Société Francophone de Greffe de Moelle et de Thérapie Cellulaire (SFGM-TC).

The SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic has rapidly impacted cell therapy activities across the globe. Not only was this, unexpected event, a threat to patients who had previously received hematopoietic cell transplantation or other cell therapy such as CAR-T cells, but also, it was responsible for a disruption of cell therapy activities due to the danger of the virus and to the lack of solid scientific data on the management of patients and donors. The Francophone Society of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy (SFGM-TC) devoted a workshop to issue useful recommendations in such an unexpected event in order to harmonize the actions of all the actors involved in cellular therapy programs so that we can collectively face, in the future, the challenges that could threaten our patients. This work is not specifically dedicated to the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak, but the latter has been used as a concrete example of an unexpected event to build up our recommendations.

Pre-transplant therapy for patients with myelodysplastic syndromes: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The value of pre-transplant cytoreductive therapy for patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) is controversial. Here, we conducted a meta-analysis to explore the effects of cytoreduction before transplantation. METHODS: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and Chinese databases were searched to identify studies comparing post-transplant outcomes in MDS patients receiving different pre-transplant therapy. Pooled hazard ratios (HRs) and 95 % confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. RESULTS: Eighteen reports were included. Post-transplant outcomes were similar for MDS patients receiving pre-transplant cytoreductive therapy and upfront transplantation in terms of overall survival (OS: HR, 0.92; 95 % CI, 0.79-1.07), relapse-free survival (RFS: HR, 1.18; 95 % CI, 0.94-1.47), cumulative incidence of relapse (CIR: HR, 1.08; 95 % CI, 0.88-1.33), and non-relapse mortality (NRM: HR, 0.93; 95 % CI, 0.74-1.18). Pre-transplant hypomethylating agents (HMAs) and chemotherapy were not different regarding post-transplant OS, RFS, CIR, and NRM. Achieving complete remission (CR) before transplantation was associated with increased RFS (HR, 0.80; 95 %CI, 0.63-1.00) and decreased NRM (HR, 0.53; 95 % CI, 0.32-0.90) when compared with upfront transplantation. CONCLUSIONS: Timely transplantation is of great value for MDS patients. Suitable pre-transplant cytoreduction could be used during the search for donors.

[Definition and standardization of histocompatibility requests depending on patient course and donor type: Guidelines from the Francophone Society of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy (SFGM-TC) and the Francophone Society of Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics (SFHI)]. / Définition et standardisation des bilans d'histocompatibilité en fonction du parcours du patient et du type de donneur : recommandations de la Société francophone de greffe de moelle et de thérapie cellulaire (SFGM-TC) et de la Société Francophone d'Histocompatibilité et Immunogénétique (SFHI).

Standardization of histocompatibility tests for allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplants, harmonization of information transmitted to clinicians are part of quality improvement and optimization of human and economic resources. New HLA typing technologies provide high-resolution information within a reasonable time frame. Knowledge of high-resolution HLA typing for the patient and their relatives is essential for a better interpretation of compatibilities. HLA-DPB1 typing must be considered in transplant field regardless of the donor type. The benefits of using search and match programs are considerable. It saves time and reduces additional typing costs by providing rapid information about the likelihood to identify a matched unrelated donor. A backup therapy considering alternative cell sources or treatment can therefore be quickly implemented. The importance of knowledge and consideration of patient immunization for donor choice was explored in previous workshops of the SFGM-TC (2018 and 2019). The published recommendations remain applicable. The routine follow-up protocol and in case of desensitization will be detailed here. This harmonization must be accompanied by the standardization of information to be returned to the clinician regarding the donor finding possibilities for the patient. This will guarantee a similar quality level in every center.

Double remission of chronic lymphocytic leukemia and secondary acute myeloid leukemia after venetoclax monotherapy: A case report.

RATIONALE: The abnormal expression of B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) family members is often associated with the progression of the disease. Bcl-2 inhibitors (eg, venetoclax) were first reported to inhibit the proliferation of malignant lymphocytes and have a significant effect on patients with chronic lymphoblastic leukemia, but research on myeloid tumors is relatively delayed. Venetoclax was approved in 2018 for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients who were not suitable for high-dose chemotherapy. The approval of venetoclax is an advance in the treatment of hematological tumors. PATIENT CONCERNS: Here we report a 64-year-old male with an increased white blood cell (WBC) count (39.0 × 109/L) and lymphocyte count (30.6 × 109/L) on physical examination in July 2014. The patients were diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) through bone marrow (BM) smears and immunophenotyping without any cytogenetic or molecular abnormalities. Chlorambucil was prescribed, WBC was stable between 15 × 109/L and 25 × 109/L in the past 6 years. He came to the hospital again in May 2020 and complained of fatigue for 2 weeks. WBC (16.7 × 109/L) and lymphocyte (14.76 × 109/L) counts were increased, hemoglobin (HGB) and platelet (PLT) were decreased in peripheral blood, which indicated the progression of the disease. DIAGNOSES: The patient was diagnosed as secondary AML after CLL based on the clinical and laboratory findings. INTERVENTIONS: He achieved a morphological complete remission in both AML and CLL without any adverse reactions after one course of venetoclax monotherapy. OUTCOMES: He received standard daunorubicin and cytarabine combined with venetoclax as consolidation therapy and is now ready for allogeneic-hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. LESSONS: Our case presents a challenge to traditional treatment. New drugs such as venetoclax have shown outstanding effects in this respect. High expression of Bcl-2 can identify the responders of venetoclax. These findings should be validated in future clinical trials. We fully believe that in the near future, the comprehensive use of targeted drugs with different mechanisms will not only improve the quality of life of patients, but also completely change the prognosis of patients with recurrent and refractory hematological malignancies.

BSHI guideline: HLA matching and donor selection for haematopoietic progenitor cell transplantation.

A review of the British Society for Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics (BSHI) Guideline 'HLA matching and donor selection for haematopoietic progenitor cell transplantation' published in 2016 was undertaken by a BSHI appointed writing committee. Literature searches were performed and the data extracted were presented as recommendations according to the GRADE nomenclature.

Influence of laboratory procedures on postthawing cell viability and hematopoietic engraftment after autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation.

BACKGROUND: The kinetics of hematopoietic recovery after autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) may be affected by laboratory procedures. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of characteristics of the cryopreserved units of peripheral blood stem cells (PBSC) on postthawing cell viability and engraftment outcomes after ASCT. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study including individuals referred for ASCT. Cryopreservation was conducted at a single processing facility between 2014 and 2019, and patients received clinical care at six transplant centers. Covariates and outcome data were retrieved from participants' records. RESULTS: The study population comprised 619 patients (345 [55.7%] male). Median age was 53 years. Multiple myeloma was the most common diagnosis (62.7%). Higher preapheresis CD34+ cell count, lower nucleated cell (NC) concentration per cryobag, and composition of the cryoprotectant solution (5% dimethyl sulfoxide [DMSO] and 6% hydroxyethyl starch) were statistically significantly associated with higher postthawing cell viability. The linear regression model for time to neutrophil and platelet engraftment included the infused CD34+ cell dose and the composition of the cryoprotectant solution. Patients who had PBSC cryopreserved using 10% DMSO solution presented six times higher odds (odds ratio [OR] = 6.9; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.2-21.1; p = .001) of delayed neutrophil engraftment (>14 days) and two times higher odds (OR = 2.3, 95%CI: 1.4-3.7; p = .001) of prolonged hospitalization (>18 days). DISCUSSION: The study showed that mobilization efficacy, NC concentration, and the composition of the cryoprotectant solution significantly affected postthawing cell viability. In addition, the composition of the cryoprotectant solution significantly impacted engraftment outcomes and time of hospitalization after ASCT.

Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant in Multiple Sclerosis: Recommendations of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Importance: Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant (AHSCT) for multiple sclerosis has gained increasing interest in recent years. Despite the availability of many US Food and Drug Administration-approved disease-modifying therapies, some patients do not respond adequately and others may have very early aggressive disease that prompts consideration of alternative, highly effective, long-lasting therapy. The National Medical Advisory Committee of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society has reviewed recent literature on AHSCT for the purpose of making recommendations about its use based on current knowledge, as well as pointing out areas of controversy and issues requiring further research. Observations: Studies on AHSCT have repeatedly demonstrated high efficacy and a durable outcome in people with relapsing multiple sclerosis. Recent studies have shown considerable improvement in the safety of the procedure, with much lower mortality rates than were reported earlier. Consensus is emerging about the characteristics of the best candidates for the procedure. Questions remain about the ideal protocol, particularly about the best conditioning regimen to be used to kill immune cells. Larger randomized clinical trials are needed to address the question of whether AHSCT has advantages over the most efficacious disease-modifying agents currently available. One such trial (Best Available Therapy Versus Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant for Multiple Sclerosis [BEAT-MS) is currently in progress. Conclusions and Relevance: The National Multiple Sclerosis Society believes that AHSCT may be a useful treatment option for people with relapsing multiple sclerosis who demonstrate substantial breakthrough disease activity (ie, new inflammatory central nervous system lesions and/or clinical relapses) despite treatment with high-efficacy disease-modifying therapy or have contraindications to high-efficacy disease-modifying therapies. The best candidates are likely people younger than 50 years with shorter durations of disease (<10 years). The procedure should only be performed at centers with substantial experience and expertise. Ideally, recipients of the procedure should be entered into a single database, and further research is needed to establish ideal cell mobilization and immune-conditioning regimens.

European wide survey on allogeneic haematopoietic cell transplantation practice for myelofibrosis on behalf of the EBMT chronic malignancies working party.

Heterogeneous practices exist across transplant centres regarding assessment prior to allogeneic haematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) for myelofibrosis, post-transplant monitoring and management of relapse. The 'Practice Harmonisation and Guidelines' and Myeloproliferative Neoplasms subcommittees of the Chronic Malignancies Working Party (CMWP) of the EBMT generated an electronic survey proposal to investigate approaches to the above aspects of myelofibrosis allo-HCT practice. This survey was sent to a total of 65 centres experienced in allo-HCT for myelofibrosis across Europe in February 2020. By time of survey closure, a total of 36 centres (55 %) had completed the survey. Responses were aggregated and reported in a comparative fashion. Marked variations in assessment prior to allo-HCT, JAK inhibitor management peri-transplant, molecular, histopathological and cytogenetic monitoring and approaches to the definition and management of relapse were apparent across surveyed centres. On the basis of these findings, future CMWP efforts will focus on defining guidelines for relapse definition in MF allo-HCT and also suggested optimal monitoring practices for the transplant community.

The Binns Program for Cord Blood Research: A novel model of cord blood banking for academic biomedical research.

Umbilical cord blood is an important graft source in the treatment of many genetic, hematologic, and immunologic disorders by hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Millions of cord blood units have been collected and stored for clinical use since the inception of cord blood banking in 1989. However, the use of cord blood in biomedical research has been limited by access to viable samples. Here, we present a cost-effective, self-sustaining model for the procurement of fresh umbilical cord blood components for research purposes within hospital-affiliated academic institutions.

To Transplant or Not to Transplant During the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic? That Is the Question.

The novel coronavirus disease 2019 has grown to be a global public health emergency. The rapid spread of the infection has raised many questions in the oncohematological scientific community regarding the appropriateness of high-dose chemotherapy with autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT). We here report two cases of patients who received ASCT at our Institute during the epidemic in Italy, affected with Hodgkin lymphoma and germ cell tumor, respectively. The two patients underwent a nasopharyngeal swab for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) on hospital admittance and during the period of bone marrow aplasia. They were attended to exclusively by dedicated health care staff who followed specifically implemented protocols for bedside nursing and care. They completed the procedure without unexpected side effect. Our experience demonstrates how ASCT can be performed safely if procedures are reorganized ad hoc to reduce the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection.