Second stem cell transplantation for treatment of relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma after first autologous stem cell transplant: A 15-year retrospective institutional analysis.

Background: Multiple myeloma remains an incurable disease, with the majority of patients relapsing after autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT). After relapse, second transplant remains one of the therapeutic options, along with novel agents. Methods: We reviewed the data of our patients who underwent ASCT for myeloma (N = 202) over the last two decades (2004-2019). Of these, 12 patients underwent a second transplant. Results: Out of 12 patients, nine underwent second autologous stem cell transplant, whereas three received an allogeneic stem cell transplantation (Allo-SCT). Median progression-free survival (PFS) after the first ASCT was 32 months (5-84 months). Median interval between both the transplants was 35 months (4-159 months). Median age of our cohort which underwent second transplant was 56 years. Overall response rate (ORR) post-second transplant on day +100 was 83.3%, without any transplant-related mortality (TRM). With the use of preemptive plerixafor, none of our patients required a second day for stem cell harvest. Median CD34 dose of stem cells infused was 4.11 × 106/kg. Similar to the first ASCT, the median time to neutrophil and platelet engraftment was 11 and 12 days, respectively. At a median follow-up of 41 months, estimated 3-year PFS and overall survival (OS) was 37% ± 15% and 63% ± 15%, respectively. Conclusion: ">Among all relapsed myeloma patients who were transplant eligible, 11% underwent a second transplant. Second transplant is well tolerated with similar time to engraftment after first ASCT. Hence, we believe that second transplant is a feasible, cost-effective option in a resource-limited setting, which should be more widely utilized.

Managing Diabetes Mellitus With Millets: A New Solution.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality, and the disease's prevalence is increasing with each passing day. DM can be prevented and controlled with modifications to the diet, especially by incorporating millet in the diet. Throughout history, eating habits have been recognized for their significant contribution to promoting health and wellness by eating foods rich in nutrients. Millet is an underutilized food crop with many benefits for health, with the most beneficial being low glycemic index, high fiber content, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), non-acid-forming potential, and gluten-free. In addition to staple food crops, such as wheat, rice, and foxtail millet, millets are still highly nutritious and beneficial and have great potential to help the world combat the food insecurity many countries face today. Millets are in the top positions of recommended dietary charts with their numerous health benefits and antioxidant properties.

Primary Bone Lymphoma: A 13 Year Retrospective Institutional Analysis in the Chemo-Immunotherapy Era.

Primary Lymphoma of bone (PBL) is an uncommon extranodal tumor accounting for 1% of all malignant lymphomas. The incidence of PBL is so rare that many of its aspects remain unknown. We retrospectively analysed our data in order to know clinical characteristics and treatment outcome in Indian population in chemo-immunotherapy era. We identified 49 patients [2007-2019] (median age 52 years) of which, 35 (71.4%) were males. Nearly one-third patients (n = 18; 36.8%) were elderly (Age > 60). The most common histological subtype was DLBCL. Local pain /swelling (n = 23; 47%) and B symptoms (n = 20; 44.4%) was the most common presentation. Spine was the most frequently involved site (n = 25; 51%) followed by pelvis (n = 17; 34.7%). One third patients had poor ECOG-PS ≥ 2, (n = 16; 32.6). More than 50% of the population presented with IPI score ≥ 2 (n = 25; 55.5%). Majority of the patients presented with Ann-Arbor stage IV disease (n = 31; 63.2%). (n = 32; 71.1%) cases received chemotherapy alone and (n = 13; 28.9%) patients were treated in combination with local radiotherapy. R-CHOP was the most common treatment regimen given to patients (n = 43; 95.5%). Overall, three-fourth patients (n = 36; 80%) achieved a complete response. At a median follow-up of 45 ± 2 (range 3-144) months, 4-year OS (Overall Survival) and PFS (Progression free survival) was 83.1% and 74.5%, respectively, using Kaplan-Meier survival curves. Prognostic factors for OS on multivariate analysis were ECOG-PS 0-1 [p = 0.05], age < 60 [p = 0.03] and achievement of CR [p = 0.001]. PBL in India is usually of DLBCL subtype, with spine as the most common site. It has an excellent prognosis in the R-CHOP era. Chemo-immunotherapy with 6 R-CHOP followed by addition of Radiotherapy if partial response appears to provide good outcomes. However, the exact role of radiation still needs to be confirmed.

A Retrospective Cohort Study of Upfront Nilotinib in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia: A Single-Center Experience.

Context Nilotinib is a second-generation BCR-ABL1 tyrosine kinase inhibitor used in the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Aims We aim to evaluate the responses and safety of upfront Nilotinib therapy in Indian CML patients. Setting and Design We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of CML patients who received Nilotinib as an upfront treatment at our center between January 1, 2011 and October 15, 2019.The follow-up was taken till March 31, 2020. Results Forty One patients ( n = 36 chronic phase and five accelerated-phase CML) received frontline Nilotinib. Median age was 39 years (21-63) with male-to-female ratio of 1.1: 1. At 3 months, 96.9% patients achieved BCR-ABL of ≤10% at international scale. By the end of 12 months, 71.5% patients achieved major molecular response (BCR-ABL ≤0.1%) and 91.4% patients achieved complete cytogenetic response assessed by BCR-ABL polymerase chain reaction of ≤1%. Common toxicities observed were weight gain, thrombocytopenia, corrected QT prolongation, and elevated serum amylase in 14 (34.1%), 7(17.07%), 4(9.7%), and 4(9.7%) patients, respectively. Overall, five patients had loss of response with further progression and death in three patients. At a median of 43.7 months, 38 patients survived with estimated 3 year event-free survival and overall survival of 65 ± 9 and 93 ± 5%. Conclusion This study showed remarkable good response with upfront Nilotinib in Indian patients with CML.