Evaluation of Circulating Endothelial Cells as Direct Marker of Endothelial Damage in Allo-Transplant Recipients at High Risk of Hepatic Veno-Occlusive Disease/Sinusoidal Obstruction Syndrome.

Sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (SOS), also known as veno-occlusive disease (VOD), is a rare but potentially fatal complication following allogenic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT). Timely identification of SOS/VOD to allow for prompt treatment is critical, but identifying a VOD-predictive biomarker remains challenging. Given the pivotal role of endothelial dysfunction in SOS/VOD pathophysiology, the CECinVOD study prospectively evaluated levels of circulating endothelial cells (CECs) in patients undergoing allo-HCT with a myeloablative conditioning (MAC) regimen to investigate the potential of CEC level in predicting and diagnosing SOS/VOD. A total of 150 patients from 11 Italian bone marrow transplantation units were enrolled. All participants were age >18 years and received a MAC regimen, putting them at elevated risk of developing SOS/VOD. Overall, 6 cases of SOS/VOD (4%) were recorded. CECs were detected using the Food and Drug Administration-approved CellSearch system, an immunomagnetic selection-based platform incorporating ferrofluid nanoparticles and fluorescent-labeled antibodies, and were defined as CD146+, CD105+, DAPI+, or CD45-. Blood samples were collected at the following time points: before (T0) and at the end of conditioning treatment (T1), at neutrophil engraftment (T2), and at 7 to 10 days postengraftment (T3). For patients who developed VOD, additional samples were collected at any suspected or proven VOD onset (T4) and weekly during defibrotide treatment (T5 to T8). A baseline CEC count >17/mL was associated with an elevated risk of SOS/VOD (P = .04), along with bilirubin level >1.5 mg/mL and a haploidentical donor hematopoietic stem cell source. Postconditioning regimen (T1) CEC levels were elevated (P = .02), and levels were further increased at engraftment (P < .0001). Additionally, patients developing SOS/VOD after engraftment, especially those with late-onset SOS/VOD, showed a markedly higher relative increase (>150%) in CEC count. Multivariate analysis supported these findings, along with a high Endothelial Activation and Stress Index (EASIX) score at engraftment (T2). Finally, CEC kinetics corresponded with defibrotide treatment. After the start of therapy (T4), CEC levels showed an initial increase in the first week (T5), followed by a progressive decrease during VOD treatment (T6 and T7) and a return to pre-SOS/VOD onset levels at resolution of the complication. This prospective multicenter study reveals a low incidence of SOS/VOD in high-risk patients compared to historical data, in line with recent reports. The results from the CECinVOD study collectively confirm the endothelial injury in allo-HCT and its role in in the development of SOS/VOD, suggesting that CEC level can be a valuable biomarker for diagnosing SOS/VOD and identifying patients at greater risk of this complication, especially late-onset SOS/VOD. Furthermore, CEC kinetics may support treatment strategies by providing insight into the optimal timing for discontinuing defibrotide treatment.

Uncommon Presentation of Sarcoidosis with Severe Thrombocytopenia and Hemorrhagic Diathesis.

Sarcoidosis, a multi-organ system disease, often presents insidiously. Thrombocytopenia in sarcoidosis is frequent because of hypersplenism, granulomas infiltrating the bone marrow, or immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). The diagnosis of ITP relies on exclusionary criteria, given the absence of a definitive laboratory diagnostic feature. In the era prior to modern ITP management, sarcoidosis-associated ITP was known to manifest severely, often showing resistance to treatment and an increased risk of mortality. In this case, we present a young male who was admitted to a district hospital's emergency room, displaying symptoms of hematuria, gingival bleeding, and a petechial rash. Blood tests revealed severe thrombocytopenia with a platelet count of 0, while all other metabolic and serological exams returned normal results. Infectious and autoimmune causes were ruled out, and a bone marrow examination excluded any hematological disorder. Initial management, including platelet transfusion and presumptive treatment for ITP with dexamethasone and Human Immunoglobulin IV (IVIG), failed to improve the patient's platelet count or alleviate the hemorrhagic diathesis. Second-line therapy with Rituximab and Methylprednisolone was initiated with no benefit. Considering the hemorrhagic signs and the delayed response of Rituximab, we shifted to third-line therapy with Romiplostim at the maximal dose and continued Methylprednisolone. The platelet count recovered completely after the second Romiplostim administration (over 350 × 109 platelets/L) and Methylprednisolone was rapidly tapered. To further study the causes of thrombocytopenia a total body CT scan was performed and it identified non-homogeneously hypodense tissue in the bilateral hilar area extending medially to the subcarinal area, suggesting possible lymphatic origin and raising suspicion of sarcoidosis. Further investigations, including Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) titration, bronchoscopy, bronchoalveolar lavage, and EndoBronchial UltraSound-guided TransBronchial Needle Aspiration (EBUS-TBNA), confirmed the diagnosis of sarcoidosis. Despite a mild restrictive insufficiency noted in spirometry, the patient remained asymptomatic with only a mild respiratory insufficiency, and hence, was enlisted for follow-up. As for the ITP, the platelet count remained normal over a year. Notably, while sarcoidosis onset often predates ITP onset by an average of 48 months, in our case the onset of the two diseases was simultaneously. Our case adds valuable information to the limited body of knowledge regarding the treatment of sarcoidosis-associated ITP.

Exploring the Molecular Aspects of Myeloproliferative Neoplasms Associated with Unusual Site Vein Thrombosis: Review of the Literature and Latest Insights.

Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) are the leading causes of unusual site thrombosis, affecting nearly 40% of individuals with conditions like Budd-Chiari syndrome or portal vein thrombosis. Diagnosing MPNs in these cases is challenging because common indicators, such as spleen enlargement and elevated blood cell counts, can be obscured by portal hypertension or bleeding issues. Recent advancements in diagnostic tools have enhanced the accuracy of MPN diagnosis and classification. While bone marrow biopsies remain significant diagnostic criteria, molecular markers now play a pivotal role in both diagnosis and prognosis assessment. Hence, it is essential to initiate the diagnostic process for splanchnic vein thrombosis with a JAK2 V617F mutation screening, but a comprehensive approach is necessary. A multidisciplinary strategy is vital to accurately determine the specific subtype of MPNs, recommend additional tests, and propose the most effective treatment plan. Establishing specialized care pathways for patients with splanchnic vein thrombosis and underlying MPNs is crucial to tailor management approaches that reduce the risk of hematological outcomes and hepatic complications.

Diagnostic capabilities, clinical features, and longitudinal UBA1 clonal dynamics of a nationwide VEXAS cohort.

VEXAS is a prototypic hemato-inflammatory disease combining rheumatologic and hematologic disorders in a molecularly defined nosological entity. In this nationwide study, we aimed at screenshotting the current diagnostic capabilities and clinical-genomic features of VEXAS, and tracked UBA1 longitudinal clonal dynamics upon different therapeutics, including allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant. We leveraged a collaboration between the Italian Society of Experimental Hematology and of Rheumatology and disseminated a national survey to collect clinical and molecular patient information. Overall, 13/29 centers performed UBA1 genomic testing locally, including Sanger sequencing (46%), next-generation sequencing (23%), droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (8%), or combination (23%). A total of 41 male patients were identified, majority (51%) with threonine substitutions at Met41 hotspot, followed by valine and leucine (27% and 8%). Median age at VEXAS diagnosis was 67 years. All patients displayed anemia (median hemoglobin 9.1 g/dL), with macrocytosis. Bone marrow vacuoles were observed in most cases (89%). The most common rheumatologic association was polychondritis (49%). A concomitant myelodysplastic neoplasm/syndrome (MDS) was diagnosed in 71% of patients (n = 28), chiefly exhibiting lower Revised International Prognostic Scoring System risk profiles. Karyotype was normal in all patients, except three MDS cases showing -Y, t(12;16)(q13;q24), and +8. The most frequently mutated gene was DNMT3A (n = 10), followed by TET2 (n = 3). At last follow-up, five patients died and two patients progressed to acute leukemia. Longitudinal UBA1 clonal dynamics demonstrated mutational clearance following transplant. We collected a nationwide interdisciplinary VEXAS patient cohort, characterized by heterogeneous rheumatologic manifestations and treatments used. MDS was diagnosed in 71% of cases. Patients exhibited various longitudinal UBA1 clonal dynamics.

A prospective, multicenter study on hematopoietic stem-cell mobilization with cyclophosphamide plus granulocyte colony-stimulating factor and 'on-demand' plerixafor in multiple myeloma patients treated with novel agents.

High-dose melphalan plus autologous stem-cell transplantation (ASCT) is a standard of care for transplant-eligible patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM), and adequate hematopoietic stem-cell (HSC) collection is crucial to ensure hematologic recovery after ASCT. In this prospective, observational study we evaluated HSC mobilization with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), cyclophosphamide, and 'on-demand' plerixafor (in patients with.

Thiotepa-busulfan-fludarabine Compared to Treosulfan-based Conditioning for Haploidentical Transplant With Posttransplant Cyclophosphamide in Patients With Acute Myeloid Leukemia in Remission: A Study From the Acute Leukemia Working Party of the EBMT.

We conducted a registry analysis including adult acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients in remission who had received thiotepa, busulfan, and fludarabine (TBF) or treosulfan-based (Treo) conditioning for haplo-hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) with posttransplant cyclophosphamide (PTCy) between 2010 and 2020. A total of 1123 patients met the inclusion criteria (968 received TBF and 155 received Treo). A 1:1 matched-pair analysis was performed on 142 TBF and 142 Treo patients. In the Treo group, 68% of patients received treosulfan at a dose ≥36 g/m2 and 54% of patients received a second alkylator (thiotepa or melphalan). We observed a trend toward increased incidence of grade II-IV acute (a) graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) at 180 days in the TBF group compared with Treo (29% versus 20%; P = 0.08), while incidence of grade III-IV aGVHD was not statistically different. Similarly, the incidence of chronic (c) GVHD was not statistically different in the 2 groups. Incidence of nonrelapse mortality at 2 years was 19% in TBF and 14% in Treo (P = 0.4). Relapse incidence at 2 years was not statistically different in the 2 groups (16% and 18% in TBF and Treo, respectively; P = 0.9). Leukemia-free survival, overall survival, and GVHD-free, relapse-free survival was 65% versus 68% (P = 0.6), 73% versus 76% (P = 0.5), and 54% versus 53% (P = 0.8) in TBF versus Treo, respectively. In conclusion, we did not find a significant difference between the 2 conditioning in the present study; Treo and TBF represent 2 valid alternative regimens for haplo-HSCT with PTCy for AML in remission.

Lenalidomide plus rituximab for the initial treatment of frail older patients with DLBCL: the FIL_ReRi phase 2 study.

Treatment of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) in older patients is challenging, especially for those who are not eligible for anthracycline-containing regimens. Fondazione Italiana Linfomi (FIL) started the FIL_ReRi study, a 2-stage single-arm trial to investigate the activity and safety of the chemo-free combination of rituximab and lenalidomide (R2) in ≥70-year-old untreated frail patients with DLBCL. Frailty was prospectively defined using a simplified geriatric assessment tool. Patients were administered a maximum of 6 28-day cycles of 20 mg oral lenalidomide from days 2 to 22 and IV rituximab 375 mg/m2 on day 1, with response assessment after cycles 4 and 6. Patients with partial response or complete response (CR) at cycle 6 were administered lenalidomide 10 mg/d from days 1 to 21 for every 28 cycles for a total of 12 cycles or until progression or unacceptable toxicity. The primary end point was the overall response rate (ORR) after cycle 6; the coprimary end point was the rate of grade 3 or 4 extrahematological toxicity. The ORR was 50.8%, with 27.7% CR. After a median follow-up of 24 months, the median progression-free survival was 14 months, and the 2-year duration of response was 64%. Thirty-four patients experienced extrahematological toxicity according to the National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events grade ≥3. The activity of the R2 combination was observed in a significant proportion of subjects, warranting further exploration of a chemo-free approach in frail older patients with DLBCL. This trial was registered at EudraCT as #2015-003371-29 and clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT02955823.

Survival advantage of treosulfan plus fludarabine (FT14) compared to busulfan plus fludarabine (FB4) in active acute myeloid leukemia post allogeneic transplantation: an analysis from the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT) Acute Leukemia Working Party (ALWP).

We compared FT14 (fludarabine 150-160 mg/m2, treosulfan 42 g/m2) versus FB4 (fludarabine 150-160 mg/m2, busulfan 12.8 mg/kg) in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) transplanted at primary refractory/relapsed disease. We retrospectively studied: (a) adults diagnosed with AML, (b) recipients of first allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) from unrelated/sibling donor (2010-2020), (c) HSCT with primary refractory/relapsed disease, (d) conditioning regimen with FT14 or FB4. We studied 346 patients, 113 transplanted with FT14, and 233 with FΒ4. FT14 patients were significantly older, more frequently had an unrelated donor and had received a lower dose of fludarabine. Cumulative incidence (CI) of acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) grade III-IV and extensive chronic GVHD was similar. With a median follow-up of 28.7 months, 2-year CI of relapse was 43.4% in FT14 versus 53.2% in FB4, while non-relapse mortality (NRM) was respectively 20.8% versus 22.6%. This led to 2-year leukemia-free survival (LFS) of 35.8% for FT14 versus 24.2% in FB4, and overall survival (OS) of 44.4% versus 34%. Adverse cytogenetics and conditioning regimen independently predicted CI of relapse. Furthermore, conditioning regimen was the only independent predictor of LFS, OS, and GVHD-free/relapse-free survival. Therefore, our real-world multicenter study suggests that FT14 is associated with better outcomes in primary refractory/relapsed AML.

Current Main Topics in Multiple Myeloma.

Multiple Myeloma (MM) remains a difficult to treat disease mainly due to its biological heterogeneity, of which we are more and more knowledgeable thanks to the development of increasingly sensitive molecular methods that allow us to build better prognostication models. The biological diversity translates into a wide range of clinical outcomes from long-lasting remission in some patients to very early relapse in others. In NDMM transplant eligible (TE) patients, the incorporation of mAb as daratumumab in the induction regimens, followed by autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) and consolidation/maintenance therapy, has led to a significant improvement of PFS and OS.; however, this outcome remains poor in ultra-high risk MM or in those who did not achieve a minimal residual disease (MRD) negativity. Several trials are exploring cytogenetic risk-adapted and MRD-driven therapies in these patients. Similarly, quadruplets-containing daratumumab, particularly when administered as continuous therapies, have improved outcome of patients not eligible for autologous transplant (NTE). Patients who become refractory to conventional therapies have noticeably poor outcomes, making their treatment a difficult challenge in need of novel strategies. In this review, we will focus on the main points regarding risk stratification, treatment and monitoring of MM, highlighting the most recent evidence that could modify the management of this still incurable disease.

Busulfan or Treosulfan Conditioning Platform for Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation in Patients Aged >60 Y With Acute Myeloid Leukemia/Myelodysplastic Syndrome: A Subanalysis of the GITMO AlloEld Study.

The conditioning regimens with different alkylators at different doses can influence the outcome of allogeneic stem cell transplantation (SCT), but conclusive data are missing. Methods: With the aim to analyze real-life allogeneic SCTs performed in Italy between 2006 and 2017 in elderly patients (aged >60 y) with acute myeloid leukemia or myelodysplastic syndrome, we collected 780 first transplants data. For analysis purposes, patients were grouped according to the type of alkylator included in the conditioning (busulfan [BU]-based; n = 618; 79%; treosulfan [TREO]-based; n=162; 21%). Results: No significant differences were observed in nonrelapse mortality, cumulative incidence of relapse, and overall survival, although in the TREO-based group, we observed a greater proportion of elderly patients (P < 0.001); more active diseases at the time of SCT (P < 0.001); a higher prevalence of patients with either hematopoietic cell transplantation-comorbidity index ≥3 (P < 0.001) or a good Karnofsky performance status (P = 0.025); increased use of peripheral blood stem cells as graft sources (P < 0.001); and greater use of reduced intensity conditioning regimens (P = 0.013) and of haploidentical donors (P < 0.001). Moreover, the 2-y cumulative incidence of relapse with myeloablative doses of BU was significantly lower than that registered with reduced intensity conditioning (21% versus 31%; P = 0.0003). This was not observed in the TREO-based group. Conclusions: Despite a higher number of risk factors in the TREO group, no significant differences were observed in nonrelapse mortality, cumulative incidence of relapse, and overall survival according to the type of alkylator, suggesting that TREO has no advantage over BU in terms of efficacy and toxicity in acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic syndrome.

Real-world assessment of treatment patterns and outcomes in patients with relapsed-refractory multiple myeloma in an Italian haematological tertiary care centre.

Despite significant improvements in therapeutic options, multiple myeloma (MM) patients experience a series of remissions and relapses requiring further lines of therapy (LOTs). We analysed treatment pathways, attrition rates (ARs) and refractoriness patterns across LOTs in 413 MM patients treated from 2011 and 2021. Across LOT-2 to LOT-5 ARs were 26%, 27%, 34% and 37.5%, being 50% for subsequent LOTs. In univariate analysis age over 65 years, international staging system (ISS) II/III, more than two comorbidities, no transplant and no maintenance therapy were significantly associated with AR but regression analysis selected only age over 65 years and more than 2 comorbidities. Median progression-free survival (PFS) was 40.5, 19.5, 10.3, 6 and 4.7 months from LOT-1 to LOT-5. Lenalidomide-refractory patients, among those relapsed after LOT-1, were 26% and 64.5% respectively, in patients starting therapy before 2019 versus in or after 2021. In the two cohorts, 57.5% and 85.5% of patients relapsed after LOT-2 were lenalidomide-refractory. Among patients not relapsed from LOT-1, 80% are receiving continuous lenalidomide and could become lenalidomide-refractory, whereas 91% and 51.5% of patients in LOT-2 could become potential lenalidomide- and daratumumab-refractory respectively. In our analysis the rate of patients reaching subsequent LOTs was higher than previously reported and the increase in early refractoriness would require faster and more efficient treatment licensing processes.

A rare case of aCML associated with CNS involvement and with aggressive clinical course.

The presence of neutrophilic leukocytosis may underlie a wide variety of diseases. Some rare causes of neutrophilia might be chronic neutrophilic leukemia (CNL) and myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative neoplasm with neutrophilia (MDS with neutrophilia). Here we report a case of a 78-year-old woman who came to our ER due to severe leukocytosis and anemia on a routine check-up. The patient was asymptomatic and the last exams available showed a mild leukopenia and thrombocytopenia. The abdominal echography showed mild splenomegaly The patient underwent bone marrow (BM) examinations. One week later, the patient presented mental deterioration. The patient underwent a cranial CT and RMN that showed multiple lesions of 11 mm in the brain parenchyma, cerebellum and encephalic trunk. Another week later, the clinical presentations worsened: she was in a comatous state and feverish 40 °C unresponsive to steroid therapy. Autopsy showed a leukemic and hemorrhage infiltration in multiple organs and in the BM a cellularity of 100% represented by myeloid elements with a slowdown maturation with blasts 5%. According to WHO 2016 this case can be reported as an aCML, an MDS/MPN overlap syndrome that is difficult to differentiate from a CNL.

Overcoming Resistance: FLT3 Inhibitors Past, Present, Future and the Challenge of Cure.

FLT3 ITD and TKD mutations occur in 20% and 10% of Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), respectively, and they represent the target of the first approved anti-leukemic therapies in the 2000s. Type I and type II FLT3 inhibitors (FLT3i) are active against FLT3 TKD/ITD and FLT3 ITD mutations alone respectively, but they still fail remissions in 30-40% of patients due to primary and secondary mechanisms of resistance, with variable relapse rate of 30-50%, influenced by NPM status and FLT3 allelic ratio. Mechanisms of resistance to FLT3i have recently been analyzed through NGS and single cell assays that have identified and elucidated the polyclonal nature of relapse in clinical and preclinical studies, summarized here. Knowledge of tumor escape pathways has helped in the identification of new targeted drugs to overcome resistance. Immunotherapy and combination or sequential use of BCL2 inhibitors and experimental drugs including aurora kinases, menin and JAK2 inhibitors will be the goal of present and future clinical trials, especially in patients with FLT3-mutated (FLT3mut) AML who are not eligible for allogeneic transplantation.

Prognosis in early stage cutaneous T-cell lymphoma treated with psoralen plus ultraviolet A irradiation and low-dose interferon-α: Long-term efficacy and survival according to conventional and emerging clinical endpoints.

Patients with early stage cutaneous T cell lymphoma (CTCL) usually have a benign and chronic disease course, characterized by temporally response to conventional skin directed therapies and intrinsic possibility to evolve. Using the combination of psoralen plus ultraviolet A irradiation (PUVA) and low-dose interferon-α (INF), the principal treatment goal is to keep confined the disease to the skin, preventing disease progression. Among 87 patients with early stage IA to IIA MF treated with low-dose IFN-α2b and PUVA in our center, complete remission (CR) were reported in 70 patients (80.5%) and the overall response rate (ORR) was 97.8% (n = 85), with a median time to best response to therapy of 5 months (range, 1-30). Among the responders, only the 8% of patients had a relapse with major event. The median follow-up was 207 months (range, 6-295). Survival data showed a median overall survival (OS) not reached (95% CI; 235-NR months), a disease free survival (DFS) of 210 months (95% CI; 200-226 months) and a median time to next treatment (TTNT) of 38.5 months (95% CI, 33-46 months). The long follow up of this study verifies our preliminary results already published in 2006 and confirms the efficacy of INF-PUVA combination therapy in a real world setting, according conventional (OS and DFS) and emerging (TTNT) clinical endpoint of treatment efficacy.

Long-term follow-up of cladribine treatment in hairy cell leukemia: 30-year experience in a multicentric Italian study.

Hairy cell leukemia (HCL) is a rare lymphoproliferative disease with an excellent prognosis after treatment with cladribine (2CDA), although relapse may occur during follow-up. The aim of the study is to review the efficacy, safety, long-term remission rate, and overall survival (OS) in those patients who received 2CDA as first-line treatment. We retrospectively reviewed data of HCL patients treated with 2CDA between March 1991 and May 2019 at 18 Italian Hematological centers: 513 patients were evaluable for study purpose. The median age was 54 years (range 24-88) and ECOG was 0 in 84.9% of cases. A total of 330 (64.3%) patients received 2CDA intravenously and 183 (35.7%) subcutaneously. ORR was 91.8%: CR was obtained in 335 patients (65.3%), PR in 96 (18.7%), and hematological response in 40 (7.8%) patients; in 42 (8.2%) no response was observed. Hemoglobin value (p = 0.044), frequency of circulating hairy cells (p = 0.039), recovery of absolute neutrophil count (p = 0.006), and normalization of spleen (p ≤ 0.001) were associated with CR compared to PR in univariable analysis. At a median follow-up of 6.83 years (range 0.04-28.52), the median time to relapse was 12.2 years. A significant difference in duration of response was identified between patients that obtained a CR and PR (19.4 years versus 4.8 years, p < 0.0001). Non-hematological grade 3 or higher early toxicity was reported in 103 (20.1%) patients. Median OS was not reached: 95.3%, 92.4%, and 81.8% of patients were estimated to be alive at 5, 10, and 15 years, respectively. Forty-nine patients died (9.5%), following an infection in 14 cases (2.7%), natural causes in 14 (2.7%), cardiovascular events in 13 (2.5%), a second neoplasm in 6 (1.2%), and progression of HCL in 2 cases (0.4%). Following treatment of HCL with 2CDA, 80% of patients are estimated to be alive 15 years after diagnosis.