Survival in Elderly Patients Diagnosed With Acute Myeloid Leukemia: A Hospital-Based Study.

Background: Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a hematological neoplasm that is more frequent in elderly patients. The objective of this study was to evaluate elderly patients' survival with de novo AML and acute myeloid leukemia myelodysplasia-related (AML-MR), treated with intensive and less-intensive chemotherapy and supportive care. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted in Fundacion Valle del Lili (Cali, Colombia), between 2013 and 2019. We included patients ≥ 60 years old diagnosed with AML. The statistical analysis considered the leukemia type (de novo vs. myelodysplasia-related) and treatment (intensive chemotherapy regimen, less-intensive chemotherapy regimen, and without chemotherapy). Survival analysis was performed using Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression models. Results: A total of 53 patients were included (31 de novo and 22 AML-MR). Intensive chemotherapy regimens were more frequent in patients with de novo leukemia (54.8%), and 77.3% of patients with AML-MR received less-intensive regimens. Survival was higher in the chemotherapy group (P = 0.006), but with no difference between chemotherapy modalities. Additionally, patients without chemotherapy were 10 times more likely to die than those who received any regimen, independent of age, sex, Eastern Cooperative Oncology performance status, and Charlson comorbidity index (adjusted hazard ratio (HR) = 11.6, 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.47 - 38.8). Conclusions: Elderly patients with AML had longer survival time when receiving chemotherapy, regardless of the type of regimen.

Haploidentical and Matched Sibling Transplantation for Acute Myeloid Leukemia: A Hospital-Based Study.

Background: Allogeneic peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (PBSCT) has been increasing for the last years in Latin America. The objective of this study was to describe clinical outcomes in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) receiving allogeneic PBSCT between 2013 and 2019 in a single center of Cali, Colombia. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted in Fundacion Valle del Lili. Patients diagnosed with AML who received an allogeneic PBSCT between 2013 and 2019 using human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-matched sibling donors (MSDs) or haploidentical related donors (HRDs) with myeloablative conditioning regimen were included. Cases with diagnosis of promyelocytic leukemia, myelodysplastic syndrome-related AML and therapy-related AML were excluded. Data were obtained directly from the hospital PBSCT database and clinical records. Results: A total of 50 patients were included (HRD, n = 32; MSD, n = 18). Sixty-two percent was in the first complete remission (CR1) at the time of the transplant, of which 26% were MSD and 74% were HRD. The European Group for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT) risk score was: 44% vs. 50% low, 28% vs. 28% intermediate and 28% vs. 22% high for MSD vs. HRD, respectively. Overall survival at 5 years for MSD was 62% (95% confidence interval (CI): 31-83%) and 43% (95% CI: 25-60%) for HRD. Event-free survival was 56% (95% CI: 26-78%) and 35.6% (95% CI: 18-53%), respectively. Non-relapse mortality at day-100 was 6% (95% CI: 0.8-35%) and 20% (95% CI: 9-39%). Relapse at5 years was 18% (95% CI: 4-58%) and 25% (95% CI: 10-52%). Overall mortality rate was 46%. The grade II-IV, III-IV acute graft-versus-host disease and severe chronic graft-versus-host disease was 44%, 11% and 12% for MSD, and 43%, 9% and 0% for HRD. Conclusion: These results underline that MSD remains the first donor choice for AML patients in CR1 when available. HRDs are still our next option among alternative donors. It is necessary to find strategies that have a positive impact on those outcomes that markedly affect the quality of allogeneic PBSCT and the prognosis of patients. Comparative, randomized, prospective studies with longer follow-up of haploidentical allogeneic PBSCT with other donor types are required to definitely establish its role among alternative donors.

Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Lung Biopsy in Critically Ill Patients With Hematologic Malignancy and Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome: A Case Series Report.

Pulmonary complications are prevalent among patients with hematologic malignancies, who are at high risk of developing acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Although diffuse alveolar damage is considered the diagnostic hallmark of ARDS, there are plenty of other non-diffuse alveolar damage etiologies that can mimic ARDS and benefit from a specific therapy, therefore correcting the underlying cause. When the etiology remains unclarified despite noninvasive procedures, a surgical lung biopsy (either open via thoracotomy or video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery [VATS]) may be warranted. However, the role of surgical lung biopsy has not been extensively studied in patients with hematologic malignancy and ARDS and so doubt exists about the risk-benefit relationship of such procedures. In this article, we report a series of 8 critically ill patients with hematologic malignancies and ARDS, who underwent VATS lung biopsy, in a specialized institution in Cali, Colombia, from 2015 to 2019, with special emphasis on its diagnostic yield, modifications in treatment protocol, and safety. VATS lung biopsy is a minimally invasive procedure that appears to be a relatively safe with few postoperative complications and minimal perioperative mortality. It has a high diagnostic yield, resulting in a modification of treatment in a nondepreciable percentage of patients. However, this subset of patients was critically ill, with a high risk of mortality, and the lung biopsy did not appear to affect in this aspect. Future randomized controlled trials are needed to further clarify this topic.

Disseminated histoplasmosis as a first clinical manifestation in a patient with small lymphocytic lymphoma: A case report

The small lymphocytic lymphoma is a mature B cell neoplasm with a broad spectrum of clinical presentations. Opportunistic infections that are not related to the treatment, even in advanced stages, have a low incidence rate. There are few case reports in the medical literature of patients who have not received immunosuppressive therapy and present with small lymphocytic lymphoma associated with disseminated histoplasmosis at diagnosis. A female 82-year-old patient was admitted due to an intermittent dry cough, asthenia, and adynamia that had persisted for one month. Multiple studies to detect infections and immuno-rheumatic conditions were performed and an extensive cervical, thoracic and peritoneal adenopathic syndrome was diagnosed. A flow cytometry and a cervical lymph node biopsy were performed reporting CD19+, CD20dim, CD5+, CD45+, CD23+, CD43neg, and CD10neg phenotypes with restriction in the light kappa chain compatible with a small lymphocytic lymphoma. Epithelioid granulomas without necrosis were observed in the lymph node histopathology and special colorations showed no microorganisms. The culture from the lymph node was positive for Histoplasma capsulatum. We initiated treatment with amphotericin B and itraconazole with an adequate response. In the absence of compliance with oncology treatment criteria, the patient was managed on a "watch and wait" basis. Opportunistic infections could be the initial clinical manifestation in patients with low-grade lymphoproliferative syndromes. This case report shows that they can develop even in the absence of chemotherapy.

Multidisciplinary diagnosis and treatment of mantle cell lymphoma Expert consensus • Asociación Colombiana de Hematología y Oncología (ACHO) / Diagnóstico y tratamiento multidisciplinario de linfoma de células del manto Consenso de expertos • Asociación Colombiana de Hematología y Oncología (ACHO)

Abstract Introduction: Among the sub-types of lymphoma, mantle cell lymphoma, or what was previously known as intermediate lymphocytic lymphoma, accounts for 3-10% of B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas. Treatment is directed according to the patient's classification, age, functional status and comorbidities, and is directly related to the ability to receive intensive treatment or transplantation. It is important to homogenize treatments to offer the best alternatives in the Colombian context, as there are different diagnostic and therapeutic options today, most of which are financed by the Colombian healthcare system. Objective: To structure a series of considerations for the diagnosis and treatment of MCL within the Colombian context. Methods: A formal, mixed (Delphi/nominal) expert consensus was developed. The options for each question were scored in two masked rounds and an open nominal session. The information was consolidated in Excel and analyzed using STATA 13. Results: 25 considerations were developed for the diagnosis and treatment of MCL. Twenty-two specialists participated: 16 hematologists and hematologist-oncologists, four hematopathologists, one radiation therapist and one nuclear medicine specialist from Bogotá, Medellín and Cali, with an average of 10.5 years' of practical experience and who were members of the Asociación Colombiana de Hematología y Oncología [Colombian Association of Hematology and Oncology]. Conclusions: The consensus established 26 considerations for the diagnosis and treatment of MCL, according to the Colombian context, aimed at healthcare professionals with a direct relationship with this disease. It is expected that clinical management will be homogenized by a consideration of this consensus and the referenced literature. (Acta Med Colomb 2022; 48. DOI:https://doi.org/10.36104/amc.2023.2606).

Resumen Introducción: Dentro de los subtipos de linfoma, el linfoma de células del manto o anteriormente denominado linfoma linfocítico intermedio corresponde a 3-10% de los linfoma no Hodgkin de células B. El tratamiento se enfoca según la clasificación del paciente, edad, estado funcional y comorbilidades, lo cual está directamente relacionado con la capacidad de recibir un tratamiento intensivo o trasplante. Es importante homogeneizar conductas con el fin de ofrecer las mejores alternativas bajo el contexto colombiano, pues actualmente existen diferentes opciones diagnósticas y terapéuticas, financiadas en su mayoría por el sistema de salud colombiano. Objetivo: Estructurar una serie de consideraciones para el diagnóstico y tratamiento para LCM, en el contexto colombiano. Métodos: Se llevó a cabo un consenso formal de expertos, tipo mixto (Delphi/ Nominal). Se calificaron las opciones de cada pregunta en dos rondas enmascaradas y una sesión abierta nominal. La información fue consolidada en Excel y analizada en STATA 13. Resultados: Se elaboraron 25 consideraciones para el diagnóstico y tratamiento de LCM. Participaron 22 médicos especialistas: 16 hematólogos y hemato-oncólogos, cuatro hemato-patólogos, un radioterapeuta y un especialista en medicina nuclear de Bogotá, Medellín y Cali, con experticia en la práctica de 10.5 años en promedio y quienes forman parte de la Asociación Colombiana de Hematología y Oncología. Conclusiones: El consenso definió 26 consideraciones para el diagnóstico y tratamiento de LCM, según el contexto colombiano, dirigidas a profesionales de la salud con relación directa a esta patología. Se espera homogeneizar las conductas clínicas teniendo en cuenta este consenso y la literatura referida. (Acta Med Colomb 2022; 48. DOI:https://doi.org/10.36104/amc.2023.2606).

Trasplante haploidéntico de progenitores hematopoyéticos en pacientes con diagnóstico de leucemia mieloide aguda / Haploidentical transplantation of hematopoietic progenitors in patients diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia

Resumen Introducción: En pacientes con leucemia mieloide aguda (LMA) el trasplante de progenitores hematopoyético (TPH) es el único tratamientoz curativo. El objetivo de este estudio es presentar la experiencia y resultados del trasplante haploidéntico en pacientes adultos con LMA en la Fundación Valle del Lili, Cali - Colombia. Materiales y métodos: Estudio de cohorte retrospectivo de pacientes que recibieron trasplante haploidéntico entre 2013 y 2017, con acondicionamiento mieloablativo y ciclofosfamida postrasplante, en Fundación Valle del Lili, Cali (Colombia). Resultados: Se realizaron 47 trasplantes en pacientes con leucemia mieloide aguda en la fecha de estudio, se incluyeron en el análisis 21 pacientes con donante haploidéntico, a 3 años tanto la supervivencia global y libre de eventos fue del 38%. La incidencia acumulada de mortalidad relacionada al trasplante fue del 26% a 100 días y del 38,3%, a 38 meses de seguimiento. La incidencia acumulada de recaída a 38 meses fue del 19%. Con respecto a la enfermedad injerto versus huésped (EICH) se encontró que la incidencia acumulada de EICH aguda grado II-IV, grado III-IV y EICH crónico fue del 19%, 5% y 19% respectivamente. Conclusión: Los resultados de este estudio sugieren que el trasplante haploidéntico es una alternativa factible como tratamiento para pacientes con diagnóstico de LMA en nuestro medio.

Abstract Introduction: In patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), hematopoietic progenitor transplantation (PHT) is the only curative treatment. The objective of this study is to present the experience and results of haploidentical transplantation in adult patients with AML at the Valle del Lili Foundation, Cali - Colombia. Materials and methods: Retrospective cohort study of patients who received haploidentical transplantation between 2013 and 2017, with myeloablative conditioning and post-transplant cyclophosphamide, in Fundación Valle del Lili, Cali (Colombia). Results: 47 transplants were performed in patients with acute myeloid leukemia on the study date, 21 patients with haploidentical donors were included in the analysis, at 3 years both overall and event-free survival was 38%. The cumulative incidence of transplant-related mortality was 26% at 100 days and 38.3% at 38 months of follow-up. The cumulative incidence of relapse at 38 months was 19%. Regarding graft versus host disease (GVHD), it was found that the cumulative incidence of acute GVHD grade II-IV, grade III-IV and chronic GVHD was 19%, 5% and 19% respectively. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that haploidentical transplantation is a feasible alternative as a treatment for patients diagnosed with AML in our environment.

Histoplasmosis diseminada como manifestación inicial del linfoma linfocítico de células pequeñas / Disseminated histoplasmosis as a first clinical manifestation in a patient with small lymphocytic lymphoma: A case report

RESUMEN El linfoma linfocítico de células pequeñas es una neoplasia de células B maduras con un amplio espectro de presentaciones clínicas. Las infecciones por gérmenes oportunistas no asociadas con el tratamiento, incluso en estadios avanzados de la enfermedad, tienen baja incidencia. Se han reportado muy pocos casos de pacientes con linfoma linfocítico de células pequeñas asociado a histoplasmosis diseminada que no habían recibido quimioterapia en el momento del diagnóstico. Se presenta el caso de una paciente de 82 años que fue hospitalizada por presentar tos seca intermitente, astenia y adinamia de un mes de evolución. Se le practicaron múltiples estudios para detectar infecciones o compromiso inmunológico o reumático, y se diagnosticó un síndrome adenopático extenso con compromiso cervical, torácico y retroperitoneal. En la citometría de flujo y en la biopsia de ganglio linfático cervical, se reportaron los fenotipos CD19+, CD20dim, CD5+, CD45+, CD23+, CD43neg y CD10neg, con restricción de la cadena ligera kappa, lo cual confirmó un linfoma linfocítico de células pequeñas. En la histopatología del ganglio, se observaron granulomas epitelioides sin necrosis, pero las coloraciones especiales no mostraron la presencia de microorganismos, en tanto que el cultivo del ganglio fue positivo para Histoplasma capsulatum. Se inició el tratamiento antifúngico con anfotericina B e itraconazol, y la paciente tuvo una adecuada evolución. Dado que no se cumplían los criterios para el tratamiento oncológico, se continuó con su observación mediante controles periódicos. Las infecciones oportunistas pueden ser la manifestación clínica inicial en pacientes con síndromes linfoproliferativos de bajo grado. Este caso demuestra que pueden desarrollarse, incluso, en ausencia de quimioterapia.

ABSTRACT The small lymphocytic lymphoma is a mature B cell neoplasm with a broad spectrum of clinical presentations. Opportunistic infections that are not related to the treatment, even in advanced stages, have a low incidence rate. There are few case reports in the medical literature of patients who have not received immunosuppressive therapy and present with small lymphocytic lymphoma associated with disseminated histoplasmosis at diagnosis. A female 82-year-old patient was admitted due to an intermittent dry cough, asthenia, and adynamia that had persisted for one month. Multiple studies to detect infections and immuno-rheumatic conditions were performed and an extensive cervical, thoracic and peritoneal adenopathic syndrome was diagnosed. A flow cytometry and a cervical lymph node biopsy were performed reporting CD19+, CD20dim, CD5+, CD45+, CD23+, CD43neg, and CD10neg phenotypes with restriction in the light kappa chain compatible with a small lymphocytic lymphoma. Epithelioid granulomas without necrosis were observed in the lymph node histopathology and special colorations showed no microorganisms. The culture from the lymph node was positive for Histoplasma capsulatum. We initiated treatment with amphotericin B and itraconazole with an adequate response. In the absence of compliance with oncology treatment criteria, the patient was managed on a "watch and wait" basis. Opportunistic infections could be the initial clinical manifestation in patients with low-grade lymphoproliferative syndromes. This case report shows that they can develop even in the absence of chemotherapy.