Adenovirus-induced hemorrhagic cystitis after CD19-targeted chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy in a patient with large B-cell lymphoma.

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells targeting CD19 have changed the treatment landscape of patients with relapsed/refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Infections are one of the most frequent complications after CAR T-cell therapy. Most of these infections are bacterial, although viral infections can also occur in this setting.

Impact of Cytomegalovirus Replication in Patients with Aggressive B Cell Lymphoma Treated with Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cell Therapy.

Data are scarce on cytomegalovirus (CMV) replication in patients receiving CD19-directed chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell treatment. Here we describe the incidence, severity, and management of CMV infection in patients with aggressive B cell lymphoma treated with CAR T cell therapy. In this retrospective observational study, we analyzed CMV viral load and its clinical impact in patients with aggressive B cell lymphoma receiving CAR T cell therapy between July 2018 and December 2021 at a single center.

Effect of Combination Antibiotic Empirical Therapy on Mortality in Neutropenic Cancer Patients with Pneumonia.

To assess the effect of combination antibiotic empirical therapy on 30-day case-fatality rate in neutropenic cancer patients with Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) bacteremic pneumonia. This was a multinational, retrospective cohort study of neutropenic onco-hematological patients with PA bloodstream infection (BSI) (2006−2018). The effect of appropriate empirical combination therapy, appropriate monotherapy and inappropriate empirical antibiotic therapy [IEAT] on 30-day case-fatality was assessed only in patients with PA bacteremic pneumonia.

COVID-19 among workers of a comprehensive cancer centre between first and second epidemic waves (2020): a seroprevalence study in Catalonia, Spain.

Objectives: Patients with cancer are at higher risk for severe COVID-19 infection. COVID-19 surveillance of workers in oncological centres is crucial to assess infection burden and prevent transmission. We estimate the SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence among healthcare workers (HCWs) of a comprehensive cancer centre in Catalonia, Spain, and analyse its association with sociodemographic characteristics, exposure factors and behaviours.

Impact of Empirical Antibiotic Regimens on Mortality in Neutropenic Patients with Bloodstream Infection Presenting with Septic Shock.

We analyzed risk factors for mortality in febrile neutropenic patients with bloodstream infections (BSI) presenting with septic shock and assessed the impact of empirical antibiotic regimens. A multicenter retrospective study (2010 to 2019) of two prospective cohorts compared BSI episodes in patients with or without septic shock. Multivariate analysis was performed to identify independent risk factors for mortality in episodes with septic shock.

Understanding and Managing Sepsis in Patients With Cancer in the Era of Antimicrobial Resistance.

Sepsis is a frequent complication in immunosuppressed cancer patients and hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients that is associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. The worldwide emergence of antimicrobial resistance is of special concern in this population because any delay in starting adequate empirical antibiotic therapy can lead to poor outcomes. In this review, we aim to address: (1) the mechanisms involved in the development of sepsis and septic shock in these patients; (2) the risk factors associated with a worse prognosis; (3) the impact of adequate initial empirical antibiotic therapy given the current era of widespread antimicrobial resistance; and (4) the optimal management of sepsis, including adequate and early source control of infection, optimized antibiotic use based on the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamics changes in these patients, and the role of the new available antibiotics.

The direct and indirect effects of COVID-19 pandemic in a real-life hematological setting.

Background: Clinical outcomes of novel coronavirus 2019 disease (COVID-19) in onco-hematological patients are unknown. When compared to non-immunocompromised patients, onco-hematological patients seem to have higher mortality rates.

Aims: We describe the characteristics and outcomes of a consecutive cohort of 24 onco-hematological patients with COVID-19 during the first month of the pandemic.

Inappropriate Empirical Antibiotic Treatment in High-risk Neutropenic Patients With Bacteremia in the Era of Multidrug Resistance.

Background: We aimed to describe the current rates of inappropriate empirical antibiotic treatment (IEAT) in oncohematological patients with febrile neutropenia (FN) and its impact on mortality.

Methods: This was a multicenter prospective study of all episodes of bloodstream infection (BSI) in high-risk FN patients (2006-2017). Episodes receiving IEAT were compared with episodes receiving appropriate empirical therapy.

Modulation of vascular smooth muscle cell phenotype by STAT-1 and STAT-3.

Objective: Smooth muscle cell (SMC) de-differentiation is a key step that leads to pathological narrowing of blood vessels. De-differentiation involves a reduction in the expression of the SMC contractile genes that are the hallmark of quiescent SMCs. While there is considerable evidence linking inflammation to vascular diseases, very little is known about the mechanisms by which inflammatory signals lead to SMC de-differentiation.

Opposing roles of STAT-1 and STAT-3 in regulating vascular endothelial growth factor expression in vascular smooth muscle cells.

Increased microvessel density in atherosclerotic plaques plays a major role in promoting plaque destabilization resulting in increased risk of stroke and myocardial infarction. Previously we have shown that expression of the inflammatory cytokine, Oncostatin-M (OSM), in human atherosclerotic plaques correlated with increased microvessel density, indicating a role for OSM in promoting plaque angiogenesis. The purpose of this study was to determine the mechanism by which OSM regulates Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) expression in human coronary artery smooth muscle cells.

Oncostatin M is expressed in atherosclerotic lesions: a role for Oncostatin M in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.

Objective: Chronic inflammation plays a pivotal role in the development and progression of atherosclerosis. The inflammatory response is mediated by cytokines. The aim of this study was to determine if Oncostatin M (OSM), a monocyte and T-lymphocyte specific cytokine is present in atherosclerotic lesions.