Beneficial effects of cellular immunotherapy in the prevention and treatment of posttransplant hematologic relapse of myelodysplastic neoplasms.

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) is the only curative option for myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). However, relapse remains the primary cause of transplantation failure. This single-center study aimed to evaluate factors influencing therapeutic interventions to prevent overt relapse of MDS and to identify treatment approaches that ensure optimal response and safety.

Reduced toxicity (FluBu3) versus myeloablative (BuCy) conditioning in acute myeloid leukemia patients who received first allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in measurable residual disease-negative CR1.

In the present study, reduced toxicity (FluBu3) and myeloablative (BuCy) conditioning were compared in patients with AML who received first allogeneic HSCT in MRD-negative CR1. The study included 124 adult patients who underwent HSCT from an HLA-matched (8/8) sibling, unrelated, or 1-locus mismatched (7/8) unrelated donor (MMUD). The median age was 45 years and intermediate cytogenetics comprised majority (71.

Effectiveness of leukapheresis on early survival in acute myeloid leukemia: An observational propensity score matching cohort study.

Background: The association between leukapheresis (LK) as a treatment option for hyperleukocytosis (HL) in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) remains controversial.

Methods: Data were extracted from the electronic medical record for 2801 patients with AML between April 2009 and December 2019. LK was performed when the leukocyte count was ≥100 × 10 /L at the time initial bone marrow examination.

Machine Learning Predicts 30-Day Outcome among Acute Myeloid Leukemia Patients: A Single-Center, Retrospective, Cohort Study.

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a clinical emergency requiring treatment and results in high 30-day (D30) mortality. In this study, the prediction of D30 survival was studied using a machine learning (ML) method. The total cohort consisted of 1700 survivors and 130 non-survivors at D30.

-ITD Measurable Residual Disease Monitoring in Acute Myeloid Leukemia Using Next-Generation Sequencing.

The in-frame internal tandem duplication (ITD) of the FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 () gene is an important negative prognostic marker in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). -ITD monitoring is essential for patients at relapse or those receiving -targeted therapies. Fragment analysis (FA) is commonly used to detect and quantify -ITDs; however, detecting low-burden -ITDs after a treatment is challenging.

Prognostic value of preoperative protein-induced vitamin K absence or antagonist II after liver resection for hepatitis B-related hepatocellular carcinoma: a nationwide multicenter study.

Purpose: Although protein-induced vitamin K absence or antagonist II (PIVKA-II) has been used as a diagnostic tool for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), its prognostic value remains unclear.

Methods: This was a nationwide multicenter study using the database of the Korean Liver Cancer Association. Patients with hepatitis B-related HCC who underwent liver resection as the first treatment after initial diagnosis (2008-2014) were selected randomly.

Risk stratification by 30-day prognostic factors of clinical outcomes after granulocyte transfusion in acute myeloid leukemia: A single-center retrospective study.

Background: Granulocyte transfusions (GTs) have been used to treat infections in neutropenic patients undergoing chemotherapy or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. However, there is persistent controversy regarding their outcomes. We aimed to analyze accumulated clinical and laboratory data from patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) who underwent GT at our institution in the last 10 years to determine optimal parameters to estimate the GT effect.

Effect of Radiocephalic Anastomotic Length on the Maturation of Arteriovenous Fistula.

Background: A radiocephalic arteriovenous fistula (RCAVF) is associated with better long-term patency and fewer complications. However, RCAVF have lower maturation rate for hemodialysis compared with upper AVF or arteriovenous graft. We performed this study to determine the effect of the radiocephalic (RC) anastomotic length on the AVF maturation.

Differential effects of donor lymphocyte infusion upon treatment response and GVHD according to relapse level and donor sources in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome.

Introduction: Donor lymphocyte infusion (DLI) is one of the effective options for post-transplant disease control of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). Its success or failure depends on the induction of antitumor immune reactions, durability of clinical responses, and severity of unwanted toxicities mainly from graft--host disease (GVHD).

Methods: By analyzing 61 patients receiving DLI for post-transplant MDS relapse, we assessed treatment outcomes and affecting factors, especially focusing on the level of relapse (hematological, molecular, and imminent relapse).

γδ T cells cultured with artificial antigen-presenting cells and IL-2 show long-term proliferation and enhanced effector functions compared with γδ T cells cultured with only IL-2 after stimulation with zoledronic acid.

Background Aims: Immunotherapeutic approaches using γδ T cells have emerged as the function of γδ T cells in tumor surveillance and clearance has been discovered. In vitro expansion methods of γ9δ2 T cells have been based on phosphoantigens and cytokines, but expansion methods using feeder cells to generate larger numbers of γδ T cells have also been studied recently. However, there are no studies that directly compare γδ T cells cultured with phosphoantigens with those cultured with feeder cells.

Pure Laparoscopic Hepatectomy for Tumors Close to the Major Hepatic Veins: Intraparenchymal Identification of the Major Hepatic Veins using the Ventral Approach.

Background: Laparoscopic hepatectomy for tumors close to the major hepatic veins (HVs) is a technically demanding procedure that is relatively contraindicated. We investigated this surgical technique and the outcomes of intraparenchymal identification of the major HVs using the ventral approach in pure laparoscopic hepatectomy for tumors close to the major HVs.

Methods: In the present study, tumors < 10 mm from the major HVs were defined as lesions in proximity to the major HVs.

New agents in acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

Despite expanding knowledge in the molecular landscape of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and an increasing understanding of leukemogenic pathways, little has changed in the treatment of AML in the last 40 years. Since introduction in the 1970s, combination chemotherapy consisting of anthracycline and cytarabine has been the mainstay of treatment, with major therapeutic advances based on improving supportive care rather than the introduction of novel therapeutics. Over the last decades, there have been extensive efforts to identify specific target mutations or pathways with the aim of improving clinical outcomes.

Comparison of Myeloablative (CyTBI, BuCy) versus Reduced-Intensity (FluBu2TBI400) Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Transplantation in Acute Myeloid Leukemia Patients with Pretransplant Low WT1 Expression.

Relapse is a major concern with reduced-intensity conditioning. We analyzed 257 patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) who received allogeneic stem cell transplantation (SCT) and fulfilled the following criteria: intermediate- or poor-risk disease by National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines (2017, version 3), in first complete remission (CR1) at SCT, received either myeloablative conditioning (MAC; busulfan plus cyclophosphamide or cyclophosphamide plus total body irradiation) or reduced-intensity conditioning (RIC; FluBu2TBI400) peripheral blood SCT from 8/8 matched sibling or unrelated donor, and having bone marrow Wilms tumor gene 1 (WT1) expression results before transplant. We and other groups serially published a predictive value for pretransplant WT1 expression in patients with AML to identify patients at higher risk of relapse.

Delayed NK Cell Reconstitution and Reduced NK Activity Increased the Risks of CMV Disease in Allogeneic-Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection has a significant impact in patients after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). We investigated natural killer (NK) cell reconstitution and cytotoxic/cytokine production in controlling CMV infection, especially severe CMV disease in HSCT patients. Fifty-eight patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) who received allo-HSCT were included.

Comparison of HLA-matched sibling and unrelated donor transplantation in adult patients with acquired severe aplastic anemia.

The recent improvements in the outcomes of severe aplastic anemia (SAA) patients who received allogeneic stem cell transplantation (SCT) from unrelated donors (URD) suggest the possibility of its alternative first-line treatment. To address this issue, results of adult SAA patients receiving allogeneic SCT were compared between the following three donor-type groups: 8/8-matched sibling (MSD; n = 153), 8/8 well-matched unrelated (WM-URD; n = 72), and 6-7/8 partially matched unrelated (PM-URD; n = 33). Proportion of patients who experienced immunosuppressive treatment failures was significantly higher in the URD groups than in the MSD group (P< 0.

Optimal Treatment Strategy and Natural History of Isolated Superior Mesenteric Artery Dissection Based on Long-Term Follow-up CT Findings.

Background: Isolated superior mesenteric artery dissection (ISMAD) was previously considered a rare disorder; however, this condition has been increasingly diagnosed as time progressed. Although treatment regimen and treatment outcomes have become clearer, the optimal treatment strategy has not yet been well established.

Materials And Methods: This study included 54 patients diagnosed with ISMAD by computed tomography (CT) between November 2004 and December 2017.

Reclassification of Acute Myeloid Leukemia According to the 2016 WHO Classification.

We reviewed our leukemia database to reclassify 610 patients previously diagnosed as having acute myeloid leukemia (AML) according to the updated 2016 WHO classification. Nine patients were categorized as having myelodysplastic syndrome and myeloid neoplasms with germline predisposition. AML with recurrent genetic abnormalities accounted for 57.

Pure laparoscopic anatomical segment VI resection using the Glissonian approach, Rouviere's sulcus as a landmark, and a modified liver hanging maneuver (with video).

Background: Pure laparoscopic anatomical segmental resection has rarely been reported because this technique frequently presents technical difficulties. We describe the laparoscopic resection of anatomical segment VI using the Glissonian approach and a modified liver hanging maneuver.

Methods: Rouviere's sulcus is identified after retracting superiorly the gallbladder.

Femoropopliteal Bypass with Varicose Greater Saphenous Vein.

Surgical bypass for peripheral arterial occlusive disease can be performed using different graft materials. Autogenous greater saphenous vein (GSV) is the treatment of choice because of its superior long-term patency. We report a case of femoropopliteal bypass with varicose GSV in a 77-year-old man who was presented with limb ischemia and both varicose veins.

Study on the Long-Term Results of Endovenous Laser Ablation for Treating Varicose Veins.

Background Endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) is widely performed since the early 2000s, but there are few long-term results. Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term results of EVLA employed for treating varicose veins of the lower limbs by duplex ultrasonographic study. Methods A total of 24 limbs of 17 patients who underwent EVLA between 2004 and 2007 were examined with duplex ultrasonographic scans.

Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor of the Stomach Presenting as Multilobular with Diffuse Calcifications.

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are the most common primary mesenchymal neoplasms of the gastrointestinal tract and usually appear as a well-circumscribed mass. However, it may be difficult to confirm the extent of the disease for some GISTs. A 70-year-old asymptomatic female presented for a regular physical exam.

Effects of pharmacological and genetic disruption of CXCR4 chemokine receptor function in B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.

B cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (B-ALL) cells express high levels of CXCR4 chemokine receptors for homing and retention within the marrow microenvironment. Bone marrow stromal cells (BMSC) secrete CXCL12, the ligand for CXCR4, and protect B-ALL cells from cytotoxic drugs. Therefore, the therapeutic use of CXCR4 antagonists has been proposed to disrupt cross talk between B-ALL cells and the protective stroma.

Clinical and oncologic outcomes of totally robotic total mesorectal excision for rectal cancer: initial results in a center for minimally invasive surgery.

Purpose: A robotic system was mainly designed to allow precise dissection in deep and narrow spaces. We report the clinical and oncologic outcomes of totally robotic total mesorectal excision for rectal cancer.

Methods: Between July 2009 and January 2012, 60 consecutive patients undergoing robotic surgery for rectal cancer at the Eulji University Hospital were included.

Risk Factor and Clinical Outcome of Bronchiolitis Obliterans Syndrome after Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation.

Purpose: The development of bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS) after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) deteriorates patients' quality of life. This study aimed to analyze the prevalence, clinical features, risk factors and prognostic factors of BOS.

Materials And Methods: This retrospective study included patients who underwent allogeneic HSCT from January 2002 to December 2008 and survived for ≥100 days after transplantation.