How to Simplify the Evaluation of Newly Introduced Chemotherapeutic Interventions in Myeloma.

When the bortezomib [PS341], adriamycin and dexamethasone (PAD) regimen was first evaluated, the response rate in untreated patients was much superior to that elicited by conventional chemotherapeutic agents. We demonstrated the efficacy of PAD in relapsed or refractory patients by comparing the response rate obtained in 53 patients who received vincristine, adriamycin and dexamethasone (VAD) or equivalent regimen as induction therapy, using a comparative design in which each patient acted as their own control. Whereas 25 patients had a positive response to VAD, 37 patients had a response to PAD ≤ partial remission (PR) ( = 0.

Vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT) - a novel clinico-pathological entity with heterogeneous clinical presentations.

Vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT) is a novel entity that emerged in March 2021 following reports of unusual thrombosis after ChAdOx1 nCoV-19, (AstraZeneca) vaccination. Following the recognition of this syndrome, multiple consensus guidelines have been released to risk stratify patients presenting with possible symptoms after ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccination. All guidelines rapidly identify VITT in patients with the complete triad of thrombocytopenia, thrombosis and elevated D-dimers after ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccination.

Posttransplant Lymphoproliferative Disorder After Solid Organ Transplant: A Heterogeneous, Aggressive Disorder.

Posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) is a rare complication of solid organ transplant. We identified 40 patients diagnosed with PTLD between 2009 and 2020 and analyzed their presentation, treatment strategies, and outcomes. Median age at diagnosis was 52.

Structuring ward rounds to enhance education.

Background: Ward rounds are a fundamental part of hospital culture and teaching on rounds has a long tradition. Yet evidence points towards increasing difficulties in delivering ward round education in complex heath care settings. Drawing on the literature and gaps identified in our own hospital setting we hypothesised that a tool for structuring ward rounds could improve the educational experience on rounds without adding a time burden to already busy consultants.

Genome instability is a consequence of transcription deficiency in patients with bone marrow failure harboring biallelic variants.

Biallelic variants in the ERCC excision repair 6 like 2 gene () are known to cause bone marrow failure (BMF) due to defects in DNA repair and mitochondrial function. Here, we report on eight cases of BMF from five families harboring biallelic variants in , two of whom present with myelodysplasia. We confirm that ERCC6L2 patients' lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs) are hypersensitive to DNA-damaging agents that specifically activate the transcription coupled nucleotide excision repair (TCNER) pathway.

Opening the black box: An observational study of teaching and learning interactions for paediatrics trainees on consultant ward rounds.

Aim: Ward rounds are complex activities in which education must be balanced against service. Limited evidence exists regarding how to optimise ward round education. In order to improve the educational experience, we aimed to understand the teaching and learning interactions on ward rounds with a particular focus on the experience of paediatric trainees.

Population pharmacokinetics of total and unbound teicoplanin concentrations and dosing simulations in patients with haematological malignancy.

Objectives: To develop a pharmacokinetic model describing total and unbound teicoplanin concentrations in patients with haematological malignancy and to perform Monte Carlo simulations to evaluate target attainment of unbound trough concentrations with various dose regimens.

Methods: This was a hospital-based clinical trial (EudraCT 2013-004535-72). The dosing regimen was 600/800 mg q12h for three doses then 600/800 mg daily.

Risk adjusted therapy in chronic lymphocytic leukemia: a phase II cancer trials Ireland (CTRIAL-IE [ICORG 07-01]) study of fludarabine, cyclophosphamide, and rituximab therapy evaluating response adapted, abbreviated frontline therapy with FCR in non-del(17p) CLL.

Minimal residual disease negative complete response (MRD-negative CR) provides an early marker for time to treatment failure (TTF) in CLL treated with fludarabine, cyclophosphamide, and rituximab (FCR). MRD was assessed after four FCR cycles (FCR4); MRD-negative CR patients discontinued treatment. Fifty-two patients (35M; 17F) were enrolled.

Variability in Trough Total and Unbound Teicoplanin Concentrations and Achievement of Therapeutic Drug Monitoring Targets in Adult Patients with Hematological Malignancy.

The objective of this study was to explore the following aspects of teicoplanin use in patients with hematological malignancy: early attainment of target trough concentrations with current high-dose teicoplanin regimens, variability in unbound teicoplanin fractions, factors associated with observed total and unbound trough concentrations, efficacy and toxicity, and renal function estimation. This was a single-center, prospective study. Samples for determination of trough concentrations were taken on days 3, 4, 7, and 10.

A review of therapy-related myelodysplastic syndromes and acute myeloid leukaemia (t-MDS/AML) in Irish patients: a single centre experience.

Objectives: To demonstrate the incidence, characteristics, treatment and outcomes of patients with therapy-related myelodysplastic syndromes and therapy-related acute myeloid leukaemia (t-MDS/AML) in a tertiary referral centre.

Methods: Patients meeting the diagnostic criteria for t-MDS/AML from 2003 to 2014 were reviewed to analyse their diagnostic features, details of antecedent disorder and treatment, approach to management and survival.

Results: 39 patients who developed t-MDS/AML were identified with incidence of 8.

Teicoplanin use in adult patients with haematological malignancy: Exploring relationships between dose, trough concentrations, efficacy and nephrotoxicity.

In 2010, our hospital introduced a higher target teicoplanin trough concentration of ≥20 mg/L by Day 3 for haematological malignancy patients. This study aimed to explore whether target trough concentrations were achieved, to identify factors associated with trough concentrations attained, and to assess clinical efficacy with teicoplanin treatments and nephrotoxicity. This was a retrospective, single-centre, cohort study of 172 teicoplanin treatments in 104 adults with haematological malignancy.