Endothelial Activation and Stress Index (EASIX) to predict mortality after allogeneic stem cell transplantation: a prospective study.

Background: We previously reported that the "Endothelial Activation and Stress Index" (EASIX; ((creatinine×lactate dehydrogenase)÷thrombocytes)) measured before start of conditioning predicts mortality after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (alloSCT) when used as continuous score. For broad clinical implementation, a prospectively validated EASIX-pre cut-off is needed that defines a high-risk cohort and is easy to use.

Method: In the current study, we first performed a retrospective cohort analysis in n=2022 alloSCT recipients and identified an optimal cut-off for predicting non-relapse mortality (NRM) as EASIX-pre=3.

Pneumocystis Pneumonia After Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation: A Case-Control Study on Epidemiology and Risk Factors on Behalf of the Infectious Diseases Working Party of the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation.

Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) is a life-threatening complication after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT). However, allo-HCT procedures have evolved toward older patients, unrelated donors, and reduced-intensity conditioning, possibly modifying the risks. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR), widely used nowadays, is more sensitive than microscopy diagnostic methods.

Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation in patients with CALR-mutated myelofibrosis: a study of the Chronic Malignancies Working Party of EBMT.

Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) is curative for myelofibrosis (MF) but assessing risk-benefit in individual patients is challenging. This complexity is amplified in CALR-mutated MF patients, as they live longer with conventional treatments compared to other molecular subtypes. We analyzed outcomes of 346 CALR-mutated MF patients who underwent allo-HCT in 123 EBMT centers between 2005 and 2019.

Cellular senescence marker p16 and NFKB1 gene polymorphisms in lower gastro-intestinal acute graft versus host disease.

Background: Lower gastrointestinal (GI) graft versus host disease (GVHD) represents a severe complication in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients with high rates of transplant-related mortality. Deregulated innate immunity reactions are the features of its pathogenesis. Cellular senescence has been considered a program of the innate immunity.

Prognostic value of a new clinically-based classification system in patients with CMML undergoing allogeneic HCT: a retrospective analysis of the EBMT-CMWP.

Recently a new three-group clinical classification was reported by an International Consortium to stratify CMML patients with regard to prognosis. The groups were defined as follows: (1) Myelodysplastic (MD)-CMML: WBC ≤ 10 × 10/l, circulating immature myeloid cells (IMC) = 0, no splenomegaly; (2) MD/MP (overlap)-CMML: WBC 10-20 × 10/l or WBC ≤ 10 × 10/l but IMC > 0 and/or splenomegaly; (3) Myeloproliferative (MP)-CMML: WBC > 20 × 10/l. By analysing EBMT Registry patients who underwent allo-HCT for CMML between 1997 and 2016, we aimed to determine the impact of this classification on transplantation outcome and to make a comparison with the conventional WHO classification (CMML-0/CMML-1/CMML-2).

Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation in Patients With FLT3-ITD Mutated AML: Transplantation in CR1 Is the Decisive Factor for Good Outcome.

Background: Patients with internal tandem duplication in fms-related tyrosine kinase receptor gene 3 (FLT3-ITD)-mutated acute myeloid leukemia (AML) have a dismal prognosis and the only curative option seems to be allogeneic stem cell transplantation (alloSCT). However, its timing is still matter of debate.

Patients And Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 73 consecutive AML patients with FLT3-ITD (median age 53, range 20-68 years) allografted with consistent policy to try to refer them all for upfront alloSCT in first complete remission (CR1).

[Prevalence of strains of Staphylococcus epidermidis and other coagulase-negative staphylococci with biofilm-forming ability at a department of hemato-oncology].

Objectives: Staphylococcus epidermidis and coagulase-negative staphylococci generally are important causative agents of hospital-acquired infections. A significant role in this process is played by their common ability to form biofilm, a highly organized community of microorganisms adhering to inert surfaces. The study aimed to determine the prevalence of these bacterial strains and their ability to form biofilm at the Department of Hemato-Oncology, University Hospital Olomouc.

Granulocyte transfusions collected after steroid priming for severe infections during neutropenia: A single center experience.

Background: There is no universally accepted opinion on the use of granulocyte transfusions collected using apheresis (GTA) in neutropenic patients and severe infection.

Patients And Methods: The efficacy and safety of GTAs transfused at a single center over 10 years were analyzed retrospectively. GTAs were harvested from voluntary unrelated donors after priming with methylprednisolone using continuous apheresis and hydroxyethylstarch as sedimentation agent.

HLA-B gene somatic insertion/deletion mutations in patients with acute myelogenous leukaemia.

Loss of heterozygosity is considered to be the most common type of tumour-specific somatic mutation of the human leucocyte antigens (HLA) genes in patients with haematological malignancies. Nevertheless, subtle DNA sequence changes, namely short insertions/deletions, may also abolish the expression of HLA molecules and interfere with routine HLA typing. Two male patients with acute myelogenous leukaemia (AML) were indicated for the search of a suitable donor for allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (aHSCT).

Graft versus Host Disease: From Basic Pathogenic Principles to DNA Damage Response and Cellular Senescence.

Graft versus host disease (GVHD), a severe immunogenic complication of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), represents the most frequent cause of transplant-related mortality (TRM). Despite a huge progress in HSCT techniques and posttransplant care, GVHD remains a significant obstacle in successful HSCT outcome. This review presents a complex summary of GVHD pathogenesis with focus on references considering basic biological processes such as DNA damage response and cellular senescence.

Profile of Inflammation-Associated Proteins in Early Post-Transplant Samples of Patients After Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: a Preliminary Study.

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (aHSCT) is used as a curative treatment in severe hematological and immunological disorders. Despite clear improvement of the aHSCT outcome, substantial proportion of patients still suffers from severe complications, including graft-versus-host disease (GvHD). The aim of this study was, therefore, to identify inflammation-associated molecules deregulated in the early serum samples of the patients after aHSCT and nominate markers associated with particular aHSCT parameters/complications.

Monitoring of Microscopic Filamentous Fungi in Indoor Air of Transplant Unit.

Aim: The aim of the study was to control the microbial contamination of indoor air monitored monthly at the Transplant Unit of the University Hospital Olomouc from August 2010 to July 2011.

Methods: The unit is equipped with a three-stage air filtration system with HEPA filters. The MAS-100 air sampler (Merck, GER) was used.

Can Rituximab Improve the Outcome of Patients with Nodular Lymphocyte-Predominant Hodgkin's Lymphoma?

Background: Nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin's lymphoma (NLPHL) is a rare subtype of Hodgkin's lymphoma showing strong CD20 expression. The role of rituximab in treating NLPHL still needs clarification.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the outcome of 23 patients with NLPHL treated with rituximab alone or in combination with chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy as part of their first- or second-line treatment.

ATM gene single nucleotide polymorphisms predict regimen-related gastrointestinal toxicity in patients allografted after reduced conditioning.

Polymorphisms of genes involved in innate and adaptive immunity have become an object of major interest in regard to hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) complications. Regimen-related gastrointestinal toxicity (RR-GIT) is the dominant complication during the pre-engraftment period and has been linked to increased risk of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) development. According to our hypothesis, functional variants of genes participating in DNA damage response (DDR) may have an impact on the extent of tissue damage caused by the conditioning regimen.

Comparison of reduced conditionings combining fludarabine with melphalan or 3-day busulfan in patients allografted for myeloid neoplasms.

In the present study we compared outcomes of patients with myeloid neoplasms undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation after fludarabine-based regimens with melphalan (FM140) or 3-day busulfan (FB3). The FM140 and FB3 combinations were administered to 21 and 27 patients, respectively. Efforts for early reduction (from day +30 to 60) and discontinuation (until day +100 to 130) of prophylactic immunosuppression were a component of the post-transplant approach.

The availability of HEPA-filtered rooms and the incidence of pneumonia in patients after haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT): results from a prospective, multicentre, eastern European study.

Aims And Objectives: To establish the availability of High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA)- and nonHEPA-filtered rooms in eastern European transplant centres and to investigate the impact on incidence of pneumonia and mortality after haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT).

Background: Barrier nursing in HEPA-filtered rooms is generally recommended for patients undergoing HSCT. There are only limited data on the availability of HEPA-filtered rooms and the impact on incidence of pneumonia and mortality.

Soluble interleukin-2 receptor level predicts survival in patients with follicular lymphoma treated with cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisone chemotherapy in the rituximab era.

This study analyzed the prognostic significance of soluble interleukin-2 receptor α (sIL-2Rα) levels in 100 prospectively enrolled patients with previously untreated follicular lymphoma. It showed that sIL-2Rα level ≥ 115 pmol/L at the time of treatment initiation correlated with a high Follicular Lymphoma International Prognostic Index-2 (FLIPI-2), bulky disease, advanced clinical stage, number of involved lymph nodes, bone marrow involvement and elevated β2-microglobulin (B2M) level. When testing all patients, sIL-2Rα ≥ 115 pmol/L was associated with significantly shorter progression-free (PFS; p < 0.

Reduced relative dose intensity of primary chemotherapy does not influence prognosis of patients with Hodgkin lymphoma.

Aims: A retrospective analysis of patients with Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) was performed to assess their outcome regarding relative dose intensity (RDI) of chemotherapy administered in primary treatment.

Methods: A total of 194 patients were divided into three groups with different RDI of primary chemotherapy (100%, 90-99% and <90%). Reduced RDI in two groups (90-99% and <90%) was caused by the delay of the interval between the administration of some chemotherapeutic courses.

[The incidence of nonfermentative gram-negative bacilli in the environment of the transplant unit, department of hemato-oncology, university hospital Olomouc].

A study entitled "Surveillance of Infectious Complications in Hemato-oncological Patients" was conducted at the Department of Hemato-Oncology, University Hospital Olomouc from 1 July 2010 to 31 August 2011. During the study period, a total of 63 patients were hospitalized at that department and 33 stem cell transplants were performed, 21 autologous and 12 allogeneic. Microbial contamination was monitored in indoor air, on selected surfaces, and in health care providers (right hand smear, left and right nostril swabs and scalp hair smear).

[The incidence of gram-negative bacteria in the environment of the Transplant Unit, Department of Hemato-oncology, University Hospital --Olomouc].

A study entitled "Surveillance of Infectious Complications in Hemato-oncological Patients", was conducted at the Department of Hemato-Oncology, University Hospital Olomouc from 1 July 2010 to 31 August 2011. During the study period, a total of 96 patients were hospitalized at that department and 63 stem cell transplants were performed, 43 autologous and 23 allogeneic. Microbial contamination was monitored in indoor air, on selected surfaces, and in health care providers (right hand smear, left and right nostril swabs and scalp hair smear).

High serum carbohydrate antigen-125 (CA-125) level predicts poor outcome in patients with follicular lymphoma independently of the FLIPI score.

Carbohydrate antigen-125 (CA-125) was established as a prognostic marker in cancer, especially in ovarian carcinoma. Many recent studies have also reported on the prognostic significance of CA-125 in patients with different types of lymphoma, but only a few studies have been carried out in patients treated with rituximab or high-dose therapy. The prognostic impact of CA-125 on a large cohort of patients with follicular lymphoma (FL) has not been studied.

Comparison of new flu-bu12-tg conditioning with the standard bu-cy myeloablative regimen in patients undergoing allogeneic stem cell transplantation for acute myeloid leukemia.

Aims: This study compares the outcomes of patients with high-risk acute myeloid leukemia (AML) who underwent allogeneic stem cell transplantation (SCT) after conditioning combining busulfan (16 mg/kg orally) and cyclophosphamide (120 mg/kg intravenously) (BU-CY) with those allografted after administration of fludarabine (150 mg/m(2) intravenously), busulfan (12 mg/kg orally) and thymoglobulin (6 mg/kg intravenously) (FLU-BU12-TG).

Material And Methods: SCT after BU-CY and FLU-BU12-TG was performed in 21 and 10 AML patients. There were no significant differences between groups in number of patients treated in complete disease remission, gender, age, donors, CD34+, mononuclear cell (MNC) count in the graft and follow-up period.

High baseline serum thymidine kinase 1 level predicts unfavorable outcome in patients with follicular lymphoma.

Serum thymidine kinase 1 (TK1) is a sensitive marker of tumor cell proliferation. TK1 has been reported as a reliable prognostic factor in solid tumors and chronic lymphocytic leukemia, but has not yet been tested in large populations of patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma. In this study, the prognostic significance of TK1 levels was assessed in 170 prospectively enrolled patients with previously untreated follicular lymphoma (FL).