Memory T-cell enriched haploidentical transplantation with NK cell addback results in promising long-term outcomes: a phase II trial.

Background: Relapse remains a challenge after transplantation in pediatric patients with hematological malignancies. Myeloablative regimens used for disease control are associated with acute and long-term adverse effects. We used a CD45RA-depleted haploidentical graft for adoptive transfer of memory T cells combined with NK-cell addback and hypothesized that maximizing the graft-versus-leukemia (GVL) effect might allow for reduction in intensity of conditioning regimen.

Outcomes following intolerance to calcineurin inhibitor-based graft-versus-host disease prophylaxis in children after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation.

Calcineurin inhibitors (CNI), cyclosporine and tacrolimus, are commonly used for pharmacologic prophylaxis of graft-versus-host disease after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). Unfortunately, their use is associated with significant toxicities. While intolerance to CNI is well defined, there is very little information on how they impact outcomes after HCT in children.

A prospective cohort study of late sequelae of pediatric allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

As survivors of pediatric allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantations (HSCTs) increase in number, it is increasingly important to evaluate their well-being. We conducted this prospective cohort study to evaluate the cumulative incidence and risk factors for late sequelae of HSCT. Comprehensive surveillance tests were performed annually on every participant, regardless of signs and symptoms, to obtain accurate information on the time-of-onset of each late event to allow hazard function analyses.

Prophylaxis of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia with atovaquone in children with leukemia.

Background: Despite extensive studies of atovaquone in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients, there is little information about its efficacy as a prophylactic agent for Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) in pediatric patients with cancer. Therefore, a retrospective analysis was conducted to determine the incidence of PCP in pediatric patients who received prophylactic atovaquone during treatment for acute leukemia.

Methods: We reviewed the medical records of all patients treated at our institution for acute lymphoblastic leukemia or acute myeloid leukemia between 1994 and 2004.