Early hepatocyte DNA synthetic response posthepatectomy is modulated by IL-6 trans-signaling and PI3K/AKT activation.

Background & Aims: Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a crucial factor in liver regeneration following partial hepatectomy (PH); however, the role of IL-6 and IL-6 trans-signaling in particular, in hepatocyte mitosis remains controversial. IL-6 trans-signaling relies upon the release of the soluble IL-6R (sIL-6R), which binds IL-6 to form an agonistic IL-6/sIL-6R complex. Herein we have examined the hypothesis that IL-6 trans-signaling plays a crucial and distinct role in liver regeneration following PH.

Improved outcome in relapsed and refractory myeloid malignancies for unrelated vs related donor allogeneic peripheral blood-derived hematopoietic cell transplantation.

There are limited data on the comparison of unrelated vs related peripheral blood-derived hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) in patients with AML and its implications in high-risk patients. In this single-center retrospective study, we report on a total of 92 consecutive patients with AML (n=87) or myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS; n=5), who were treated between 1996 and 2006 with a uniform preparative regimen of BU and CY and peripheral blood-derived HCT from related (n=46) or unrelated donors (n=46). At transplantation, 45 patients were in CR, 11 were untreated and 36 had relapsed or refractory disease.

Thalidomide in consecutive multiple myeloma patients: single-center analysis on practical aspects, efficacy, side effects and prognostic factors with lower thalidomide doses.

Purpose: In this single-center analysis, we assessed whether lower thalidomide doses are feasible and result in favourable treatment response in multiple myeloma (MM) patients.

Results: Between May 2001 and October 2006, 38 consecutive MM patients received thalidomide. Their median age was 62.

State of the art therapy in multiple myeloma and future perspectives.

Treatment for multiple myeloma (MM) has changed beyond recognition in the past decades. While until the early 1980s, MM caused a slow progressive decline in quality of life until death after about two years, today's patients can expect a 50% chance of achieving a complete remission, a median survival time of five years and a 20% chance of surviving longer than ten years. State of the art therapy comprises: evidence-based supportive care; highly effective and well tolerated chemotherapeutic regimens; and for patients qualifying for intensive high-dose conditioning, autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is an option.