[Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for aggressive B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma]

To evaluate the results of high-dose chemotherapy (HDT) and autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (ASCT) in patients with diffuse B-cell aggressive non-Hodgkin's lymphoma(NHL). Between 1991 and 2004, 25 patients who did not achieve complete remission and 26 in complete remission from conventional chemotherapy received HDC-ASCT. Of 25 patients with refractory NHL,14 were chemotherapy-sensitive before HDT-ASCT and 11 were chemotherapy-resistant. CR was achieved after HDC-ASCT in 50% of 14 chemotherapy sensitive patients and in none of 11 chemotherapy-resistant patients. The 5-year probability of event-free survival for chemotherapy-sensitive and chemotherapy-resistant patients was 51.3% and 20.8%, respectively (p<0.05, log-rank test). Moreover, the 5-year probability of event-free survival for patients in the low-risk group with International Prognostic Index (IPI) and in the high-risk group with IPI was 75.0% and 16.3%, respectively (p<0.05, log-rank test). HDT-ASCT should be considered for patients with refractory aggressive NHL who are chemotherapy-sensitive rather than chemotherapy-resistant. Twenty-six patients in complete remission received consolidation therapy with HDT-ASCT. The 5-year probability of disease-free survival for patients in the low-risk group and in the high-risk group was 68.8% and 60.0%,respectively (p = 0.9 6). HDT-ASCT should be considered for patients at high risk who achieve complete remission after induction treatment. In future, HDT-ASCT combined with rituximab as induction therapy or as consolidation therapy is needed for patients with aggressive NHL in the high-risk group.

A steroidogenic cell line with differentiation potential from mouse granulosa cells, transfected with Ad4BP and SV40 large T antigen genes

Several steroidogenic cell lines of granulosa cells (GC) have been used to elucidate differentiation mechanisms of GC during folliculogenesis. These cell lines, however, are of limited usefulness since they have lost some of their differentiation potential. The transcription factor adrenal-4 binding protein (Ad4BP), also known as steroidogenic factor-1 or NR5A1, is essential for the expression of all P-450 steroidogenic enzymes. By transfection with the Ad4BP gene together with SV40 DNA, we have generated several steroidogenic cell lines. One selective clone, named 4B2, retained its steroidogenic potential and was therefore analyzed in depth. This cell line responded to 8-Br-cAMP by displaying differentiation characteristics similar to those occurring in the differentiation process of primary cultured GC, including enhanced progesterone secretion, a cell shape change from a fibroblastic to epithelioid conformation, elongated mitochondria, increased gap junction formation and inhibition of cell proliferation. Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), an intraovarian regulator of GC, stimulated cAMP production, and this eicosanoid, like 8-Br-cAMP, induced differentiation properties with the exception of cell conformation in 4B2 cells. These results suggest that expression of Ad4BP may provide the basis for a repertoire of cAMP-sensitive differentiation properties, including morphological alterations and growth inhibition. Thus, the 4B2 cell line may serve as a tool for elucidation of differentiation mechanisms that are under the control of Ad4BP.

[Acute myelomonocytic leukemia complicated with multiple lower intestinal ulcers induced by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs]

We report an 18-year-old woman with acute myelomonocytic leukemia, who developed massive lower intestinal bleeding following induction chemotherapy. Colonoscopy revealed multiple circular ulcers but no infectious colitis or infiltration of leukemia. The biopsy specimen showed mild non-specific inflammatory changes and scattered apoptosis bodies. She took nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NASIDs) for pyrexia and pharyngalgia for a long time. We concluded these were signs of ulcers induced by NSAIDs. Despite discontinuance of NSAIDs, melena did not improve. Transarterial embolization therapy using microcoils was tried with unsatisfactory results. Finally, colonoscopic clipping therapy and continuous arterial injection of vasopressin were performed. Subsequently, her condition improved markedly. In conclusion, NSAID-induced intestinal bleeding is not limited to the upper GI tract but may occur in the lower GI tract after long-term NSAID use. The possibility of lower GI tract complications from NSAID should be kept in mind.

Evaluation of an automated hematologyanalyzer (CELL-DYN 4000) for counting CD4+ T helper cells at low concentrations

In human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, CD4 cell counts are useful in defining the disease state, monitoring antiviral treatment, and identifying patients at risk for opportunistic infections. Counting CD4 cells typically relies on traditional immuno-flow cytometric analyzers that require opening the tube for manipulation of the blood sample. In addition to automated blood cell counting, the CELL-DYN 4000 hematology analyzer performs a completely enclosed and automated analysis of the T lymphocyte subsets. We studied the performance characteristics of this method in blood samples containing low levels of CD4+ T cells. In one set of experiments, we emulated low level CD4 counts by use of a CD4 Positive Isolation Kit to deplete the CD4+ cells from blood samples. We used the FACScan analyzer for reference counts. Measurements were made exactly 12 hr after venepuncture in samples that were stored at room temperature. In normal samples and those with low CD4+ cell counts, there was excellent correlation between the results of the CELL-DYN and FACScan methods. Using the CELL-DYN 4000 analyzer, the precision of CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell counts was high (CV = 2 to 8%). The CD4+ T-cell count was linear over a wide range (35 to 1640 cells/microl). This study shows that CD4 and CD8 T cell counts using the CELL-DYN 4000 analyzer is suitable for normal samples and also for those with low CD4+ T cell counts. The method is rapid and automated, and blood specimens remain enclosed, minimizing the biohazard of exposure to blood of HIV patients.

Conditioning Regimens Including High-Dose Busulfan Cause a High Incidence of Transplant-Related Mortality after Myeloablative Stem Cell Transplantation

BACKGROUND

Transplant-related mortality (TRM) significantly decreases the long-term survival of patients with hematopoietic diseases who undergo hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT).

METHODS

We retrospectively evaluated the risk factors for TRM of 58 consecutive patients with hematopoietic disease who underwent allogeneic myeloablative HSCT between April 1994 and June 2002.

RESULTS

Thirty-one patients died after HSCT, 16 of whom were diagnosed as TRM. The actuarial incidence of TRM was 57.6 % in patients who received conditioning chemotherapies including high-dose busulfan and 19.4 % in those who did not (p = 0.008). Multivariate Cox model analysis revealed that disease status, graft versus host disease (GVHD) grades III-IV and the use of high-dose busulfan were significant and independent risk factors for TRM.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that high-dose busulfan as a conditioning therapy for allogeneic HSCT should be used cautiously, especially in patients with advanced disease.

A case of a long-time survivor with chronic active Epstein-Barr virus infection

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is associated with hypersensitivity to mosquito bites (HMB) and fatal EBV-associated hemophagocytic syndrome (HPS). The prognosis of patients with chronic active EBV infection (CAEBV) is very poor. We report a rare case of an adult woman patient with a 28-yr history of HMB, who developed EBV-HPS. EBV genome was detected in the serum and peripheral blood lymphocytes. Clonal proliferation of EBV was demonstrated by Southern blot analysis using an EBV genome terminal-repeat probe. This is a very rare case of a long-term survivor with CAEBV. The patient was initially treated with immunochemotherapy and achieved complete remission. However, the patient immediately relapsed and underwent allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT) from her HLA-matched brother. Peripheral blood cell recovered well, and EBV genome disappeared from the peripheral blood. Allogeneic BMT may be effective in eradicating EBV-HPS. Unfortunately, the patient died of graft vs. host disease on the 92nd day after BMT.

[Salvage combination chemotherapy with cytarabine, carboplatin and steroids for relapsed or refractory non-Hodgkin's lymphoma]

We have treated 29 patients (19 men and 10 women) with relapsed or refractory non-Hodgkin's lymphoma with a combination of cytarabine (Ara-C), carboplatin (CBDCA) and prednisolone (PSL). The regimen, on days 1 to 3, included Ara-C, 400 mg/m2 i.v.; CBDCA; 250 mg/m2 i.v.; and PSL, 40 mg/m2. Since complete response was achieved in 10 patients (34.5%) and partial response in 9 (31.0%), the total response rate was 65.5%. The 50% survival duration of all patients after the initiation of this therapy was 8 months. The overall 5-year survival rate was 66.7% for those who achieved CR or PR with the Ara-C/CBDCA regimen and received high-dose chemotherapy and autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Myelosuppression was the major toxicity. Total WBC counts under 1,000/microliter were seen in 67.7% of the courses, and thrombocytopenia under 50,000/microliter was seen in 96.8%. Ara-C/CBDCA has proven to be an effective salvage regimen for patients with relapsed or refractory lymphoma. High-dose chemotherapy and autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation should be considered for salvageable patients.

[Primary malignant lymphoma arising from the nipple and areolar area of the breast]

A 56-year-old woman noticed soreness and swelling in the right nipple. Two weeks later, she noticed a mass in the outer lower region of the right areolar area, which was excised and the pathology of which was consistent with diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL). She was admitted when the right nipple mass was noted to be increasing, and was diagnosed as having stage I lymphoma. Her nipple mass was excised, and the pathology was consistent with DLBCL. CHOP therapy was administered three times and she was judged as having complete remission. Malignant lymphoma accounts for 0.15-0.17% of primary breast malignancies. Though the nipple and areolar area seem to be a rare primary site, this should be recognized as a sentinel zone for malignant lymphoma.

Reduced-intensity stem cell transplantation in two cases of metastatic renal cell carcinoma

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation can induce curative graft-versus-leukemia reactions in patients with hematological malignancies. There is also evidence of such an effect in patients with solid tumors. We report two patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma who underwent RIST. In both patients, disease progression was observed 6 months after transplantation. However, one patient had transient symptoms of tumor progression after the occurrence of acute graft-versus-host disease, consistent with graft-versus-tumor effects.

Automated in vitro selection to obtain functional oligonucleotides

In vitro selection or systematic evolution of ligand by exponential enrichment (SELEX) has been devised for the identification of high-affinity oligonucleotide aptamers to target molecules. However, the selection process is repetitive and time-consuming. We have developed an automatic for in vitro selection by assembling an affinity chromato-column, a PCR thermal cycler, a HPLC and a sample operation system. Several molecular biology methods were optimized for the machine. Automated selection was used to generate nucleic acid aptamers interacting specifically with an environmental contaminant.

E-cadherin expression in lymph nodes of three patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

The E-cadherins are a family of cell-cell adhesion molecules. These molecules exhibit Ca2+ dependent cell adhesion and are expressed on epithelial cells. E-cadherin levels in serum are known to be significantly elevated in patients with epithelial carcinomas. We determined serum E-cadherin levels in 30 patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) using an enzyme immunoassay and then investigated whether E-cadherin is expressed on lymphoma cells in lymph nodes of three cases selected to analyze from 15 cases of serum E-cadherin levels over mean + 2SD with monoclonal antibody immunohistochemistry. Results indicated that E-cadherin antigen is expressed on the lymphoma cells in these three patients with NHL, and that soluble E-cadherin might be released into blood from lymphoma cells. Expression of E-cadherin may contribute to the morphological appearance of some malignant lymphoma, although no conclusion can be drawn based on such small number of patients analyzed.

Development of chronic myelocytic leukemia after chemotherapy for malignant fibrous histiocytoma

At the age of 28, a 33-year-old male was diagnosed with malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH) with a primary lesion in the right maxillary sinus. Although arterial infusion chemotherapy (pirarubicin hydrochloride and carboplatin) was given, no tumor shrinkage was observed, and surgery was therefore performed to remove the tumor. Thereafter, the patient received autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation with high-dose chemotherapy (combination of ifosphamide, carboplatin and etoposide) as pretreatment. An increase in the peripheral leukocyte count was noted 56 months after the diagnosis of MFH was made. Cytogenetic study showed translocation (9;22)(q34;q11). Chronic myelocytic leukemia (CML) was therefore diagnosed. MFH was in a state of complete remission. The clinical course of this patient strongly suggests that this was a case of treatment-related CML that developed after chemotherapy for MFH. Treatment-related malignant blood diseases are known to include acute myelocytic leukemia and myelodysplastic syndrome, but reports of treatment-related CML are rare, although there have been some cases of treatment-related CML occurring several years after pretreatment.

Urinary trypsin inhibitor levels in the urine of patients with haematological malignancies

The urinary trypsin inhibitor (UTI) levels in the urine of patients with various haematological malignancies were determined, using automated latex agglutination immunoturbidimetry. The mean UTI levels in urine in acute non-lymphocytic leukaemia, myelodysplastic syndrome, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and multiple myeloma groups were significantly elevated, compared with the normal control group. It was found that the UTI level in urine changed from an elevated value to a normal value with haematological improvement by chemotherapy in a patient with myelodysplastic syndrome included in a previous study. These results suggest tha

Analysis of IL-18 bioactivity and IL-18 mRNA in three patients with adult T-cell leukaemia, acute mixed lineage leukaemia, and acute lymphocytic leukaemia accompanied with high serum IL-18 levels

Interleukin-18 (IL-18) bioactivity in sera and IL-18 mRNA expression in leukaemia cells of three patients with adult T-cell leukaemia (ATL), acute mixed lineage leukaemia (AMLL) and acute lymphocytic leukaemia (ALL) accompanied with high serum IL-18 levels have been analysed. There was little serum IL-18 bioactivity in the three patients with ATL, AMLL and ALL, while IL-18 mRNA expression was detected in leukaemia cells of all three patients.

[Successful treatment with foscarnet for disseminated varicella-zoster infection after reduced intensity stem cell transplantation in a case of relapsed refractory central nervous system lymphoma]

Visceral disseminated varicella-zoster virus (VZV) infection occurred with acute graft-versus-host disease in a 33-year-old Japanese male with non-Hodgkin lymphoma who had undergone allogeneic stem cell transplantation from an HLA-identical sibling after reduced intensity conditioning chemotherapy. Although ganciclovir and acyclovir treatment was effective temporarily, the number of VZV-DNA copies in the blood remained at a high level, and the hepatitis was prolonged. The patient was treated with foscarnet, which led to improvement of the VZV viremia and the hepatic dysfunction. Foscarnet therapy should be considered for acyclovir-resistant VZV infection in the setting of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

Successful treatment with reduced-intensity stem cell transplantation in a case of relapsed refractory central nervous system lymphoma

A 33-year-old male with refractory relapsed central nervous system lymphoma underwent allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) from an HLA-identical sibling after reduced-intensity conditioning chemotherapy. The preparative regimen for allo-HSCT consisted of fludarabine and busulfan. Cyclosporine (CsA) and short-term methotrexate were used as prophylaxis for acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Although CsA was quickly reduced to induce a graft-versus-lymphoma (GVL) effect, no symptoms of GVHD and GVL effect were evident. Donor lymphocyte infusion (DLI) was performed on day +40 following transplantation. The patient developed acute GVHD (grade III) after DLI, and lymphoma regression was observed after the occurrence of GVHD. Four months after transplantation, complete remission was achieved with extensive chronic GVHD, and the patient continues to be disease free at 15 months after transplantation.

[Analysis of factors for poor mobilization after administration of recombinant human granulocyte stimulating factor (rHuG-CSF) in healthy donors]

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is an effective treatment for hematological malignancies. Peripheral blood stem cells (PBSCs) are increasingly used as an alternative to bone marrow for allogeneic transplantation. However, predictive factors for the response to recombinant human granulocyte stimulating factor (rHuG-CSF) in healthy donors have not been extensively studied. We analyzed the side effects, laboratory test results after administration of rHuG-CSF and the factors influencing mobilization of peripheral blood stem cells in 30 healthy donors. Bone pain, fever and headache were observed with high frequency after administration of rHuG-CSF. WBCs and reticulocytes increased, and RBCs and platelets decreased significantly after administration rHuG-CSF. Biochemical examination revealed significant elevations of LDH, CRP, ALP and UA. Univariate analysis showed the age of donors (< 50 vs. > 50, p = 0.041) and the lymphocyte counts before administration of rHuG-CSF (p = 0.032) to be correlated with the number of CD34 positive cells. From a multivariate analysis, the tendency for good mobilization with a twice daily dose of rHuG-CSF (p = 0.065) was observed. The rHuG-CSF schedule may be the most important factor affecting peripheral blood stem cell mobilization and collection in healthy donors.

Block of the sacral segments in lumbar epidural anaesthesia

BACKGROUND

Block of the first sacral segment is often delayed in lumbar epidural anaesthesia. The addition of either epinephrine or sodium bicarbonate to the local anaesthetic enhances the efficacy of epidural block. We assessed the block of lumbo-sacral segments in lumbar epidural anaesthesia adding epinephrine and/or bicarbonate to lidocaine.

METHODS

Twenty-seven patients undergoing lumbar epidural anaesthesia with lidocaine 2%, 17 ml at L4-5 or L5-S1 were randomly divided into three groups. Plain lidocaine, lidocaine with 1:200,000 epinephrine or lidocaine-epinephrine-bicarbonate was administrated via an epidural catheter. The pain threshold after repeated electrical stimulation was used to assess the sensory block at the L2, S1, and S3 segments. Motor block was evaluated using the Bromage scale.

RESULTS

Patient characteristics were comparable between the groups. The pH of lidocaine in the lidocaine-epinephrine-bicarbonate group was significantly higher than that in other groups. Pain thresholds at the S1 and S3 segments in the lidocaine-epinephrine-bicarbonate group were significantly higher than those in the lidocaine-epinephrine group. However, differences in the pain threshold at the L2 segment between groups were insignificant. The time to onset of sensory block at the S1 and S3 in the lidocaine-epinephrine-bicarbonate group was significantly shorter than that in the lidocaine group. Pain threshold by pinprick test was approximately within the 30-50 mA range.

CONCLUSION

A combination of lidocaine, bicarbonate, and epinephrine increases the pain threshold over the sacral segments.

Clinical significance of serum E-cadherin levels in patients with haematological malignancies

E-cadherin is a transmembrane glycoprotein that mediates Ca2+-dependent intracellular adhesion in normal epithelial cells. E-cadherin levels in serum are known to be significantly elevated in patients with epithelial carcinomas. However, the role of E-cadherin in haematopoietic cells is less clear. In this study, serum E-cadherin levels were therefore determined in patients with acute or chronic leukaemia, malignant lymphoma or myelodysplastic syndromes. Significant elevation of serum E-cadherin levels was detected in patients with haematological malignancies, and between types of acute leukaemias or subtypes of myelodysplastic syndromes, stages of malignant lymphoma, and phases of chronic leukaemia, respectively, compared with those in healthy adult volunteers. These findings suggest that E-cadherin might be expressed in malignant haematopoietic cells and might be useful as a diagnostic indicator in haematological malignancies.

Combination assay of urinary free L-fucose and trypsin inhibitor may be useful indicators of disease activity in patients with hematologic malignancies

L-Fucose is a monosaccharide located at the non-reducing ends of sugar chains of glycoconjugates. Urinary L-fucose (U-FC) is excreted as free L-fucose, and clinically useful as a tumor marker of digestive organ cancers. We evaluated the clinical usefulness of U-FC levels in patients with various hematologic malignancies because U-FC for hematologic malignancies has only rarely been described. The mean U-FC levels in the acute nonlymphocytic leukemia (ANLL), myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and myeloproliferative disorders (MPD) groups were significantly higher than in the control group (P < 0.05). Recently, we reported that urinary trypsin inhibitor (UTI) levels in patients with ANLL, MDS, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and multiple myeloma were significantly elevated, compared with those in healthy adult volunteers. Noninvasive combination assays of UTI and U-FC may have a higher accuracy in diagnosis of ANLL and MDS than those of UTI or U-FC alone. UTI and U-FC combination assays, noninvasive for patients, could be expanded as useful indicators in hematologic malignancies.