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Qu HQ, Glessner JT, Qu J, Liu Y, Watson D, Chang X, Saeidian AH, Qiu H, Mentch FD, Connolly JJ, Hakonarson H. High Comorbidity of Pediatric Cancers in Patients with Birth Defects: Insights from Whole Genome Sequencing Analysis of Copy Number Variations. Transl Res 2024; 266:49-56. [PMID: 37989391 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2023.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with birth defects (BD) exhibit an elevated risk of cancer. We aimed to investigate the potential link between pediatric cancers and BDs, exploring the hypothesis of shared genetic defects contributing to the coexistence of these conditions. METHODS This study included 1454 probands with BDs (704 females and 750 males), including 619 (42.3%) with and 845 (57.7%) without co-occurrence of pediatric onset cancers. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) was done at 30X coverage through the Kids First/Gabriella Miller X01 Program. RESULTS 8211 CNV loci were called from the 1454 unrelated individuals. 191 CNV loci classified as pathogenic/likely pathogenic (P/LP) were identified in 309 (21.3%) patients, with 124 (40.1%) of these patients having pediatric onset cancers. The most common group of CNVs are pathogenic deletions covering the region ChrX:52,863,011-55,652,521, seen in 162 patients including 17 males. Large recurrent P/LP duplications >5MB were detected in 33 patients. CONCLUSIONS This study revealed that P/LP CNVs were common in a large cohort of BD patients with high rate of pediatric cancers. We present a comprehensive spectrum of P/LP CNVs in patients with BDs and various cancers. Notably, deletions involving E2F target genes and genes implicated in mitotic spindle assembly and G2/M checkpoint were identified, potentially disrupting cell-cycle progression and providing mechanistic insights into the concurrent occurrence of BDs and cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Qi Qu
- Center for Applied Genomics (CAG), Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, USA
| | - Joseph T Glessner
- Center for Applied Genomics (CAG), Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, USA; Department of Pediatrics, The Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, USA; Division of Human Genetics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, USA
| | - Jingchun Qu
- Center for Applied Genomics (CAG), Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, USA
| | - Yichuan Liu
- Center for Applied Genomics (CAG), Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, USA
| | - Deborah Watson
- Center for Applied Genomics (CAG), Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, USA
| | - Xiao Chang
- Center for Applied Genomics (CAG), Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, USA
| | - Amir Hossein Saeidian
- Center for Applied Genomics (CAG), Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, USA
| | - Haijun Qiu
- Center for Applied Genomics (CAG), Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, USA
| | - Frank D Mentch
- Center for Applied Genomics (CAG), Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, USA
| | - John J Connolly
- Center for Applied Genomics (CAG), Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, USA
| | - Hakon Hakonarson
- Center for Applied Genomics (CAG), Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, USA; Department of Pediatrics, The Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, USA; Division of Human Genetics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, USA; Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, USA; Faculty of Medicine, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland.
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Gorur V, Kranc KR, Ganuza M, Telfer P. Haematopoietic stem cell health in sickle cell disease and its implications for stem cell therapies and secondary haematological disorders. Blood Rev 2024; 63:101137. [PMID: 37919142 DOI: 10.1016/j.blre.2023.101137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
Gene modification of haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) is a potentially curative approach to sickle cell disease (SCD) and offers hope for patients who are not eligible for allogeneic HSC transplantation. Current approaches require in vitro manipulation of healthy autologous HSC prior to their transplantation. However, the health and integrity of HSCs may be compromised by a variety of disease processes in SCD, and challenges have emerged in the clinical trials of gene therapy. There is also concern about increased susceptibility to haematological malignancies during long-term follow up of patients, and this raises questions about genomic stability in the stem cell compartment. In this review, we evaluate the evidence for HSC deficits in SCD and then discuss their potential causation. Finally, we suggest several questions which need to be addressed in order to progress with successful HSC manipulation for gene therapy in SCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vishaka Gorur
- William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, EC1M 6BQ, UK.
| | - Kamil R Kranc
- Centre for Haemato-Oncology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, EC1M 6BQ, UK.
| | - Miguel Ganuza
- Centre for Haemato-Oncology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, EC1M 6BQ, UK.
| | - Paul Telfer
- Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, E1 2AT, UK.
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Jacob SA, Talati R, Kanter J. The evolving treatment landscape for children with sickle cell disease. THE LANCET. CHILD & ADOLESCENT HEALTH 2023; 7:797-808. [PMID: 37858508 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-4642(23)00201-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Sickle cell disease is the most common inherited pathological haemoglobinopathy. Over the past 30 years, disease-related morbidity and mortality have improved in high-income countries due to advances in preventive care and treatments. Established disease-modifying therapies, such as hydroxyurea (hydrocarbamide), are continuing to have an important role in the treatment of sickle cell disease, and newer agents also show promise. In the past 5 years, the US Food and Drug Administration approved three additional sickle cell disease-modifying medications, and new gene therapies have been developed as an alternative curative treatment to haematopoietic stem-cell transplantation. In this Review, we discuss the current treatment landscape for paediatric sickle cell disease and emerging innovations in care. We also review the need for close, long-term management for children receiving newer therapies and the importance of ongoing investment in people with sickle cell disease in low-income and middle-income countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seethal A Jacob
- Division of Pediatric Hematology Oncology, Riley Hospital for Children, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Ravi Talati
- Division of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology & Blood/Marrow Transplantation, Cleveland Clinic Children's Hospital, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Julie Kanter
- Lifespan Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center, University of Alabama, Birmingham, AL, USA.
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Roy NB, Carpenter A, Dale-Harris I, Dorée C, Estcourt LJ. Interventions for chronic kidney disease in people with sickle cell disease. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2023; 8:CD012380. [PMID: 37539955 PMCID: PMC10404133 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd012380.pub3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sickle cell disease (SCD), one of the commonest severe monogenic disorders, is caused by the inheritance of two abnormal haemoglobin (beta-globin) genes. SCD can cause severe pain, significant end-organ damage, pulmonary complications, and premature death. Kidney disease is a frequent and potentially severe complication in people with SCD. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is defined as abnormalities of kidney structure or function present for more than three months. Sickle cell nephropathy refers to the spectrum of kidney complications in SCD. Glomerular damage is a cause of microalbuminuria and can develop at an early age in children with SCD, with increased prevalence in adulthood. In people with sickle cell nephropathy, outcomes are poor as a result of the progression to proteinuria and chronic kidney insufficiency. Up to 12% of people who develop sickle cell nephropathy will develop end-stage renal disease. This is an update of a review first published in 2017. OBJECTIVES To assess the effectiveness of any intervention for preventing or reducing kidney complications or chronic kidney disease in people with sickle cell disease. Possible interventions include red blood cell transfusions, hydroxyurea, and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs), either alone or in combination. SEARCH METHODS We searched for relevant trials in the Cochrane Cystic Fibrosis and Genetic Disorders Group Trials Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, seven other databases, and two other trials registers. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing interventions to prevent or reduce kidney complications or CKD in people with SCD. We applied no restrictions related to outcomes examined, language, or publication status. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors independently assessed trial eligibility, extracted data, assessed the risk of bias, and assessed the certainty of the evidence (GRADE). MAIN RESULTS We included three RCTs with 385 participants. We rated the certainty of the evidence as low to very low across different outcomes according to GRADE methodology, downgrading for risk of bias concerns, indirectness, and imprecision. Hydroxyurea versus placebo One RCT published in 2011 compared hydroxyurea to placebo in 193 children aged nine to 18 months. We are unsure if hydroxyurea compared to placebo reduces or prevents progression of kidney disease assessed by change in glomerular filtration rate (mean difference (MD) 0.58 mL/min /1.73 m2, 95% confidence interval (CI) -14.60 to 15.76; 142 participants; very low certainty). Hydroxyurea compared to placebo may improve the ability to concentrate urine (MD 42.23 mOsm/kg, 95% CI 12.14 to 72.32; 178 participants; low certainty), and may make little or no difference to SCD-related serious adverse events, including acute chest syndrome (risk ratio (RR) 0.39, 99% CI 0.13 to 1.16; 193 participants; low certainty), painful crisis (RR 0.68, 99% CI 0.45 to 1.02; 193 participants; low certainty); and hospitalisations (RR 0.83, 99% CI 0.68 to 1.01; 193 participants; low certainty). No deaths occurred in either trial arm and the RCT did not report quality of life. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors versus placebo One RCT published in 1998 compared an ACEI (captopril) to placebo in 22 adults with normal blood pressure and microalbuminuria. We are unsure if captopril compared to placebo reduces proteinuria (MD -49.00 mg/day, 95% CI -124.10 to 26.10; 22 participants; very low certainty). We are unsure if captopril reduces or prevents kidney disease as measured by creatinine clearance; the trial authors stated that creatinine clearance remained constant over six months in both groups, but provided no comparative data (very low certainty). The RCT did not report serious adverse events, all-cause mortality, or quality of life. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors versus vitamin C One RCT published in 2020 compared an ACEI (lisinopril) with vitamin C in 170 children aged one to 18 years with normal blood pressure and microalbuminuria. It reported no data we could analyse. We are unsure if lisinopril compared to vitamin C reduces proteinuria in this population: the large drop in microalbuminuria in both arms of the trial after only one month on treatment may have been due to an overestimation of microalbuminuria at baseline rather than a true effect. The RCT did not report serious adverse events, all-cause mortality, or quality of life. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS We are unsure if hydroxyurea improves glomerular filtration rate or reduces hyperfiltration in children aged nine to 18 months, but it may improve their ability to concentrate urine and may make little or no difference to the incidence of acute chest syndrome, painful crises, and hospitalisations. We are unsure if ACEI compared to placebo has any effect on preventing or reducing kidney complications in adults with normal blood pressure and microalbuminuria. We are unsure if ACEI compared to vitamin C has any effect on preventing or reducing kidney complications in children with normal blood pressure and microalbuminuria. No RCTs assessed red blood cell transfusions or any combined interventions to prevent or reduce kidney complications. Due to lack of evidence, we cannot comment on the management of children aged over 18 months or adults with any known genotype of SCD. We have identified a lack of adequately designed and powered studies, although we found four ongoing trials since the last version of this review. Only one ongoing trial addresses renal function as a primary outcome in the short term, but such interventions have long-term effects. Trials of hydroxyurea, ACEIs or red blood cell transfusion in older children and adults are urgently needed to determine any effect on prevention or reduction of kidney complications in people with SCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noemi Ba Roy
- Department of Haematology, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
| | | | | | - Carolyn Dorée
- Systematic Review Initiative, NHS Blood and Transplant, Oxford, UK
| | - Lise J Estcourt
- Haematology/Transfusion Medicine, NHS Blood and Transplant, Oxford, UK
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Sickle cell disease (SCD) is one of the most common inherited diseases worldwide. It is associated with lifelong morbidity and a reduced life expectancy. Hydroxyurea (hydroxycarbamide), an oral chemotherapeutic drug, ameliorates some of the clinical problems of SCD, in particular that of pain, by raising foetal haemoglobin (HbF). This is an update of a previously published Cochrane Review. OBJECTIVES The aims of this review are to determine through a review of randomised or quasi-randomised studies whether the use of hydroxyurea in people with SCD alters the pattern of acute events, including pain; prevents, delays or reverses organ dysfunction; alters mortality and quality of life; or is associated with adverse effects. In addition, we hoped to assess whether the response to hydroxyurea in SCD varies with the type of SCD, age of the individual, duration and dose of treatment, and healthcare setting. SEARCH METHODS We searched the Cochrane Cystic Fibrosis and Genetic Disorders Haemoglobinopathies Register, comprising references identified from comprehensive electronic database searches and handsearches of relevant journals and abstract books of conference proceedings. We also searched online trial registries. The date of the most recent search was 17 February 2022. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised and quasi-randomised controlled trials (RCTs and quasi-RCTs), of one month or longer, comparing hydroxyurea with placebo or standard therapy in people with SCD. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Authors independently assessed studies for inclusion, carried out data extraction, assessed the risk of bias and assessed the quality of the evidence using GRADE. MAIN RESULTS We included nine RCTs recruiting 1104 adults and children with SCD (haemoglobin SS (HbSS), haemoglobin SC (HbSC) or haemoglobin Sβºthalassaemia (HbSβºthal) genotypes). Studies lasted from six to 30 months. We judged the quality of the evidence for the first two comparisons below as moderate to low as the studies contributing to these comparisons were mostly large and well-designed (and at low risk of bias); however, the evidence was limited and imprecise for some outcomes such as quality of life, deaths during the studies and adverse events, and the results are applicable only to individuals with HbSS and HbSβºthal genotypes. We judged the quality of the evidence for the third and fourth comparisons to be very low due to the limited number of participants, the lack of statistical power (both studies were terminated early with approximately only 20% of their target sample size recruited) and the lack of applicability to all age groups and genotypes. Hydroxyurea versus placebo Five studies (784 adults and children with HbSS or HbSβºthal) compared hydroxyurea to placebo; four recruited individuals with only severe disease and one recruited individuals with all disease severities. Hydroxyurea probably improves pain alteration (using measures such as pain crisis frequency, duration, intensity, hospital admissions and opoid use) and life-threatening illness, but we found no difference in death rates (10 deaths occurred during the studies, but the rates did not differ by treatment group) (all moderate-quality evidence). Hydroxyurea may improve measures of HbF (low-quality evidence) and probably decreases neutrophil counts (moderate-quality evidence). There were no consistent differences in terms of quality of life and adverse events (including serious or life-threatening events) (low-quality evidence). There were fewer occurrences of acute chest syndrome and blood transfusions in the hydroxyurea groups. Hydroxyurea and phlebotomy versus transfusion and chelation Two studies (254 children with HbSS or HbSβºthal also with risk of primary or secondary stroke) contributed to this comparison. There were no consistent differences in terms of pain alteration, death or adverse events (low-quality evidence) or life-threatening illness (moderate-quality evidence). Hydroxyurea with phlebotomy probably increased HbF and decreased neutrophil counts (moderate-quality evidence), but there were more occurrences of acute chest syndrome and infections. Quality of life was not reported. In the primary prevention study, no strokes occurred in either treatment group but in the secondary prevention study, seven strokes occurred in the hydroxyurea and phlebotomy group (none in the transfusion and chelation group) and the study was terminated early. Hydroxyurea versus observation One study (22 children with HbSS or HbSβºthal also at risk of stoke) compared hydroxyurea to observation. Pain alteration and quality of life were not reported. There were no differences in life-threatening illness, death (no deaths reported in either group) or adverse events (very low-quality evidence). We are uncertain if hydroxyurea improves HbF or decreases neutrophil counts (very low-quality evidence). Treatment regimens with and without hydroxyurea One study (44 adults and children with HbSC) compared treatment regimens with and without hydroxyurea. Pain alteration, life-threatening illness and quality of life were not reported. There were no differences in death rates (no deaths reported in either group), adverse events or neutrophil levels (very low-quality evidence). We are uncertain if hydroxyurea improves HbF (very low-quality evidence). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS There is evidence to suggest that hydroxyurea may be effective in decreasing the frequency of pain episodes and other acute complications in adults and children with sickle cell anaemia of HbSS or HbSβºthal genotypes and in preventing life-threatening neurological events in those with sickle cell anaemia at risk of primary stroke by maintaining transcranial Doppler velocities. However, there is still insufficient evidence on the long-term benefits of hydroxyurea, particularly with regard to preventing chronic complications of SCD, or recommending a standard dose or dose escalation to maximum tolerated dose. There is also insufficient evidence about the long-term risks of hydroxyurea, including its effects on fertility and reproduction. Evidence is also limited on the effects of hydroxyurea on individuals with the HbSC genotype. Future studies should be designed to address such uncertainties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela E Rankine-Mullings
- Sickle Cell Unit, Caribbean Institute for Health Research, University of the West Indies, Kingston, Jamaica
| | - Sarah J Nevitt
- Department of Health Data Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
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Ware RE, Dertinger SD. Absence of hydroxyurea-induced mutational effects supports higher utilisation for the treatment of sickle cell anaemia. Br J Haematol 2021; 194:252-266. [PMID: 33570176 DOI: 10.1111/bjh.17323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Hydroxyurea (hydroxycarbamide) is approved for treating both children and adults with sickle cell anaemia (SCA). Fetal haemoglobin (HbF) induction is the primary treatment response, along with improved anaemia, reduced haemolysis, myelosuppression and decreased endothelial inflammation. Hydroxyurea has proven clinical efficacy for SCA - treatment significantly reduces disease manifestations and prolongs survival. Despite these recognised benefits, long-standing concerns regarding the risks of mutagenic and potentially carcinogenic drug exposure have hampered efforts for broad hydroxyurea use in SCA, although these are based largely on outdated experimental models and treatment experiences with myeloproliferative neoplasms. Consequently, many patients with SCA are not receiving this highly effective disease-modifying therapy. In this review, we describe the concept of genotoxicity and its laboratory measurements, summarise hydroxyurea-associated data from both preclinical and clinical studies, and discuss carcinogenic potential. The genotoxicity results clearly demonstrate that hydroxyurea does not directly bind DNA and is not mutagenic. Rather, its genotoxic effects are limited to indirect clastogenicity occurring in select cell types, and only when high dose and time thresholds are exceeded. This absence of mutagenic activity is consistent with the observed lack of any compelling carcinogenic potential. Since hydroxyurea therapy for SCA carries minimal carcinogenic risks, the current drug labelling should be modified accordingly, and prescribing practices should be broadened to allow better access and increased utilisation of this highly effective drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Russell E Ware
- Division of Hematology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA.,Global Health Center, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
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7
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Baseline TP53 mutations in adults with SCD developing myeloid malignancy following hematopoietic cell transplantation. Blood 2020; 135:1185-1188. [PMID: 32062672 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2019004001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
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Albertini RJ, Kaden DA. Mutagenicity monitoring in humans: Global versus specific origin of mutations. MUTATION RESEARCH-REVIEWS IN MUTATION RESEARCH 2020; 786:108341. [PMID: 33339577 DOI: 10.1016/j.mrrev.2020.108341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Revised: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
An underappreciated aspect of human mutagenicity biomonitoring is tissue specificity reflected in different assays, especially those that measure events that can only occur in developing bone marrow (BM) cells. Reviewed here are 9 currently-employed human mutagenicity biomonitoring assays. Several assays measure chromosome-level events in circulating T-lymphocytes (T-cells), i.e., traditional analyses of aberrations, translocation studies involving chromosome painting and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and determinations of micronuclei (MN). Other T-cell assays measure gene mutations. i.e., hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoriboslytransferase (HPRT) and phosphoribosylinositol glycan class A (PIGA). In addition to the T-cell assays, also reviewed are those assays that measure events in peripheral blood cells that necessarily arose in BM cells, i.e., MN in reticulocytes; glycophorin A (GPA) gene mutations in red blood cells (RBCs), and PIGA gene mutations in RBC or granulocytes. This review considers only cell culture- or cytometry-based assays to describe endpoints measured, methods, optimal sampling times, and sample summaries of typical quantitative and qualitative results. However, to achieve its intended focus on the target cells where events occur, kinetics of the cells of peripheral blood that derive at some point from precursor cells are reviewed to identify body sites and tissues where the genotoxic events originate. Kinetics indicate that in normal adults, measured events in T-cells afford global assessments of in vivo mutagenicity but are not specific for BM effects. Therefore, an agent's capacity for inducing mutations in BM cells cannot be reliably inferred from T-cell assays as the magnitude of effect in BM, if any, is unknown. By contrast, chromosome or gene level mutations measured in RBCs/reticulocytes or granulocytes must originate in BM cells, i.e. in RBC or granulocyte precursors, thereby making them specific indicators for effects in BM. Assays of mutations arising directly in BM cells may quantitatively reflect the mutagenicity of potential leukemogenic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard J Albertini
- University of Vermont, 111 Colchester Avenue, Burlington, VT 05401, United States
| | - Debra A Kaden
- Ramboll US Consulting, Inc., 101 Federal Street, Suite 1900, Boston, MA 02110, United States.
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Sherief LM, Goneim E, Kamal NM, Ibraheim A, Alsofiani F, Alawur A. Acute lymphoblastic leukemia in a β-thalassemia intermedia child: A case report. World J Clin Pediatr 2020; 9:1-6. [PMID: 32844089 PMCID: PMC7416358 DOI: 10.5409/wjcp.v9.i1.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Revised: 05/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND β-thalassemia intermedia (βTI) is one of the hemoglobinopathies. It constitutes 10% of β-thalassemia cases and is associated with better quality of life than β-thalassemia major (βTM).
CASE SUMMARY We recently reported the first case of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) from Egypt in a child with βTM, and we herein report the first case of ALL from Egypt in a child with βTI. In this report, literature was reviewed for cases of malignancies associated with βTI and the possible factors underling the relationship between the two entities.
CONCLUSIO We stress that physicians should have a high index of suspicion of malignancies in thalassemia patients if they present with any suggestive symptoms or signs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laila M Sherief
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44511, Egypt
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44511, Egypt
| | - Esmael Goneim
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Tanta Cancer Institute, Tanta 00202, Egypt
| | - Naglaa M Kamal
- Department of Pediatrics and Pediatric Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo 21121, Egypt
- Department of Pediatrics, Alhada Armed Forces Hospital, Taif 00966, Saudi Arabia
| | - Amr Ibraheim
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44511, Egypt
| | - Fuad Alsofiani
- Department of Pediatrics, Alhada Armed Forces Hospital, Taif 00966, Saudi Arabia
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Li Y, Zhu S, Liu W, Ming J, Wang X, Hu X. Ruxolitinib-based combinations in the treatment of myelofibrosis: worth looking forward to. Ann Hematol 2020; 99:1161-1176. [PMID: 32333155 PMCID: PMC7237512 DOI: 10.1007/s00277-020-04028-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Ruxolitinib is a targeted drug to treat myelofibrosis (MF). Ruxolitinib has significant advantages in spleen reduction and increasing 5-year overall survival (OS), and ruxolitinib-based combinations might provide more benefits than ruxolitinib monotherapy. In this review, we focus on the data of ruxolitinib-based combinations therapies and treatment-related adverse events (AEs) and safety. We analyzed and summarized the data of ruxolitinib-based combinations. Ruxolitinib combined with prednisone + thalidomide + danazol (TPD), panobinostat, pracinostat, azacytidine, or hydroxyurea has well reduced spleen. Ruxolitinib combined with danazol or TPD had well therapies in improvement of hemoglobin (Hgb) and platelets (PLT). Most ruxolitinib-based combinations therapies showed a superior benefit on reduced treatment-related AEs than ruxolitinib monotherapy. Treatment-related AEs and dose modification affect the safety and tolerability of ruxolitinib-based combinations. Genetic testing before treatment is recommended. To provide better clinical guidance, comparisons of these randomized controlled trials with the trials of ruxolitinib alone are necessary. This review suggests that the clinical application of ruxolitinib-based combinations is worth waiting for.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujin Li
- Department of Hematology, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100091 China
- Graduate School, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700 China
| | - Shirong Zhu
- Department of Hematology, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100091 China
- Graduate School, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029 China
| | - Weiyi Liu
- Department of Hematology, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100091 China
| | - Jing Ming
- Department of Hematology, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100091 China
| | - Xueying Wang
- Department of Hematology, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100091 China
- Graduate School, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700 China
| | - Xiaomei Hu
- Department of Hematology, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100091 China
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11
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Estcourt LJ, Kimber C, Hopewell S, Trivella M, Doree C, Abboud MR. Interventions for preventing silent cerebral infarcts in people with sickle cell disease. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2020; 4:CD012389. [PMID: 32250453 PMCID: PMC7134371 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd012389.pub3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sickle cell disease (SCD) is one of the commonest severe monogenic disorders in the world, due to the inheritance of two abnormal haemoglobin (beta globin) genes. SCD can cause severe pain, significant end-organ damage, pulmonary complications, and premature death. Silent cerebral infarcts are the commonest neurological complication in children and probably adults with SCD. Silent cerebral infarcts also affect academic performance, increase cognitive deficits and may lower intelligence quotient. OBJECTIVES To assess the effectiveness of interventions to reduce or prevent silent cerebral infarcts in people with SCD. SEARCH METHODS We searched for relevant trials in the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE (from 1946), Embase (from 1974), the Transfusion Evidence Library (from 1980), and ongoing trial databases; all searches current to 14 November 2019. We searched the Cochrane Cystic Fibrosis and Genetic Disorders Group Trials Register: 07 October 2019. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised controlled trials comparing interventions to prevent silent cerebral infarcts in people with SCD. There were no restrictions by outcomes examined, language or publication status. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We used standard Cochrane methodological procedures. MAIN RESULTS We included five trials (660 children or adolescents) published between 1998 and 2016. Four of the five trials were terminated early. The vast majority of participants had the haemoglobin (Hb)SS form of SCD. One trial focused on preventing silent cerebral infarcts or stroke; three trials were for primary stroke prevention and one trial dealt with secondary stroke prevention. Three trials compared the use of regular long-term red blood cell transfusions to standard care. Two of these trials included children with no previous long-term transfusions: one in children with normal transcranial doppler (TCD) velocities; and one in children with abnormal TCD velocities. The third trial included children and adolescents on long-term transfusion. Two trials compared the drug hydroxyurea and phlebotomy to long-term transfusions and iron chelation therapy: one in primary prevention (children), and one in secondary prevention (children and adolescents). The quality of the evidence was moderate to very low across different outcomes according to GRADE methodology. This was due to trials being at high risk of bias because they were unblinded; indirectness (available evidence was only for children with HbSS); and imprecise outcome estimates. Long-term red blood cell transfusions versus standard care Children with no previous long-term transfusions and higher risk of stroke (abnormal TCD velocities or previous history of silent cerebral infarcts) Long-term red blood cell transfusions may reduce the incidence of silent cerebral infarcts in children with abnormal TCD velocities, risk ratio (RR) 0.11 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.02 to 0.86) (one trial, 124 participants, low-quality evidence); but make little or no difference to the incidence of silent cerebral infarcts in children with previous silent cerebral infarcts on magnetic resonance imaging and normal or conditional TCDs, RR 0.70 (95% CI 0.23 to 2.13) (one trial, 196 participants, low-quality evidence). No deaths were reported in either trial. Long-term red blood cell transfusions may reduce the incidence of: acute chest syndrome, RR 0.24 (95% CI 0.12 to 0.49) (two trials, 326 participants, low-quality evidence); and painful crisis, RR 0.63 (95% CI 0.42 to 0.95) (two trials, 326 participants, low-quality evidence); and probably reduces the incidence of clinical stroke, RR 0.12 (95% CI 0.03 to 0.49) (two trials, 326 participants, moderate-quality evidence). Long-term red blood cell transfusions may improve quality of life in children with previous silent cerebral infarcts (difference estimate -0.54; 95% confidence interval -0.92 to -0.17; one trial; 166 participants), but may have no effect on cognitive function (least squares means: 1.7, 95% CI -1.1 to 4.4) (one trial, 166 participants, low-quality evidence). Transfusions continued versus transfusions halted: children and adolescents with normalised TCD velocities (79 participants; one trial) Continuing red blood cell transfusions may reduce the incidence of silent cerebral infarcts, RR 0.29 (95% CI 0.09 to 0.97 (low-quality evidence). We are very uncertain whether continuing red blood cell transfusions has any effect on all-cause mortality, Peto odds ratio (OR) 8.00 (95% CI 0.16 to 404.12); or clinical stroke, RR 0.22 (95% CI 0.01 to 4.35) (very low-quality evidence). The trial did not report: comparative numbers for SCD-related adverse events; quality of life; or cognitive function. Hydroxyurea and phlebotomy versus transfusions and chelation Primary prevention, children (121 participants; one trial) We are very uncertain whether switching to hydroxyurea and phlebotomy has any effect on: silent cerebral infarcts (no infarcts); all-cause mortality (no deaths); risk of stroke (no strokes); or SCD-related complications, RR 1.52 (95% CI 0.58 to 4.02) (very low-quality evidence). Secondary prevention, children and adolescents with a history of stroke (133 participants; one trial) We are very uncertain whether switching to hydroxyurea and phlebotomy has any effect on: silent cerebral infarcts, Peto OR 7.28 (95% CI 0.14 to 366.91); all-cause mortality, Peto OR 1.02 (95%CI 0.06 to 16.41); or clinical stroke, RR 14.78 (95% CI 0.86 to 253.66) (very low-quality evidence). Switching to hydroxyurea and phlebotomy may increase the risk of SCD-related complications, RR 3.10 (95% CI 1.42 to 6.75) (low-quality evidence). Neither trial reported on quality of life or cognitive function. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS We identified no trials for preventing silent cerebral infarcts in adults, or in children who do not have HbSS SCD. Long-term red blood cell transfusions may reduce the incidence of silent cerebral infarcts in children with abnormal TCD velocities, but may have little or no effect on children with normal TCD velocities. In children who are at higher risk of stroke and have not had previous long-term transfusions, long-term red blood cell transfusions probably reduce the risk of stroke, and other SCD-related complications (acute chest syndrome and painful crises). In children and adolescents at high risk of stroke whose TCD velocities have normalised, continuing red blood cell transfusions may reduce the risk of silent cerebral infarcts. No treatment duration threshold has been established for stopping transfusions. Switching to hydroxyurea with phlebotomy may increase the risk of silent cerebral infarcts and SCD-related serious adverse events in secondary stroke prevention. All other evidence in this review is of very low-quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lise J Estcourt
- NHS Blood and TransplantHaematology/Transfusion MedicineLevel 2, John Radcliffe HospitalHeadingtonOxfordUKOX3 9BQ
| | | | - Sally Hopewell
- University of OxfordNuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences (NDORMS)Botnar Research Centre, Windmill RoadOxfordOxfordshireUKOX3 7LD
| | - Marialena Trivella
- University of OxfordCentre for Statistics in MedicineBotnar Research CentreWindmill RoadOxfordUKOX3 7LD
| | - Carolyn Doree
- NHS Blood and TransplantSystematic Review InitiativeJohn Radcliffe HospitalOxfordUKOX3 9BQ
| | - Miguel R Abboud
- American University of Beirut Medical CenterDepartment of Pediatrics and Adolescent MedicineBeirutLebanon
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12
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Ballas SK. The Evolving Pharmacotherapeutic Landscape for the Treatment of Sickle Cell Disease. Mediterr J Hematol Infect Dis 2020; 12:e2020010. [PMID: 31934320 PMCID: PMC6951351 DOI: 10.4084/mjhid.2020.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 12/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an extremely heterogeneous disease that has been associated with global morbidity and early mortality. More effective and inexpensive therapies are needed. During the last five years, the landscape of the pharmacotherapy of SCD has changed dramatically. Currently, 54 drugs have been used or under consideration to use for the treatment of SCD. These fall into 3 categories: the first category includes the four drugs (Hydroxyurea, L-Glutamine, Crizanlizumab tmca and Voxelotor) that have been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) based on successful clinical trials. The second category includes 22 drugs that failed, discontinued or terminated for now and the third category includes 28 drugs that are actively being considered for the treatment of SCD. Crizanlizumab and Voxelotor are included in the first and third categories because they have been used in more than one trial. New therapies targeting multiple pathways in the complex pathophysiology of SCD have been achieved or are under continued investigation. The emerging trend seems to be the use of multimodal drugs (i.e. drugs that have different mechanisms of action) to treat SCD similar to the use of multiple chemotherapeutic agents to treat cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samir K Ballas
- Cardeza Foundation for Hematologic Research, Department of Medicine, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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13
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Olubiyi OO, Olagunju MO, Strodel B. Rational Drug Design of Peptide-Based Therapies for Sickle Cell Disease. Molecules 2019; 24:E4551. [PMID: 31842406 PMCID: PMC6943517 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24244551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Revised: 12/08/2019] [Accepted: 12/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a group of inherited disorders affecting red blood cells, which is caused by a single mutation that results in substitution of the amino acid valine for glutamic acid in the sixth position of the β-globin chain of hemoglobin. These mutant hemoglobin molecules, called hemoglobin S, can polymerize upon deoxygenation, causing erythrocytes to adopt a sickled form and to suffer hemolysis and vaso-occlusion. Until recently, only two drug therapies for SCD, which do not even fully address the manifestations of SCD, were approved by the United States (US) Food and Drug Administration. A third treatment was newly approved, while a monoclonal antibody preventing vaso-occlusive crises is also now available. The complex nature of SCD manifestations provides multiple critical points where drug discovery efforts can be and have been directed. These notwithstanding, the need for new therapeutic approaches remains high and one of the recent efforts includes developments aimed at inhibiting the polymerization of hemoglobin S. This review focuses on anti-sickling approaches using peptide-based inhibitors, ranging from individual amino acid dipeptides investigated 30-40 years ago up to more promising 12- and 15-mers under consideration in recent years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olujide O. Olubiyi
- Institute of Complex Systems: Structural Biochemistry, Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany; (M.O.O.); (B.S.)
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife 220282, Nigeria
| | - Maryam O. Olagunju
- Institute of Complex Systems: Structural Biochemistry, Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany; (M.O.O.); (B.S.)
| | - Birgit Strodel
- Institute of Complex Systems: Structural Biochemistry, Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany; (M.O.O.); (B.S.)
- Institute of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Universitätsstraße 1, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
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14
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Regan S, Yang X, Finnberg NK, El-Deiry WS, Pu JJ. Occurrence of acute myeloid leukemia in hydroxyurea-treated sickle cell disease patient. Cancer Biol Ther 2019; 20:1389-1397. [PMID: 31423878 DOI: 10.1080/15384047.2019.1647055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Hydroxyurea (HU) has been widely used in sickle cell disease. Its potential long-term risk for carcinogenesis or leukemogenic risk remains undefined. Here, we report a 26 y old African-American female with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) who developed refractory/relapsed acute myeloid leukemia (AML) 6 months after 26 months of HU use. That patient's cytogenetics and molecular genetics analyses demonstrated a complex mutation profile with 5q deletion, trisomy 8, and P53 deletion (deletion of 17p13.1). P53 gene sequence studies revealed a multitude of somatic mutations that most suggest a treatment-related etiology. The above-mentioned data indicates that the patient may have developed acute myeloid leukemia with myelodysplasia-related changes (AML-MRC) as a direct result of HU exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Regan
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, SUNY Upstate Medical University , Syracuse , New York , USA
| | - Xuebin Yang
- Department of Pathology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania , Philadelphia , PA , USA
| | | | - Wafik S El-Deiry
- Department of Pathology, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University , Providence , Rhode Island , USA
| | - Jeffrey J Pu
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, SUNY Upstate Medical University , Syracuse , New York , USA.,Upstate Cancer Center, Departments of Medicine, Pathology, and Pharmacology, SUNY Upstate Medical University , Syracuse , New York , USA.,Syracuse VA Medical Center, SUNY Upstate Medical University , Syracuse , New York , USA
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15
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Houwing ME, de Pagter PJ, van Beers EJ, Biemond BJ, Rettenbacher E, Rijneveld AW, Schols EM, Philipsen JNJ, Tamminga RYJ, van Draat KF, Nur E, Cnossen MH. Sickle cell disease: Clinical presentation and management of a global health challenge. Blood Rev 2019; 37:100580. [PMID: 31128863 DOI: 10.1016/j.blre.2019.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2018] [Revised: 05/17/2019] [Accepted: 05/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Sickle cell disease is an autosomal recessive, multisystem disorder, characterised by chronic haemolytic anaemia, painful episodes of vaso-occlusion, progressive organ failure and a reduced life expectancy. Sickle cell disease is the most common monogenetic disease, with millions affected worldwide. In well-resourced countries, comprehensive care programs have increased life expectancy of sickle cell disease patients, with almost all infants surviving into adulthood. Therapeutic options for sickle cell disease patients are however, still scarce. Predictors of sickle cell disease severity and a better understanding of pathophysiology and (epi)genetic modifiers are warranted and could lead to more precise management and treatment. This review provides an extensive summary of the pathophysiology and management of sickle cell disease and encompasses the characteristics, complications and current and future treatment options of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- M E Houwing
- Department of Paediatric Haematology, Erasmus University Medical Center - Sophia Children's Hospital, Wytemaweg 80, 3015, CN, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - P J de Pagter
- Department of Paediatric Haematology, Erasmus University Medical Center - Sophia Children's Hospital, Wytemaweg 80, 3015, CN, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - E J van Beers
- Department of Internal Medicine and Dermatology, Van Creveldkliniek, University Medical Center Utrecht, Internal mail no C.01.412, 3508, GA, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| | - B J Biemond
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Haematology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Meibergdreef 9, 1105, AZ, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - E Rettenbacher
- Department of Paediatric Haematology, Radboud University Medical Center - Amalia Children's Hospital, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 10, 6500, HB, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
| | - A W Rijneveld
- Department of Haematology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Wytemaweg 80, 3015, CN, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - E M Schols
- Department of Haematology, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 10, 6525, GA, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
| | - J N J Philipsen
- Department of Cell Biology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Wytemaweg 80, 3015, CN, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - R Y J Tamminga
- Department of Paediatric Oncology and Haematology, University Medical Center Groningen - Beatrix Children's Hospital, Postbus 30001, 9700, RB, Groningen, the Netherlands..
| | - K Fijn van Draat
- Department of Paediatric Haematology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers - Emma Children's Hospital, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Plasma Proteins, Sanquin Research, the Netherlands.
| | - E Nur
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Haematology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Meibergdreef 9, 1105, AZ, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - M H Cnossen
- Department of Paediatric Haematology, Erasmus University Medical Center - Sophia Children's Hospital, Wytemaweg 80, 3015, CN, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
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16
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Rodriguez A, Duez P, Dedeken L, Cotton F, Ferster A. Hydroxyurea (hydroxycarbamide) genotoxicity in pediatric patients with sickle cell disease. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2018. [PMID: 29512872 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.27022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hydroxyurea (HU) reduces the severity of sickle cell disease (SCD) in children; nevertheless, its long-term safety is an important concern. This paper evaluates HU genotoxicity at dose ≤ 30 mg/kg/day after over 2 years of treatment. PROCEDURE The study included 76 children: 32 SCD patients treated with HU, 27 SCD patients not treated with HU, and 17 unaffected children. HU patients were classified as good or poor responders according to their clinical response. Comet assay allows the comparison of DNA damage between both groups of patients and unaffected children. Maximal concentration (Cmax ) of HU in plasma was determined after drug administration. RESULTS Mean values of DNA in the comet tail were 5.13 ± 6.84 for unaffected children, 5.80 ± 7.78 for patients with SCD treated with HU, and 5.61 ± 6.91 for patients with SCD not treated with HU. Significant differences were observed between unaffected children and children with SCD. No difference was evident between comets from SCD patients treated and not treated with HU. In the case of HU, mean DNA in the comet tail was significantly lower in good responders than in poor responders: 5.54 ± 7.77 and 6.69 ± 8.43, respectively. Mean Cmax value on plasma was 39.08 ± 15.65 mg/l; N = 31. CONCLUSIONS SCD increases, slightly but significantly, DNA damage in lymphocytes from patients with SCD. Patients with SCD treated with HU do not present more nucleoid damage than patients with SCD not treated with HU. Good responders to the HU treatment have significantly less nucleoid damage than poor responders. HU treatment at ≤30 mg/kg/day does not expose patients to a genotoxic plasma concentration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anar Rodriguez
- Laboratory of Biological and Medical Chemistry, Faculté de Phamacie, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium.,Service of Clinical Chemistry, Laboratoire Hospitalier Universitaire de Bruxelles (LHUB-ULB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Pierre Duez
- Unit of Therapeutic Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, Faculté de Medicine et Pharmacie, Université de Mons (UMONS), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Laurence Dedeken
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Hôpital Universitaire des Enfants "Reine Fabiola", Brussels, Belgium
| | - Frédéric Cotton
- Laboratory of Biological and Medical Chemistry, Faculté de Phamacie, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium.,Service of Clinical Chemistry, Laboratoire Hospitalier Universitaire de Bruxelles (LHUB-ULB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Alina Ferster
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Hôpital Universitaire des Enfants "Reine Fabiola", Brussels, Belgium
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17
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Abstract
Sickle cell disease (SCD) complications begin with the polymerization of sickle hemoglobin (HbS). Thus, SCD therapies are focused on preventing HbS production or reducing the circulating amount of HbS. Hydroxyurea treatment has become more widespread, whereas the number of evidence-based indications for erythrocyte transfusion is small. Hematopoietic stem cell transplant is a curative option for SCD but less than 25% of patients have a suitable donor. This article focuses on supportive and preventive care improvements and the benefits of hydroxyurea. Indications for erythrocyte transfusion, hematopoietic stem cell transplant, and gene therapy trials are also summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Riehm Meier
- Sickle Cell Research, Indiana Hemophilia and Thrombosis Center, 8326 Naab Road, Indianapolis, IN 46260, USA.
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18
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Qureshi A, Kaya B, Pancham S, Keenan R, Anderson J, Akanni M, Howard J. Guidelines for the use of hydroxycarbamide in children and adults with sickle cell disease: A British Society for Haematology Guideline. Br J Haematol 2018; 181:460-475. [PMID: 29732531 DOI: 10.1111/bjh.15235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Amrana Qureshi
- Department of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology, Oxford Children's Hospital, Oxford University Hospital NHS Trust, Oxford, UK
| | - Banu Kaya
- Department of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology, Royal London Hospitals, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Shivan Pancham
- Department of Haematology, Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust, West Bromwich, UK
| | - Russell Keenan
- Department of Paediatric Haematology, Alderhey Children's Hospital NHS Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | - Jeremy Anderson
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Magbor Akanni
- Department of Haematology, Milton Keynes Hospital NHS Trust, Milton Keynes, UK
| | - Jo Howard
- Department of Haematology, Guys and St Thomas's NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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19
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Phillips K, Healy L, Smith L, Keenan R. Hydroxyurea therapy in UK children with sickle cell anaemia: A single-centre experience. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2018; 65. [PMID: 28988427 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.26833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2017] [Revised: 09/01/2017] [Accepted: 09/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite the demonstrated efficacy of hydroxyurea therapy, children with sickle cell anaemia in the UK are preferentially managed with supportive care or transfusion. Hydroxyurea is reserved for children with severe disease phenotype. This is in contrast to North America and other countries where hydroxyurea is widely used for children of all clinical phenotypes. The conservative UK practice may in part be due to concerns about toxicity, in particular marrow suppression with high doses, and growth in children. METHODS AND RESULTS We monitored 37 paediatric patients with sickle cell anaemia who were treated with hydroxyurea at a single UK treatment centre. Therapy was well tolerated and mild transient cytopenias were the only toxicity observed. Comparative analysis of patients receiving ≥26 mg/kg/day versus <26 mg/kg/day demonstrates increasing dose has a significant positive effect on foetal haemoglobin (Hb; 29.2% vs. 20.4%, P = 0.0151), mean cell volume (94.4 vs. 86.5, P = 0.0183) and reticulocyte count (99.66 × 109 /l vs. 164.3 × 109 /l, P = 0.0059). Marrow suppression was not a clinical problem with high-dose treatment, Hb 92.25 g/l versus 91.81 g/l (ns), neutrophil count 3.3 × 109 /l versus 4.8 × 109 /l (ns) and platelet count 232.4 × 109 /l versus 302.2 × 109 /l (ns). Normal growth rates were maintained in all children. Good adherence to therapy was a significant factor in reducing hospitalisations. CONCLUSION This study demonstrates the effectiveness and safety in practice of high-dose hydroxyurea as a disease-modifying therapy, which we advocate for all children with sickle cell anaemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate Phillips
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Laura Healy
- Department of Haematology and Oncology, Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | - Louise Smith
- Department of Haematology and Oncology, Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | - Russell Keenan
- Department of Haematology and Oncology, Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
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20
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Roy NBA, Fortin PM, Bull KR, Doree C, Trivella M, Hopewell S, Estcourt LJ. Interventions for chronic kidney disease in people with sickle cell disease. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2017; 7:CD012380. [PMID: 28672087 PMCID: PMC5544118 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd012380.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sickle cell disease (SCD) is one of the commonest severe monogenic disorders in the world, due to the inheritance of two abnormal haemoglobin (beta-globin) genes. SCD can cause severe pain, significant end-organ damage, pulmonary complications, and premature death. Kidney disease is a frequent and potentially severe complication in people with SCD.Chronic kidney disease is defined as abnormalities of kidney structure or function, present for more than three months. Sickle cell nephropathy refers to the spectrum of kidney complications in SCD.Glomerular damage is a cause of microalbuminuria and can develop at an early age in children with SCD, and increases in prevalence in adulthood. In people with sickle cell nephropathy, outcomes are poor as a result of the progression to proteinuria and chronic kidney insufficiency. Up to 12% of people who develop sickle cell nephropathy will develop end-stage renal disease. OBJECTIVES To assess the effectiveness of any intervention in preventing or reducing kidney complications or chronic kidney disease in people with SCD (including red blood cell transfusions, hydroxyurea and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI)), either alone or in combination with each other. SEARCH METHODS We searched for relevant trials in the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE (from 1946), Embase (from 1974), the Transfusion Evidence Library (from 1980), and ongoing trial databases; all searches current to 05 April 2016. We searched the Cochrane Cystic Fibrosis and Genetic Disorders Group Trials Register: 13 April 2017. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised controlled trials comparing interventions to prevent or reduce kidney complications or chronic kidney disease in people with SCD. There were no restrictions by outcomes examined, language or publication status. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two authors independently assessed trial eligibility, extracted data and assessed the risk of bias. MAIN RESULTS We included two trials with 215 participants. One trial was published in 2011 and included 193 children aged 9 months to 18 months, and compared treatment with hydroxyurea to placebo. The second trial was published in 1998 and included 22 adults with normal blood pressure and microalbuminuria and compared ACEI to placebo.We rated the quality of evidence as low to very low across different outcomes according to GRADE methodology. This was due to trials having: a high or unclear risk of bias including attrition and detection bias; indirectness (the available evidence was for children aged 9 months to 18 months in one trial and a small and select adult sample size in a second trial); and imprecise outcome effect estimates of significant benefit or harm. Hydroxyurea versus placebo We are very uncertain if hydroxyurea reduces or prevents progression of kidney disease (assessed by change in glomerular filtration rate), or reduces hyperfiltration in children aged 9 to 18 months, mean difference (MD) 0.58 (95% confidence interval (CI) -14.60 to 15.76 (mL/min per 1.73 m²)) (one study; 142 participants; very low-quality evidence).In children aged 9 to 18 months, hydroxyurea may improve the ability to concentrate urine, MD 42.23 (95% CI 12.14 to 72.32 (mOsm/kg)) (one study; 178 participants; low-quality evidence).Hydroxyurea may make little or no difference to SCD-related serious adverse events including: incidence of acute chest syndrome, risk ratio (RR) 0.39 (99% CI 0.13 to 1.16); painful crisis, RR 0.68 (99% CI 0.45 to 1.02); and hospitalisations, RR 0.83 (99% CI 0.68 to 1.01) (one study, 193 participants; low-quality evidence).No deaths occurred in the trial. Quality of life was not reported. ACEI versus placeboWe are very uncertain if ACEI reduces proteinuria in adults with SCD who have normal blood pressure and microalbuminuria, MD -49.00 (95% CI -124.10 to 26.10 (mg per day)) (one study; 22 participants; very low-quality evidence). We are very uncertain if ACEI reduce or prevent kidney disease as measured by creatinine clearance. The authors state that creatinine clearance remained constant over six months in both groups, but no comparative data were provided (very low-quality evidence).All-cause mortality, serious adverse events and quality of life were not reported. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS In young children aged 9 months to 18 months, we are very uncertain if hydroxyurea improves glomerular filtration rate or reduces hyperfiltration, but it may improve young children's ability to concentrate urine and may make little or no difference on the incidence of acute chest syndrome, painful crises and hospitalisations.We are very uncertain if giving ACEI to adults with normal blood pressure and microalbuminuria has any effect on preventing or reducing kidney complications.This review identified no trials that looked at red cell transfusions nor any combinations of interventions to prevent or reduce kidney complications.Due to lack of evidence this review cannot comment on the management of either children aged over 18 months or adults with any known genotype of SCD.We have identified a lack of adequately-designed and powered studies, and no ongoing trials which address this critical question. Trials of hydroxyurea, ACEI or red blood cell transfusion in older children and adults are urgently needed to determine any effect on prevention or reduction kidney complications in people with SCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noemi BA Roy
- University of OxfordWeatherall Institute of Molecular MedicineJohn Radcliffe HospitalHeadley WayOxfordUKOX3 9DU
| | - Patricia M Fortin
- NHS Blood and TransplantSystematic Review InitiativeJohn Radcliffe HospitalOxfordUKOX3 9BQ
| | - Katherine R Bull
- Oxford University Hospitals Trust and the University of OxfordOxford Kidney Unit and Nuffield Department of MedicineCornall Group, Henry Wellcome Building for Molecular PhysiologyRoosevelt DriveOxfordUKOX3 7BN
| | - Carolyn Doree
- NHS Blood and TransplantSystematic Review InitiativeJohn Radcliffe HospitalOxfordUKOX3 9BQ
| | - Marialena Trivella
- University of OxfordCentre for Statistics in MedicineBotnar Research CentreWindmill RoadOxfordUKOX3 7LD
| | - Sally Hopewell
- University of OxfordOxford Clinical Trials Research UnitNuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal SciencesWindmill RoadOxfordOxfordshireUKOX3 7LD
| | - Lise J Estcourt
- NHS Blood and TransplantHaematology/Transfusion MedicineLevel 2, John Radcliffe HospitalHeadingtonOxfordUKOX3 9BQ
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Estcourt LJ, Fortin PM, Hopewell S, Trivella M, Doree C, Abboud MR. Interventions for preventing silent cerebral infarcts in people with sickle cell disease. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2017; 5:CD012389. [PMID: 28500860 PMCID: PMC5460750 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd012389.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sickle cell disease (SCD) is one of the commonest severe monogenic disorders in the world, due to the inheritance of two abnormal haemoglobin (beta globin) genes. SCD can cause severe pain, significant end-organ damage, pulmonary complications, and premature death. Silent cerebral infarcts are the commonest neurological complication in children and probably adults with SCD. Silent cerebral infarcts also affect academic performance, increase cognitive deficits and may lower intelligence quotient. OBJECTIVES To assess the effectiveness of interventions to reduce or prevent silent cerebral infarcts in people with SCD. SEARCH METHODS We searched for relevant trials in the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE (from 1946), Embase (from 1974), the Transfusion Evidence Library (from 1980), and ongoing trial databases; all searches current to 19 September 2016. We searched the Cochrane Cystic Fibrosis and Genetic Disorders Group Trials Register: 06 October 2016. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised controlled trials comparing interventions to prevent silent cerebral infarcts in people with SCD. There were no restrictions by outcomes examined, language or publication status. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We used standard Cochrane methodological procedures. MAIN RESULTS We included five trials (660 children or adolescents) published between 1998 and 2016. Four of the five trials were terminated early. The vast majority of participants had the haemoglobin (Hb)SS form of SCD. One trial focused on preventing silent cerebral infarcts or stroke; three trials were for primary stroke prevention and one trial dealt with secondary stroke prevention.Three trials compared the use of regular long-term red blood cell transfusions to standard care. Two of these trials included children with no previous long-term transfusions: one in children with normal transcranial doppler (TCD) velocities; and one in children with abnormal TCD velocities. The third trial included children and adolescents on long-term transfusion.Two trials compared the drug hydroxyurea and phlebotomy to long-term transfusions and iron chelation therapy: one in primary prevention (children), and one in secondary prevention (children and adolescents).The quality of the evidence was moderate to very low across different outcomes according to GRADE methodology. This was due to trials being at high risk of bias because they were unblinded; indirectness (available evidence was only for children with HbSS); and imprecise outcome estimates. Long-term red blood cell transfusions versus standard care Children with no previous long-term transfusions and higher risk of stroke (abnormal TCD velocities or previous history of silent cerebral infarcts) Long-term red blood cell transfusions may reduce the incidence of silent cerebral infarcts in children with abnormal TCD velocities, risk ratio (RR) 0.11 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.02 to 0.86) (one trial, 124 participants, low-quality evidence); but make little or no difference to the incidence of silent cerebral infarcts in children with previous silent cerebral infarcts on magnetic resonance imaging and normal or conditional TCDs, RR 0.70 (95% CI 0.23 to 2.13) (one trial, 196 participants, low-quality evidence).No deaths were reported in either trial.Long-term red blood cell transfusions may reduce the incidence of: acute chest syndrome, RR 0.24 (95% CI 0.12 to 0.49) (two trials, 326 participants, low-quality evidence); and painful crisis, RR 0.63 (95% CI 0.42 to 0.95) (two trials, 326 participants, low-quality evidence); and probably reduces the incidence of clinical stroke, RR 0.12 (95% CI 0.03 to 0.49) (two trials, 326 participants, moderate-quality evidence).Long-term red blood cell transfusions may improve quality of life in children with previous silent cerebral infarcts (difference estimate -0.54; 95% confidence interval -0.92 to -0.17; one trial; 166 participants), but may have no effect on cognitive function (least squares means: 1.7, 95% CI -1.1 to 4.4) (one trial, 166 participants, low-quality evidence). Transfusions continued versus transfusions halted: children and adolescents with normalised TCD velocities (79 participants; one trial)Continuing red blood cell transfusions may reduce the incidence of silent cerebral infarcts, RR 0.29 (95% CI 0.09 to 0.97 (low-quality evidence).We are very uncertain whether continuing red blood cell transfusions has any effect on all-cause mortality, Peto odds ratio (OR) 8.00 (95% CI 0.16 to 404.12); or clinical stroke, RR 0.22 (95% CI 0.01 to 4.35) (very low-quality evidence).The trial did not report: comparative numbers for SCD-related adverse events; quality of life; or cognitive function. Hydroxyurea and phlebotomy versus transfusions and chelation Primary prevention, children (121 participants; one trial)We are very uncertain whether switching to hydroxyurea and phlebotomy has any effect on: silent cerebral infarcts (no infarcts); all-cause mortality (no deaths); risk of stroke (no strokes); or SCD-related complications, RR 1.52 (95% CI 0.58 to 4.02) (very low-quality evidence). Secondary prevention, children and adolescents with a history of stroke (133 participants; one trial)We are very uncertain whether switching to hydroxyurea and phlebotomy has any effect on: silent cerebral infarcts, Peto OR 7.28 (95% CI 0.14 to 366.91); all-cause mortality, Peto OR 1.02 (95%CI 0.06 to 16.41); or clinical stroke, RR 14.78 (95% CI 0.86 to 253.66) (very low-quality evidence).Switching to hydroxyurea and phlebotomy may increase the risk of SCD-related complications, RR 3.10 (95% CI 1.42 to 6.75) (low-quality evidence).Neither trial reported on quality of life or cognitive function. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS We identified no trials for preventing silent cerebral infarcts in adults, or in children who do not have HbSS SCD.Long-term red blood cell transfusions may reduce the incidence of silent cerebral infarcts in children with abnormal TCD velocities, but may have little or no effect on children with normal TCD velocities. In children who are at higher risk of stroke and have not had previous long-term transfusions, long-term red blood cell transfusions probably reduce the risk of stroke, and other SCD-related complications (acute chest syndrome and painful crises).In children and adolescents at high risk of stroke whose TCD velocities have normalised, continuing red blood cell transfusions may reduce the risk of silent cerebral infarcts. No treatment duration threshold has been established for stopping transfusions.Switching to hydroxyurea with phlebotomy may increase the risk of silent cerebral infarcts and SCD-related serious adverse events in secondary stroke prevention.All other evidence in this review is of very low-quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lise J Estcourt
- NHS Blood and TransplantHaematology/Transfusion MedicineLevel 2, John Radcliffe HospitalHeadingtonOxfordUKOX3 9BQ
| | - Patricia M Fortin
- NHS Blood and TransplantSystematic Review InitiativeJohn Radcliffe HospitalOxfordUKOX3 9BQ
| | - Sally Hopewell
- University of OxfordOxford Clinical Trials Research UnitNuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal SciencesWindmill RoadOxfordUKOX3 7LD
| | - Marialena Trivella
- University of OxfordCentre for Statistics in MedicineBotnar Research CentreWindmill RoadOxfordUKOX3 7LD
| | - Carolyn Doree
- NHS Blood and TransplantSystematic Review InitiativeJohn Radcliffe HospitalOxfordUKOX3 9BQ
| | - Miguel R Abboud
- American University of Beirut Medical CenterDepartment of Pediatrics and Adolescent MedicineBeirutLebanon
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Halawi R, Cappellini MD, Taher A. A higher prevalence of hematologic malignancies in patients with thalassemia: Background and culprits. Am J Hematol 2017; 92:414-416. [PMID: 28195443 DOI: 10.1002/ajh.24682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2017] [Revised: 02/07/2017] [Accepted: 02/08/2017] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Racha Halawi
- Emory University School of MedicineAtlanta Georgia USA
| | | | - Ali Taher
- American University of Beirut Medical CenterBeirut Lebanon
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23
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Sickle cell disease (SCD) is one of the most common inherited diseases worldwide. It is associated with lifelong morbidity and a reduced life expectancy. Hydroxyurea (hydroxycarbamide), an oral chemotherapeutic drug, ameliorates some of the clinical problems of SCD, in particular that of pain, by raising fetal haemoglobin. This is an update of a previously published Cochrane Review. OBJECTIVES To assess the effects of hydroxyurea therapy in people with SCD (all genotypes), of any age, regardless of setting. SEARCH METHODS We searched the Cochrane Cystic Fibrosis and Genetic Disorders Group Haemoglobinopathies Register, comprising of references identified from comprehensive electronic database searches and handsearches of relevant journals and abstract books of conference proceedings. We also searched online trial registries.Date of the most recent search: 16 January 2017. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised and quasi-randomised controlled trials, of one month or longer, comparing hydroxyurea with placebo, standard therapy or other interventions for people with SCD. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Authors independently assessed studies for inclusion, carried out data extraction and assessed the risk of bias. MAIN RESULTS Seventeen studies were identified in the searches; eight randomised controlled trials were included, recruiting 899 adults and children with SCD (haemoglobin SS (HbSS), haemoglobin SC (HbSC) or haemoglobin Sβºthalassaemia (HbSβºthal) genotypes). Studies lasted from six to 30 months.Four studies (577 adults and children with HbSS or HbSβºthal) compared hydroxyurea to placebo; three recruited individuals with only severe disease and one recruited individuals with all disease severities. There were statistically significant improvements in terms of pain alteration (using measures such as pain crisis frequency, duration, intensity, hospital admissions and opoid use), measures of fetal haemoglobin and neutrophil counts and fewer occurrences of acute chest syndrome and blood transfusions in the hydroxyurea groups. There were no consistent statistically significant differences in terms of quality of life and adverse events (including serious or life-threatening events). Seven deaths occurred during the studies, but the rates by treatment group were not statistically significantly different.Two studies (254 children with HbSS or HbSβºthal also with risk of primary or secondary stroke) compared hydroxyurea and phlebotomy to transfusion and chelation; there were statistically significant improvements in terms of measures of fetal haemoglobin and neutrophil counts, but more occurrences of acute chest syndrome and infections in the hydroxyurea and phlebotomy group. There were no consistent statistically significant differences in terms of pain alteration and adverse events (including serious or life-threatening events). Two deaths occurred during the studies (one in a the hydroxyurea treatment arm and one in the control arm), but the rates by treatment group were not statistically significantly different. In the primary prevention study, no strokes occurred in either treatment group but in the secondary prevention study, seven strokes occurred in the hydroxyurea and phlebotomy group (none in the transfusion and chelation group) and the study was terminated early.The quality of the evidence for the above two comparisons was judged as moderate to low as the studies contributing to these comparisons were mostly large and well designed (and at low risk of bias); however evidence was limited and imprecise for some outcomes such as quality of life, deaths during the studies and adverse events and results are applicable only to individuals with HbSS and HbSβºthal genotypes.Of the remaining two studies, one (22 children with HbSS or HbSβºthal also at risk of stoke) compared hydroxyurea to observation; there were statistically significant improvements in terms of measures of fetal haemoglobin and neutrophil counts but no statistically significant differences in terms of adverse events (including serious or life-threatening events).The final study (44 adults and children with HbSC) compared treatment regimens with and without hydroxyurea - there was statistically significant improvement in terms of measures of fetal haemoglobin, but no statistically significant differences in terms of adverse events (including serious or life-threatening events). No participants died in either of these studies and other outcomes relevant to the review were not reported.The quality of the evidence for the above two comparisons was judged to be very low due to the limited number of participants, the lack of statistical power (as both studies were terminated early with approximately only 20% of their target sample size recruited) and the lack of applicability to all age groups and genotypes. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS There is evidence to suggest that hydroxyurea is effective in decreasing the frequency of pain episodes and other acute complications in adults and children with sickle cell anaemia of HbSS or HbSβºthal genotypes and in preventing life-threatening neurological events in those with sickle cell anaemia at risk of primary stroke by maintaining transcranial doppler velocities. However, there is still insufficient evidence on the long-term benefits of hydroxyurea, particularly in preventing chronic complications of SCD, recommending a standard dose or dose escalation to maximum tolerated dose. There is also insufficient evidence about the long-term risks of hydroxyurea, including its effects on fertility and reproduction. Evidence is also limited on the effects of hydroxyurea on individuals with HbSC genotype. Future studies should be designed to address such uncertainties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah J Nevitt
- University of LiverpoolDepartment of BiostatisticsBlock F, Waterhouse Building1‐5 Brownlow HillLiverpoolUKL69 3GL
| | - Ashley P Jones
- University of LiverpoolDepartment of BiostatisticsBlock F, Waterhouse Building1‐5 Brownlow HillLiverpoolUKL69 3GL
| | - Jo Howard
- Guy's and St Thomas' Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustDepartment of HaematologyGreat Maze PondLondonUKSE1 9RT
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24
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Abstract
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited monogenic disease characterized by misshapen red blood cells that causes vaso-occlusive disease, vasculopathy, and systemic inflammation. Approximately 300,000 infants are born per year with SCD globally. Acute, chronic, and acute-on-chronic complications contribute to end-organ damage and adversely affect quantity and quality of life. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is the only cure available today, but is not feasible for the vast majority of people suffering from SCD. Fortunately, new therapies are in late clinical trials and more are in the pipeline, offering hope for this unfortunate disease, which has increasing global burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharl Azar
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, 3181 Southwest Sam Jackson Park Road, Mailstop L586, Portland, OR 97239, USA.
| | - Trisha E Wong
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health and Science University, 3181 Southwest Sam Jackson Park Road, Mailstop CDRCP, Portland, OR 97239, USA; Division of Transfusion Services, Department of Pathology, Oregon Health and Science University, 3181 Southwest Sam Jackson Park Road, Mailstop HRC9, Portland, OR 97239, USA
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25
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Meier ER, Rampersad A. Pediatric sickle cell disease: past successes and future challenges. Pediatr Res 2017; 81:249-258. [PMID: 27706129 DOI: 10.1038/pr.2016.204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2016] [Accepted: 09/30/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Once a fatal disease of childhood, more than 95% of patients born today with sickle cell disease (SCD) in developed countries are expected to survive into adulthood, largely because of improvements in supportive and preventive care (newborn screening, penicillin prophylaxis, transcranial Doppler (TCD) screening). Hydroxyurea (HU) therapy, the only oral medication currently available to prevent SCD complications, has become more widespread over the past 20 y. The NHLBI recommends that HU be offered to all patients with HbSS beginning at 9 mo of age, and the recently published Abnormal TCD with Transfusions Changing to HU (TWiTCH) trial has shown HU as an acceptable alternative to transfusion therapy for patients at high risk of stroke. While hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) is a curative option for SCD, less than 25% of patients have a suitable donor. Alternative stem cell sources from unrelated donors and haplo-identical donors are currently under investigation as are gene therapy trials. This review will focus on early efforts to elucidate SCD pathophysiology as well as supportive and preventive care improvements. Findings from recent multi-center studies (Silent Infarct Transfusion (SIT) Trial and TWiTCH) will be summarized. Finally, HSCT trials and gene therapy will be reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Riehm Meier
- Pediatric Hematology, Indiana Hemophilia and Thrombosis Center, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Angeli Rampersad
- Pediatric Hematology, Indiana Hemophilia and Thrombosis Center, Indianapolis, Indiana
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Shook LM, Farrell CB, Kalinyak KA, Nelson SC, Hardesty BM, Rampersad AG, Saving KL, Whitten-Shurney WJ, Panepinto JA, Ware RE, Crosby LE. Translating sickle cell guidelines into practice for primary care providers with Project ECHO. MEDICAL EDUCATION ONLINE 2016; 21:33616. [PMID: 27887664 PMCID: PMC5124118 DOI: 10.3402/meo.v21.33616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2016] [Accepted: 11/01/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Approximately 100,000 persons with sickle cell disease (SCD) live in the United States, including 15,000 in the Midwest. Unfortunately, many patients experience poor health outcomes due to limited access to primary care providers (PCPs) who are prepared to deliver evidence-based SCD care. Sickle Treatment and Outcomes Research in the Midwest (STORM) is a regional network established to improve care and outcomes for individuals with SCD living in Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin. METHODS STORM investigators hypothesized that Project ECHO® methodology could be replicated to create a low-cost, high-impact intervention to train PCPs in evidence-based care for pediatric and young adult patients with SCD in the Midwest, called STORM TeleECHO. This approach utilizes video technology for monthly telementoring clinics consisting of didactic and case-based presentations focused on the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) evidence-based guidelines for SCD. RESULTS Network leads in each of the STORM states assisted with developing the curriculum and are recruiting providers for monthly clinics. To assess STORM TeleECHO feasibility and acceptability, monthly attendance and satisfaction data are collected. Changes in self-reported knowledge, comfort, and practice patterns will be compared with pre-participation, and 6 and 12 months after participation. CONCLUSIONS STORM TeleECHO has the potential to increase implementation of the NHLBI evidence-based guidelines, especially increased use of hydroxyurea, resulting in improvements in the quality of care and outcomes for children and young adults with SCD. This model could be replicated in other pediatric chronic illness conditions to improve PCP knowledge and confidence in delivering evidence-based care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa M Shook
- Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center, Division of Hematology, Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA;
| | - Christina B Farrell
- Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center, Division of Hematology, Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Karen A Kalinyak
- Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center, Division of Hematology, Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | | | | | | | - Kay L Saving
- Children's Hospital of Illinois, OSF Saint Francis Medical Center, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Peoria, IL, USA
| | | | - Julie A Panepinto
- Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Russell E Ware
- Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center, Division of Hematology, Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Lori E Crosby
- Division of Behavioral Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
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Martí J, Molina V, Santa-Cruz MC, Hervás JP. Developmental Injury to the Cerebellar Cortex Following Hydroxyurea Treatment in Early Postnatal Life: An Immunohistochemical and Electron Microscopic Study. Neurotox Res 2016; 31:187-203. [PMID: 27601242 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-016-9666-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2016] [Revised: 08/17/2016] [Accepted: 08/30/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Postnatal development of the cerebellar cortex was studied in rats administered with a single dose (2 mg/g) of the cytotoxic agent hydroxyurea (HU) on postnatal day (P) 9 and collected at appropriate times ranging from 6 h to 45 days. Quantification of several parameters such as the density of pyknotic, mitotic, BrdU-positive, and vimentin-stained cells revealed that HU compromises the survival of the external granular layer (EGL) cells. Moreover, vimentin immunocytochemistry revealed overexpression and thicker immunoreactive glial processes in HU-treated rats. On the other hand, we also show that HU leads to the activation of apoptotic cellular events, resulting in a substantial number of dying EGL cells, as revealed by TUNEL staining and at the electron microscope level. Additionally, we quantified several features of the cerebellar cortex of rats exposed to HU in early postnatal life and collected in adulthood. Data analysis indicated that the analyzed parameters were less pronounced in rats administered with this agent. Moreover, we observed several alterations in the cerebellar cortex cytoarchitecture of rats injected with HU. Anomalies included ectopic placement of Purkinje cells and abnormities in the dendritic arbor of these macroneurons. Ectopic granule cells were also found in the molecular layer. These findings provide a clue for investigating the mechanisms of HU-induced toxicity during the development of the central nervous system. Our results also suggest that it is essential to avoid underestimating the adverse effects of this hydroxylated analog of urea when administered during early postnatal life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joaquín Martí
- Unidad de Citología e Histología, Facultad de Biociencias, Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Vanesa Molina
- Unidad de Citología e Histología, Facultad de Biociencias, Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193, Barcelona, Spain
| | - M C Santa-Cruz
- Unidad de Citología e Histología, Facultad de Biociencias, Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193, Barcelona, Spain
| | - José P Hervás
- Unidad de Citología e Histología, Facultad de Biociencias, Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193, Barcelona, Spain
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Seminog OO, Ogunlaja OI, Yeates D, Goldacre MJ. Risk of individual malignant neoplasms in patients with sickle cell disease: English national record linkage study. J R Soc Med 2016; 109:303-9. [PMID: 27325377 PMCID: PMC4976723 DOI: 10.1177/0141076816651037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Case reports suggest that there may be an increased risk of some cancers associated with sickle cell disease. However, population-based studies are scarce and there is no comprehensive enumeration of the risks across the whole range of site-specific cancers. Our aim was to provide this. DESIGN We used an English national dataset of linked statistical records of hospital admissions and deaths from 1999 to 2011 to undertake a retrospective cohort study. SETTING England. PARTICIPANTS Records of all hospital admissions in England with SCD or with conditions included in the control cohort. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Rate ratios were calculated comparing rates of cancer in a sickle cell disease cohort and a control cohort, confining the analyses to people whose ethnicity was recorded as Black. RESULTS Comparing the sickle cell disease cohort with the cohort without sickle cell disease, the rate ratio for all cancers combined was 2.1 (95% confidence interval 1.7-2.5). There were significantly high rate ratios for haematological malignancies, including Hodgkin's lymphoma (rate ratio 3.7, 1.5-8.4), non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (2.6, 1.3-4.8), multiple myeloma (5.5, 2.8-10.1), lymphoid leukaemia (3.3, 1.3-8.0) and myeloid leukaemia (10.0, 4.6-21.5). Four solid tumours showed elevated rate ratios: colon cancer (2.8, 1.2-5.5), non-melanoma skin cancer (4.4, 1.3-12.2), kidney cancer (5.4, 2.3-11.5) and thyroid cancer (5.1, 1.3-15.4). CONCLUSIONS The risk of some malignancies may be raised in patients with sickle cell disease. However, this study was based on administrative data without the scope to validate these against patients' full clinical records. Our findings need confirmation or refutation. If confirmed, work to elucidate, at the genetic and molecular level, why people with sickle cell disease have elevated risks of individual cancers might make contributions to the fundamental understanding of carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olena O Seminog
- Unit of Health-Care Epidemiology, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7LF, UK
| | - Oyindamola I Ogunlaja
- Unit of Health-Care Epidemiology, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7LF, UK
| | - David Yeates
- Unit of Health-Care Epidemiology, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7LF, UK
| | - Michael J Goldacre
- Unit of Health-Care Epidemiology, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7LF, UK
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Hydroxyurea Use in Young Children With Sickle Cell Anemia in New York State. Am J Prev Med 2016; 51:S31-8. [PMID: 27320463 DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2016.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2015] [Revised: 12/07/2015] [Accepted: 01/07/2016] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This study examined hydroxyurea usage in young children with sickle cell anemia within New York State (NYS). The cohort was 273 children with sickle cell anemia born in NYS in 2006-2009 and enrolled essentially continuously in Medicaid for the first 4 years of life. METHODS Medicaid data were used to examine hydroxyurea usage in this group by age at first prescription fill, persistence, region, treatment institution, and year. Log-binomial regression models were used to estimate the likelihood of receiving hydroxyurea treatment. Data from birth through 2014 for all members of the study group were assembled and analyzed in 2015. RESULTS About 25% of the cohort had at least one filled hydroxyurea prescription by their fifth birthday, and nearly 40% by the end of the study period. The mean proportion of days covered for the first year of therapy was 56.3%. Adherence was also assessed by calculating medication possession ratios for individual treatment periods. Slightly more than one third of treated children showed 80% coverage by these measures. There was a consistent, but not statistically significant, trend toward younger age at first fill. Significant regional and treatment center differences in initiation of hydroxyurea use, but not in persistence after initiation, were noted among NYS centers. CONCLUSIONS Subsequent to clinical studies demonstrating safety, current NYS-wide use of hydroxyurea in young children with sickle cell anemia appears to be widespread and increasing. However, practice differences between treatment centers and inadequate adherence may limit the full disease-modifying effects of hydroxyurea.
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Estepp JH, Melloni C, Thornburg CD, Wiczling P, Rogers Z, Rothman JA, Green NS, Liem R, Brandow AM, Crary SE, Howard TH, Morris MH, Lewandowski A, Garg U, Jusko WJ, Neville KA. Pharmacokinetics and bioequivalence of a liquid formulation of hydroxyurea in children with sickle cell anemia. J Clin Pharmacol 2015. [PMID: 26201504 DOI: 10.1002/jcph.598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Hydroxyurea (HU) is a crucial therapy for children with sickle cell anemia, but its off-label use is a barrier to widespread acceptance. We found HU exposure is not significantly altered by liquid vs capsule formulation, and weight-based dosing schemes provide consistent exposure. HU is recommended for all children starting as young as 9 months of age with sickle cell anemia (SCA; HbSS and HbSβspan(0) thalassemia); however; a paucity of pediatric data exists regarding the pharmacokinetics (PK) or the exposure-response relationship of HU. This trial aimed to characterize the PK of HU in children and to evaluate and compare the bioavailability of a liquid vs capsule formulation. This multicenter; prospective; open-label trial enrolled 39 children with SCA who provided 682 plasma samples for PK analysis following administration of HU. Noncompartmental and population PK models are described. We report that liquid and capsule formulations of HU are bioequivalent; weight-based dosing schemes provide consistent drug exposure; and age-based dosing schemes are unnecessary. These data support the use of liquid HU in children unable to swallow capsules and in those whose weight precludes the use of fixed capsule formulations. Taken with existing safety and efficacy literature; these findings should encourage the use of HU across the spectrum of age and weight in children with SCA; and they should facilitate the expanded use of HU as recommended in the National Heart; Lung; and Blood Institute guidelines for individuals with SCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremie H Estepp
- Departments of Hematology and Pathology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Chiara Melloni
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | | | - Paweł Wiczling
- Department of Biopharmaceutics and Pharmacodynamics, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Zora Rogers
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Jennifer A Rothman
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Nancy S Green
- Division of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology, and Stem Cell Transplantation, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Robert Liem
- Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Stem Cell Transplant, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Amanda M Brandow
- Section of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Medical College of Wisconsin, and Children's Research Institute of the Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Shelley E Crary
- Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences/Arkansas Children's Hospital, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Thomas H Howard
- Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | | | | | - Uttam Garg
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children's Mercy Hospitals and Clinics, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | - William J Jusko
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Kathleen A Neville
- Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and Arkansas Children's Hospital, Little Rock, AR, USA
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Unal S, Chui DHK, Gumruk F. Fanconi's Anemia Effect or Sickle Cell Anemia Effect: That is the Question. Hemoglobin 2015; 39:287-9. [PMID: 25976779 DOI: 10.3109/03630269.2015.1041036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
A 16-year-old boy who was diagnosed to have sickle cell anemia was referred to our center. The parental consanguinity, growth retardation and dysmorphic features prompted a search for possible Fanconi's Anemia (FA). The diepoxybutane (DEB) test was positive, confirming FA. The interaction of both diseases might account for his relatively mild phenotype in terms of both sickle cell anemia (or Hb S, HBB: c.20A > T) and FA. The high Hb F level that might be related to concomitant FA, may have caused a milder phenotype of sickle cell anemia, whereas nitric oxide (NO) depletion as a consequence of sickle cell anemia, may have caused a delay in the bone marrow failure of FA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sule Unal
- Center for Inherited Bone Marrow Failure Syndromes, Hacettepe University , Ankara , Turkey
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Mascarenhas J, Mesa R, Prchal J, Hoffman R. Optimal therapy for polycythemia vera and essential thrombocythemia can only be determined by the completion of randomized clinical trials. Haematologica 2015; 99:945-9. [PMID: 24881037 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2014.106013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- John Mascarenhas
- Hematology and Oncology Section, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, NY
| | - Ruben Mesa
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Mayo Clinic Scottsdale, AZ
| | - Josef Prchal
- Pathology, and Genetics, Division of Hematology, University of Utah School of Medicine, UT, USA
| | - Ronald Hoffman
- Hematology and Oncology Section, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, NY
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Hankins JS, Aygun B, Nottage K, Thornburg C, Smeltzer MP, Ware RE, Wang WC. From infancy to adolescence: fifteen years of continuous treatment with hydroxyurea in sickle cell anemia. Medicine (Baltimore) 2014; 93:e215. [PMID: 25526439 PMCID: PMC4603125 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000000215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite documented laboratory and clinical benefits of hydroxyurea for children with sickle cell anemia (SCA), the drug's long-term safety and efficacy remains poorly defined. The HUSOFT trial and extension study examined feasibility, toxicity, and hematological efficacy of hydroxyurea in infants with SCA. This report describes HUSOFT participants who have continued hydroxyurea therapy for 15 years. With IRB approval, medical records were reviewed for clinical, laboratory, and growth parameters. Twenty-eight infants enrolled in the original 2-year HUSOFT study received open-label liquid hydroxyurea at 20 mg/kg/day; 17 completed the extension study with dose escalation to 30 mg/kg/day. Eight of these 17 (6 girls and 2 boys, all HbSS) have continued on daily hydroxyurea for at least 15 years (median age at last follow-up 17.6 years) without interruption. All hematologic indices (Hb concentration, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), fetal hemoglobin) showed sustained effect after 15 years. The median maximum tolerated dose of hydroxyurea has decreased from 30 to 26 mg/kg/day (range 19.5-31.2); neutropenia [absolute neutrophil count (ANC)<1.0×10⁹/L] prompting temporary drug discontinuation occurred a total of 10 times in 4 subjects and there was no severe neutropenia (ANC<0.5×10⁹/L). Growth rates over 15 years continued at the 50th percentile for both height and weight, and puberty occurred without delay (age range 10-14 years). There were 5.1 vaso-occlusive events (pain and acute chest syndrome)/100 patient years, 7.3 packed red blood cell transfusions/100 patient years. No malignancies, strokes, or deaths occurred. At last follow up, all subjects were at appropriate grade level (10-12 grade) with no history of repeated grades. A cohort of young teenagers with SCA who initiated treatment in infancy have had sustained and continued hematological benefits for a decade and a half. Growth and sexual development are normal and comparable to the general pediatric population. Continuous hydroxyurea therapy since infancy appears safe and efficacious in SCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane S Hankins
- From the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN (JSH, KN, MPS, WCW); Cohen Children's Medical Center of New York, New Hyde Park, NY (BA); Duke University, Durham, NC (CT); and Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH (REW)
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION The search for effective therapeutic interventions for sickle cell disease (SCD) has been an ongoing endeavor for over 50 years. During this period, only hydroxyurea (HU), which received US FDA approval in February 1998, was identified as an effective therapeutic agent in preventing or ameliorating the frequency of vaso-occlusive crises, acute chest syndrome and the need for blood transfusion. Approximately 25% of patients with sickle cell anemia (SCA), however, do not respond to HU and some patients experiencing serious side effects of this chemotherapeutic agent. Nevertheless, the success of HU opened the sluice gates to identify other effective drug therapies. The objective of this review is to describe the emerging drug therapies for SCA. AREAS COVERED In this review, we describe the pathophysiology of SCD and provide an in-depth analysis of the current and new pharmacologic therapies in the field. Literature searches involved multiple databases including Medline In-Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations, MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Scopus. EXPERT OPINION SCA is a heterogeneous disease that has caused tremendous global morbidity and early mortality. More effective, individualized and inexpensive therapies are needed. New therapies targeting multiple pathways in its complex pathophysiology are under investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priya C Singh
- Bayhealth Cancer Institute, Hematology/Oncology , Dover, DE , USA
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Patel S, Purohit P, Mashon RS, Dehury S, Meher S, Sahoo S, Dash SS, Das K, Das P, Patel DK. The effect of hydroxyurea on compound heterozygotes for sickle cell-hemoglobin D-Punjab--a single centre experience in eastern India. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2014; 61:1341-6. [PMID: 24616059 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.25004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2013] [Accepted: 01/29/2014] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although hydroxyurea is the only effective agent for the treatment of sickle cell disease, published experience with this drug is limited to treatment of homozygous sickle cell anemia and HbS/β thalassemia. The role of hydroxyurea in the treatment of patients with HbSD-Punjab, a rare hemoglobinopathy with phenotypic expression similar to that of sickle cell anemia is unknown. PROCEDURE Over a period of 10 years, we followed 42 patients with HbSD-Punjab, of which 20 presented with severe clinical manifestations (≥3 episodes of VOC and/or ≥2 units of blood transfusion in the previous 12 months). These 20 patients were enrolled for treatment with hydroxyurea at a dose of 10 mg/kg/day and followed prospectively for a period of 24 months. RESULTS The frequency of VOC decreased significantly and none of them required blood transfusion while receiving hydroxyurea. The HbF, total hemoglobin, MCV, MCH, and MCHC levels increased significantly, whereas HbS, WBC, platelet count, total serum bilirubin, and LDH levels decreased significantly in all the patients. No short-term drug toxicity was observed. CONCLUSION This study describes the use of hydroxyurea therapy in patients with HbSD-Punjab. Low dose hydroxyurea (10 mg/kg/day) was found to be effective in reducing the clinical severity in patients with HbSD-Punjab without any short-term toxicity. In view of easy affordability amongst poor patients, widespread acceptability by patients and doctors, the need of infrequent monitoring and its potential effectiveness, low dose hydroxyurea is suitable for treatment of patients with HbSD-Punjab.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siris Patel
- Department Medicine, Veer Surendra Sai Medical College, Burla, Sambalpur, Odisha, India
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Nottage KA, Ware RE, Winter B, Smeltzer M, Wang WC, Hankins JS, Dertinger SD, Shulkin B, Aygun B. Predictors of splenic function preservation in children with sickle cell anemia treated with hydroxyurea. Eur J Haematol 2014; 93:377-83. [PMID: 24796940 DOI: 10.1111/ejh.12361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/20/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND More than 90% of children with sickle cell anemia (SCA) lose splenic function by the age of 2 yrs. Splenic function may improve with hydroxyurea, but previous studies are conflicting. We prospectively evaluated the effect of hydroxyurea on splenic filtrative function. METHODS Children with SCA enrolled in the Hydroxyurea Study of Long-Term Effects (HUSTLE-NCT00305175) underwent clinical evaluations including Tc(99) m liver-spleen (LS) scans before hydroxyurea initiation and after 3 yrs of treatment to maximum tolerated dose (MTD). LS scans were classified as follows: no uptake, <10% uptake, decreased but ≥10% uptake, and normal. RESULTS Mean age (N = 40) was 9.1 yrs, range 2.3-17.0. After 3 yrs of treatment, 13 (33%) had uptake on LS scan. These 13 children were younger (median age 6.0 vs. 10.6 yrs, P = 0.008), had a higher HbF at baseline (mean 10.2% vs. 5.8%, P = 0.004) and after 3 yrs (22.9% vs. 13.9%, P < 0.001), achieved MTD more rapidly (median 288 vs. 358 d, P = 0.021), and were more likely to have baseline splenic uptake (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Hydroxyurea at MTD is associated with preserved or improved splenic filtrative function, with 33% demonstrating LS scan uptake after 3 yrs. Younger age, higher %HbF, and baseline splenic function are associated with a favorable outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerri A Nottage
- Department of Hematology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
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Abstract
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a genetic disorder characterised by anaemia and "sickling" of red blood cells, leading to chronic haemolytic anaemia, vascular injury, and organ dysfunction. Although children and adults experience many similar symptoms and problems, complications increase with age, leading to early mortality. Hydroxyurea (hydroxycarbamide), the only US Food and Drug Administration-approved treatment, continues to be under-utilised and other treatments available to children are often inaccessible for adults. Haematopoietic stem-cell transplantation is a curative option, but is limited by a lack of donors and concerns for transplant-related toxicities. Although comprehensive programs exist in paediatrics, affected adults may not have access to preventative and comprehensive healthcare because of a lack of providers or care coordination. They are often forced to rely on urgent care, leading to increased healthcare utilisation costs and inappropriate treatment. This problem highlights the importance of primary care during the transition from paediatrics to adulthood.
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Lobo CLDC, Pinto JFC, Nascimento EM, Moura PG, Cardoso GP, Hankins JS. The effect of hydroxcarbamide therapy on survival of children with sickle cell disease. Br J Haematol 2013; 161:852-60. [PMID: 23590693 DOI: 10.1111/bjh.12323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2012] [Accepted: 02/26/2013] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Although evidence is accumulating that hydroxycarbamide decreases mortality among adults with sickle cell disease (SCD), there are no published data regarding the effect of hydroxycarbamide on mortality among children. The Paediatric Hydroxycarbamide Program was established to treat children with SCD aged 3-18 years if they met disease severity criteria. Mortality data and clinical/laboratorial effects of hydroxycarbamide were retrospectively collected for the first 9 years of the Program. Mortality among those who received hydroxycarbamide was compared to that of untreated children. Among 1760 subjects, 267 received hydroxycarbamide at a median dose of 20·8 mg/kg/d (range 10-32) for a median of 2 years (range 0·1-6·5). Survival among hydroxycarbamide-treated children was significantly greater than that among untreated ones (99·5% vs. 94·5%, P = 0·01), due primarily to fewer deaths from acute chest syndrome and infection. Hydroxycarbamide therapy was significantly associated with increases in haemoglobin concentration, fetal haemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume, and reduction in platelet counts, reticulocytes and neutrophils. Toxicity was minimal and predominantly mild reversible neutropenia. Significantly fewer hospitalizations and emergency room visits, and shorter admissions were observed among hydroxycarbamide-treated subjects, when compared to the 12-month period prior to treatment initiation. Hydroxycarbamide therapy reduces disease severity and is probably associated with decreased mortality among children with SCD.
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Alvarez-Twose I, Vañó-Galván S, Sánchez-Muñoz L, Morgado JM, Matito A, Torrelo A, Jaén P, Schwartz LB, Orfao A, Escribano L. Increased serum baseline tryptase levels and extensive skin involvement are predictors for the severity of mast cell activation episodes in children with mastocytosis. Allergy 2012; 67:813-21. [PMID: 22458675 DOI: 10.1111/j.1398-9995.2012.02812.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/12/2012] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the good prognosis of pediatric mastocytosis, some patients suffer from severe mast cell (MC) mediator-associated symptoms. The aim of this study was to identify predictors for severe MC mediator release symptoms in children with mastocytosis in the skin (MIS). METHODS Serum baseline total tryptase (sbT) levels in 111 children with MIS - 80 maculopapular cutaneous mastocytosis/plaque mastocytosis, 22 nodular mastocytosis, and nine diffuse cutaneous mastocytosis - were investigated as a predictive biomarker for the occurrence of MC mediator-related signs and symptoms within the first 18 months after disease onset. RESULTS Twelve children (11%) who showed extensive cutaneous disease involving >90% of body surface area (BSA) suffered from severe symptoms requiring hospitalization, with (n = 5) or without (n = 6) management in the intensive care unit (ICU) owing to life-threatening complications. The median sbT was significantly (P < 0.001) higher in patients with extensive cutaneous disease vs those with <90% of BSA involved (45.5 vs 5.2 μg/l, respectively), as well as in children with grade 4 (severe mastocytosis-related symptoms requiring emergency therapy and hospitalization) vs those with grade <4 (46.2 vs 5.2 μg/l, respectively). Receiver operating characteristics curve analyses showed that the optimal cutoff s for sbT to predict the need for daily antimediator therapy, hospitalization, and the management in an ICU were 6.6, 15.5, and 30.8 μg/l, respectively (sensitivity and specificity of 77% and 79%, 100% and 95%, and 100% and 96%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Increased sbT in association with extensive cutaneous involvement identifies patients at risk for severe MC activation events in pediatric mastocytosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - S. Vañó-Galván
- Servicio de Dermatología; Hospital Ramón y Cajal; Madrid; Spain
| | | | | | | | - A. Torrelo
- Servicio de Dermatología; Hospital Niño Jesús; Madrid; Spain
| | - P. Jaén
- Servicio de Dermatología; Hospital Ramón y Cajal; Madrid; Spain
| | - L. B. Schwartz
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology; Virginia Commonwealth University; Richmond; VA; USA
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