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Gabelli M, Pérez-Martínez A, Bueno Sánchez D, Lucchini G, Grenier LP, Couture F, Limerick E, Bernaud V, Trabazo Del Castillo M, Ngwube A. Abatacept treatment for autoimmune hemolytic anemia occurring post hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Bone Marrow Transplant 2024; 59:288-290. [PMID: 38097758 DOI: 10.1038/s41409-023-02173-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Gabelli
- Bone Marrow Transplantation, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, United Kingdom.
- Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Università degli Studi di Padova, Padova, Italy.
| | - Antonio Pérez-Martínez
- Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Instituto de Investigación La Paz, Madrid, Spain
| | - David Bueno Sánchez
- Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Instituto de Investigación La Paz, Madrid, Spain
| | - Giovanna Lucchini
- Bone Marrow Transplantation, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, United Kingdom
| | - Louis-Philippe Grenier
- Bone Marrow Transplantation, CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Hotel-Dieu de Québec, Québec, Canada
| | - Felix Couture
- Bone Marrow Transplantation, CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Hotel-Dieu de Québec, Québec, Canada
| | - Emily Limerick
- Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Victoria Bernaud
- Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, Phoenix Children's Hospital, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Maria Trabazo Del Castillo
- Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alexander Ngwube
- Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, Phoenix Children's Hospital, Phoenix, AZ, USA
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2
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Hoffmann J, Schliesser G, Neubauer A. Abatacept as salvage therapy for life-threatening refractory autoimmune hemolytic anemia: a case report. Hematology 2023; 28:2208010. [PMID: 37133319 DOI: 10.1080/16078454.2023.2208010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) can be life-threatening, if hemoglobin (Hb) levels continue to decline after established treatments with glucocorticoids, rituximab, intravenous immunoglobulins, and plasmapheresis. Impaired regulatory T cells (Treg) are proposed to alleviate AIHA development through decreased binding of CTLA-4 to antigen-presenting cells. Abatacept is a fusion protein with a CTLA-4 domain and is approved for use in rheumatoid arthritis. It mimics the immunosuppressive CTLA-4 effect of Treg. Thus, application of abatacept in refractory AIHA might be reasonable. A 54-year-old woman with known AIHA was admitted to our clinic due to therapy-refractory hemoglobin decrease to 4.0 g/dl. Previously, multiple courses of glucocorticoids, rituximab, azathioprine, mycophenolate mofetil, cyclophosphamide, bortezomib, and a splenectomy failed to stop or stabilize hemoglobin levels and hemolysis. A new immunosuppressive therapy with cyclosporine was initiated and erythropoiesis was stimulated with darbepoetin alfa. Again, therapy failed even though we tried to support immunosuppressive therapy by reducing the amount of pathogenic antibody through plasmapheresis. We stopped the treatment with cyclosporine and applied abatacept instead. After seven days hemoglobin stabilized at 4.3 g/dl and no further red blood cells transfusions were necessary. About one month later hemolysis aggravated again and azathioprine was added to the ongoing abatacept treatment. Finally, the combination of abatacept and azathioprine led to a long-lasting increase of the Hb level above 11 g/dl six months later. Abatacept can be applied to overcome therapy refractory autoimmune hemolytic anemia but should be combined with an additional immunosuppressive medication such as azathioprine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joerg Hoffmann
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Immunology, Philipps University Marburg, University Hospital Giessen and Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | | | - Andreas Neubauer
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Immunology, Philipps University Marburg, University Hospital Giessen and Marburg, Marburg, Germany
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3
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Spadea M, Saglio F, Ceolin V, Barone M, Zucchetti G, Quarello P, Fagioli F. Immune-mediated cytopenias (IMCs) after HSCT for pediatric non-malignant disorders: epidemiology, risk factors, pathogenesis, and treatment. Eur J Pediatr 2023; 182:2471-2483. [PMID: 36967419 PMCID: PMC10257634 DOI: 10.1007/s00431-023-04912-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) represents a curative option for pediatric patients affected by malignant and non-malignant disorders. Several complications may arise during the post-transplantation period, including immune-mediated disorders. Immune-mediated cytopenias (IMCs) account for up to 22% of pediatric HSCT complications, representing an important cause of morbidity and mortality post-HSCT. So far, their pathogenesis is not well-understood, and their management may be very challenging. Further, most patients are refractory to first-line treatment which is based on high-dose intravenous steroids, immunoglobulin, and the monoclonal anti-CD20 antibody - rituximab. No clear consensus has been reached for second- and third-line therapeutic options. CONCLUSION We reviewed the epidemiology, risk factors, pathogenesis, and treatment of IMCs, aiming to offer a deeper understanding of these complications as a guide to improving the management of these fragile patients and a cue for the design of tailored clinical trials. WHAT IS KNOWN • IMCs arising in the post-HSCT setting represent a rare but potentially life-threatening complication. Younger patients affected by non-malignant disorders are at the greatest risk of IMCs arising after HSCT. Corticosteroids, intravenous immunoglobulin, and rituximab represent the undiscussed first-line therapeutic approach. WHAT IS NEW • This review highlitghts how children present unique risk factors for post HSCT IMCs, which are the result of the complex relationship between the immaturity of their infantile immune system and all the perturbing agents and factors which characterize the post-HSCT setting. Future efforts are warranted to establish the best option for refractory patients, for whom a standard and validated approach is not currently available. Among new agents, ibrutinib or bortezomib and fostamatinib or low-dose IL-2 could represent a good therapeutic option for patients with graft-versus-host disease and hemolytic anemia or graft-versus-host disease and thrombocytopenia, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Spadea
- Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy Department, Pediatric Onco-Hematology, Azienda Ospedaliera-Universitaria Città Della Salute E Della Scienza, Regina Margherita Children's Hospital, Turin, Italy
- University of Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Francesco Saglio
- Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy Department, Pediatric Onco-Hematology, Azienda Ospedaliera-Universitaria Città Della Salute E Della Scienza, Regina Margherita Children's Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - Valeria Ceolin
- Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy Department, Pediatric Onco-Hematology, Azienda Ospedaliera-Universitaria Città Della Salute E Della Scienza, Regina Margherita Children's Hospital, Turin, Italy
- Erasmus University MC-Sophia Childrens Hospital, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Marta Barone
- Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy Department, Pediatric Onco-Hematology, Azienda Ospedaliera-Universitaria Città Della Salute E Della Scienza, Regina Margherita Children's Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - Giulia Zucchetti
- Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy Department, Pediatric Onco-Hematology, Azienda Ospedaliera-Universitaria Città Della Salute E Della Scienza, Regina Margherita Children's Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - Paola Quarello
- Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy Department, Pediatric Onco-Hematology, Azienda Ospedaliera-Universitaria Città Della Salute E Della Scienza, Regina Margherita Children's Hospital, Turin, Italy.
- University of Torino, Turin, Italy.
| | - Franca Fagioli
- Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy Department, Pediatric Onco-Hematology, Azienda Ospedaliera-Universitaria Città Della Salute E Della Scienza, Regina Margherita Children's Hospital, Turin, Italy
- University of Torino, Turin, Italy
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Towards a Better Understanding of the Atypical Features of Chronic Graft-Versus-Host Disease: A Report from the 2020 National Institutes of Health Consensus Project Task Force. Transplant Cell Ther 2022; 28:426-445. [PMID: 35662591 PMCID: PMC9557927 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtct.2022.05.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Alloreactive and autoimmune responses after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation can occur in non-classical chronic graft-versus-host disease (chronic GVHD) tissues and organ systems or manifest in atypical ways in classical organs commonly affected by chronic GVHD. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) consensus projects were developed to improve understanding and classification of the clinical features and diagnostic criteria for chronic GVHD. While still speculative whether atypical manifestations are entirely due to chronic GVHD, these manifestations remain poorly captured by the current NIH consensus project criteria. Examples include chronic GVHD impacting the hematopoietic system as immune mediated cytopenias, endothelial dysfunction, or as atypical features in the musculoskeletal system, central and peripheral nervous system, kidneys, and serous membranes. These purported chronic GVHD features may contribute significantly to patient morbidity and mortality. Most of the atypical chronic GVHD features have received little study, particularly within multi-institutional and prospective studies, limiting our understanding of their frequency, pathogenesis, and relation to chronic GVHD. This NIH consensus project task force report provides an update on what is known and not known about the atypical manifestations of chronic GVHD, while outlining a research framework for future studies to be undertaken within the next three to seven years. We also provide provisional diagnostic criteria for each atypical manifestation, along with practical investigation strategies for clinicians managing patients with atypical chronic GVHD features.
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Even-Or E, Schejter YD, NaserEddin A, Zaidman I, Shadur B, Stepensky P. Autoimmune Cytopenias Post Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in Pediatric Patients With Osteopetrosis and Other Nonmalignant Diseases. Front Immunol 2022; 13:879994. [PMID: 35693771 PMCID: PMC9185137 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.879994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune cytopenia (AIC) is a rare complication post hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), with a higher incidence in nonmalignant diseases. The etiology of post-HSCT AIC is poorly understood, and in many cases, the cytopenia is prolonged and refractory to treatment. Diagnosis of post-HSCT AIC may be challenging, and there is no consensus for a standard of care. In this retrospective study, we summarize our experience over the past five years with post-HSCT AIC in pediatric patients with osteopetrosis and other nonmalignant diseases. All pediatric patients who underwent HSCT for nonmalignant diseases at Hadassah Medical Center over the past five years were screened for post-HSCT AIC, and data were collected from the patient’s medical records. From January 2017 through December 2021, 140 pediatric patients underwent HSCT for osteopetrosis (n=40), and a variety of other nonmalignant diseases. Thirteen patients (9.3%) presented with post-HSCT AIC. Of these, 7 had osteopetrosis (17.5%), and 6 had other underlying nonmalignant diseases. Factors associated with developing AIC included unrelated or non-sibling family donors (n=10), mixed chimerism (n=6), and chronic GvHD (n=5). Treatment modalities included steroids, IVIG, rituximab, bortezomib, daratumumab, eltrombopag, plasmapheresis, and repeated HSCT. Response to treatment was variable; Seven patients (54%) recovered completely, and three patients (23%) recovered partially, still suffering from mild-moderate thrombocytopenia. Three patients died (23%), two following progressive lung disease and one from sepsis and multi-organ failure after a 3rd HSCT. In our experience, post-HSCT AICs in pediatric patients with nonmalignant diseases may pose a challenging post-transplant complication with a variable presentation and a wide spectrum of severity. A relatively high prevalence is seen in patients with osteopetrosis, possibly due to difficult engraftment and high rates of mixed chimerism. There is a dire need for novel treatment modalities for better management of the more severe and refractory cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ehud Even-Or
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cancer Immunotherapy, Hadassah Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
- *Correspondence: Ehud Even-Or,
| | - Yael Dinur Schejter
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cancer Immunotherapy, Hadassah Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Adeeb NaserEddin
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cancer Immunotherapy, Hadassah Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Irina Zaidman
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cancer Immunotherapy, Hadassah Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Bella Shadur
- Immunology Division, The Garvan Institute of Medical Research Graduate Research School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Polina Stepensky
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cancer Immunotherapy, Hadassah Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
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Clinical and surgical outcomes of splenectomy for autoimmune hemolytic anemia. Surg Endosc 2022; 36:5863-5872. [PMID: 35194660 DOI: 10.1007/s00464-022-09116-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION We investigated short and long-term remission rates after splenectomy in patients with primary and secondary autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA). METHODS All adults who underwent splenectomy for primary or secondary AIHA at a single center (2004-2018) were retrospectively reviewed. Short-term response was determined at 30-day postoperatively and long-term at one year. Complete response was defined as hemoglobin > 10 g/dL without hemolysis, transfusions, or need for additional medical therapy for > 6 months. RESULTS Short-term complete response was attained in 22 of 36 patients (61%), partial response in 3 (8%), no response in 11 (31%). The response rate at 1 year was complete in 14/36 (39%), partial in 14 (39%), and 8 non-response (22%). At last available follow-up (median 33.1 months (IQR 19-59), 16/37 patients had experienced a complete response (43%), 14 partial response (38%), 7 non-response (19%). 80% of partial responders with primary AIHA required maintenance therapy compared to 100% with secondary AIHA. CONCLUSION Splenectomy is associated with short- and long-term improvement in anemia and hemolysis in the majority of patients with AIHA. Immunosuppressants remain important supplemental therapy.
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Post-Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Immune-Mediated Anemia: A Literature Review and Novel Therapeutics. Blood Adv 2021; 6:2707-2721. [PMID: 34972204 PMCID: PMC9043947 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2021006279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Anemia after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) can be immune or non–immune mediated. Auto- or alloimmunity resulting from blood group incompatibility remains an important cause in post-HSCT immune-mediated anemia. ABO incompatibility is commonly encountered in HSCT and may lead to serious clinical complications, including acute hemolysis, pure red cell aplasia, and passenger lymphocyte syndrome. It remains controversial whether ABO incompatibility may affect HSCT outcomes, such as relapse, nonrelapse mortality, graft-versus-host disease, and survival. Non-ABO incompatibility is less frequently encountered but can have similar complications to ABO incompatibility, causing adverse clinical outcomes. It is crucial to identify the driving etiology of post-HSCT anemia in order to prevent and treat this condition. This requires a comprehensive understanding of the mechanism of anemia in blood group–incompatible HSCT and the temporal association between HSCT and anemia. In this review, we summarize the literature on post-HSCT immune-mediated anemia with a focus on ABO and non-ABO blood group incompatibility, describe the underlying mechanism of anemia, and outline preventive and treatment approaches.
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Gabelli M, Ademokun C, Cooper N, Amrolia PI. Pathogenesis, risk factors and therapeutic options for autoimmune haemolytic anaemia in the post-transplant setting. Br J Haematol 2021; 196:45-62. [PMID: 34195990 DOI: 10.1111/bjh.17648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Autoimmune haemolytic anaemia (AIHA) is a rare complication of allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), observed with an incidence of 1-5%. Paediatric age, diagnosis of non-malignant disease, lympho-depleting agents in the conditioning regimen, use of unrelated donor, graft versus host disease and infections have been associated with a higher risk of AIHA post HSCT. Post-HSCT AIHA is associated with high mortality and morbidity, and it is often very difficult to treat. Steroids and rituximab are used with a response rate around 30-50%. These and other therapeutic strategies are mainly derived from data on primary AIHA, although response rates in post-HSCT AIHA have been generally lower. Here we review the currently available data on risk factors and therapeutic options. There is a need for prospective studies in post-HSCT AIHA to guide clinicians in managing these complex patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Gabelli
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, UK
| | - Christine Ademokun
- Department of Haematology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Nichola Cooper
- Department of Immunology and Inflammation, Imperial College, London, UK
| | - Persis I Amrolia
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, UK
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9
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Barcellini W, Fattizzo B. How I treat warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia. Blood 2021; 137:1283-1294. [PMID: 33512406 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2019003808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia (wAIHA) is caused by increased erythrocyte destruction by immunoglobulin G (IgG) autoantibodies, with or without complement activation. Antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity by macrophages/activated lymphocytes occurs in the lymphoid organs and spleen (extravascular hemolysis). The ability of the bone marrow (BM) to compensate determines clinical severity. The different pathogenic mechanisms, their complex interplay, and changes over time may explain wAIHA's great clinical heterogeneity and unpredictable course. The disease may be primary, drug induced, or associated with lymphoproliferative neoplasms, autoimmune and infectious diseases, immunodeficiencies, solid tumors, or transplants. Therapeutic interventions include steroids, splenectomy, immunosuppressants, and rituximab; the latter is increasingly used in steroid-refractory cases based on evidence from the literature and a few prospective trials. We present 5 patient case studies highlighting important issues: (1) the diagnosis and proper use of steroid therapy, (2) the concerns about the choice between rituximab and splenectomy in second-line treatment, (3) the need of periodical re-evaluation of the disease to assess the possible evolution of relapsed/refractory cases in myelodysplastic and BM failure syndromes, and (4) the difficulties in managing cases of severe/acute disease that are at high risk of relapse. Incorporating novel targeted therapies into clinical practice will be an exciting challenge in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wilma Barcellini
- Hematology, Fondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy; and
| | - Bruno Fattizzo
- Hematology, Fondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy; and
- Department of Oncology and Onco-hematology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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10
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Immune cytopenia after allogeneic haematopoietic stem-cell transplantation: challenges, approaches, and future directions. LANCET HAEMATOLOGY 2021; 8:e229-e239. [PMID: 33636143 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-3026(20)30404-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Revised: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Immune-mediated cytopenia after allogeneic haematopoietic stem-cell transplantation is rare. The pathophysiology of immune-mediated anaemia, thrombocytopenia, and neutropenia, which occur alone or in combination with other cytopenias, is unclear and most probably a consequence of immune dysregulation. Risk factors for this complication have been identified in retrospective studies but these should be interpreted with caution and should not be generalised to this heterogeneous patient population. Diagnosis is challenging, requires awareness of such complications, and has to be differentiated from a multitude of other, and sometimes overlapping, possible complications. The clinical course of immune-mediated cytopenia is highly variable. Treatment requires an interdisciplinary approach and ranges from observation to symptomatic measures and directed therapies. Intensive immunosuppression is associated with an increased risk of infections and relapse, and current treatments are based on approaches in patients who have not undergone transplantation. Plasma cell-directed therapies, immunomodulation, and receptor-stimulating agents can be used to treat immune-mediated cytopenia.
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11
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Wertheimer T, Dohse M, Afram G, Weber D, Heidenreich M, Holler B, Kattner AS, Neubauer A, Mielke S, Ljungman P, Holler E, Herr W, Edinger M, Martínez AP, Fante M, Wolff D. Abatacept as salvage therapy in chronic graft-versus-host disease-a retrospective analysis. Ann Hematol 2021; 100:779-787. [PMID: 33515310 PMCID: PMC7914235 DOI: 10.1007/s00277-021-04434-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The immunomodulatory fusion protein abatacept has recently been investigated for the treatment of steroid-refractory chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGvHD) in a phase 1 clinical trial. We analyzed the safety and efficacy of abatacept for cGvHD therapy in a retrospective study with 15 patients who underwent allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) and received abatacept for cGvHD with a median age of 49 years. Grading was performed as part of the clinical routine according to the National Institute of Health’s (NIH) consensus criteria at initiation of abatacept and 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months thereafter. The median time of follow-up was 191 days (range 55–393 days). Best overall response rate (ORR) was 40%. In particular, patients with bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome showed significant clinical improvement and durable responses following abatacept treatment with a response rate of 89% based on improvement in lung severity score (n = 6) or stabilized lung function (n = 4) or both (n = 3). Infectious complications CTCAE °III or higher were observed in 3/15 patients. None of the patients relapsed from the underlying malignancy. Thus, abatacept appears to be a promising treatment option for cGvHD, in particular for patients with lung involvement. However, further evaluation within a phase 2 clinical trial is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Wertheimer
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauss-Allee 11, 93053, Regensburg, Germany.
| | - Marius Dohse
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Immunology, University Hospital Giessen and Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Gabriel Afram
- Department of Cellular Therapy and Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation, Karolinska University Hospital and Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Daniela Weber
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauss-Allee 11, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Martin Heidenreich
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauss-Allee 11, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Barbara Holler
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauss-Allee 11, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Anna-Sophia Kattner
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauss-Allee 11, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Neubauer
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Immunology, University Hospital Giessen and Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Stephan Mielke
- Department of Cellular Therapy and Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation, Karolinska University Hospital and Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Per Ljungman
- Department of Cellular Therapy and Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation, Karolinska University Hospital and Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ernst Holler
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauss-Allee 11, 93053, Regensburg, Germany.,Regensburg Center for Interventional Immunology, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Herr
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauss-Allee 11, 93053, Regensburg, Germany.,Regensburg Center for Interventional Immunology, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Matthias Edinger
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauss-Allee 11, 93053, Regensburg, Germany.,Regensburg Center for Interventional Immunology, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Antonio Pérez Martínez
- Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Universidad Autonóma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Matthias Fante
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauss-Allee 11, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Daniel Wolff
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauss-Allee 11, 93053, Regensburg, Germany.,Regensburg Center for Interventional Immunology, Regensburg, Germany
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12
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Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia in the Pediatric Setting. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10020216. [PMID: 33435309 PMCID: PMC7828053 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10020216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) is a rare disease in children, presenting with variable severity. Most commonly, warm-reactive IgG antibodies bind erythrocytes at 37 °C and induce opsonization and phagocytosis mainly by the splenic macrophages, causing warm AIHA (w-AIHA). Post-infectious cold-reactive antibodies can also lead to hemolysis following the patient’s exposure to cold temperatures, causing cold agglutinin syndrome (CAS) due to IgM autoantibodies, or paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria (PCH) due to atypical IgG autoantibodies which bind their target RBC antigen and fix complement at 4 °C. Cold-reactive antibodies mainly induce intravascular hemolysis after complement activation. Direct antiglobulin test (DAT) is the gold standard for AIHA diagnosis; however, DAT negative results are seen in up to 11% of warm AIHA, highlighting the need to pursue further evaluation in cases with a phenotype compatible with immune-mediated hemolytic anemia despite negative DAT. Prompt supportive care, initiation of treatment with steroids for w-AIHA, and transfusion if necessary for symptomatic or fast-evolving anemia is crucial for a positive outcome. w-AIHA in children is often secondary to underlying immune dysregulation syndromes and thus, screening for such disorders is recommended at presentation, before initiating treatment with immunosuppressants, to determine prognosis and optimize long-term management potentially with novel targeted medications.
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Afzali S, Salehi S, Shahi A, Amirzargar A. B cell modulation strategies in the improvement of transplantation outcomes. Mol Immunol 2020; 125:140-150. [PMID: 32682148 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2020.06.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Revised: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Successful transplantation outcome is the final goal in most end stage and nonfunctional organs; however, despite using different therapeutic strategies, antibody-mediated rejection is still a big obstacle. B cells have a key role in transplant rejection by several functions, such as antibody production, antigen presenting, contribution in T cell activation, forming the germinal center, and tertiary lymphoid organs. Therefore, B cells modulation seems to be very crucial in transplant outcome. A double-edged sword function is considered for B cells during transplantation; On the one hand, antibody production against the transplanted organ induces antibody-mediated rejection. On the other hand, IL10 production by regulatory B (Breg) cells induces graft tolerance. Nowadays, several monoclonal antibodies (mAb) are available for B cell modulation that are routinely used in transplant recipients, among which rituximab (anti-CD20 mAb) act in eliminating B cells. However, there are some other monoclonal antibodies, such as epratuzumab and Inotuzumab ozogamicin (IO), which exert anti-CD22 activity, resulting in disruption of B cell functions and induction of tolerance in autoimmune disease or B cell malignancies; that notwithstanding, these mAbs have not yet been tried in transplantation. In this review, we focus on different methods for modulating the activity of B cells as well as induction of Breg cells, aiming to prevent the allograft rejection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shima Afzali
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Students' Scientific Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saeedeh Salehi
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abbas Shahi
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Aliakbar Amirzargar
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Even-Or E, Naser Eddin A, Shadur B, Dinur Schejter Y, Najajreh M, Zelig O, Zaidman I, Stepensky P. Successful treatment with daratumumab for post-HSCT refractory hemolytic anemia. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2020; 67:e28010. [PMID: 31544339 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.28010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2019] [Revised: 08/20/2019] [Accepted: 09/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Autoimmune cytopenias (AIC) following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) may cause significant morbidity and mortality and are often challenging to treat. We present a case of a pediatric patient with primary myelofibrosis of infancy caused by VPS45 protein deficiency, who developed severe refractory hemolytic anemia and immune-mediated thrombocytopenia 3.5 months following HSCT. After the failure of several treatments, he received daratumumab, an anti-CD38 specific antibody, and demonstrated fast and sustained response. The only side effect was delayed recovery of humoral immunity. Daratumumab, by targeting antibody-producing plasma cells, may be a valid treatment option for refractory post-HSCT AIC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ehud Even-Or
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cancer Immunotherapy, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Adeeb Naser Eddin
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cancer Immunotherapy, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Bella Shadur
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cancer Immunotherapy, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel.,Immunology Division, The Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Graduate Research School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Yael Dinur Schejter
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cancer Immunotherapy, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Mohammad Najajreh
- The Huda Al Masri Pediatric Cancer Department, Beit Jala Hospital, Beit Jala, Palestine
| | - Orly Zelig
- Department of Hematology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Irina Zaidman
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cancer Immunotherapy, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Polina Stepensky
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cancer Immunotherapy, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
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Barcellini W, Fattizzo B, Zaninoni A. Management of refractory autoimmune hemolytic anemia after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: current perspectives. J Blood Med 2019; 10:265-278. [PMID: 31496855 PMCID: PMC6690850 DOI: 10.2147/jbm.s190327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2019] [Accepted: 07/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) is increasingly observed after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT), with a reported incidence between 4% and 6%. The disease is generally severe and refractory to standard therapy, with high mortality, and there are neither defined therapies, nor prospective clinical trials addressing the best treatment. Most of the knowledge on the therapy of AIHAs derives from primary forms, which are highly heterogeneous as well, further complicating the management of post-allo-HSCT forms. The review addresses the risk factors associated with post-allo-AIHA, including unrelated donor, the development of chronic extensive graft-versus-host disease, CMV reactivation, nonmalignant diagnosis pre-HSCT, and alemtuzumab use in conditioning regimens. Regarding therapy, we describe standard treatments, such as corticosteroids, intravenous immunoglobulin, splenectomy, rituximab, cyclophosphamide, and plasma exchange, which have lower response rates than those reported in primary forms. New therapeutic options, including sirolimus, bortezomib, abatacept, daratumumab and complement inhibitors, are promising tools for this detrimental complication occurring after allo-HSCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wilma Barcellini
- UOC Ematologia, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Grande Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milano, Italy
| | - Bruno Fattizzo
- UOC Ematologia, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Grande Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milano, Italy
| | - Anna Zaninoni
- UOC Ematologia, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Grande Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milano, Italy
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