Long-term follow-up after allogeneic stem cell transplantation

Patient-reported long-term outcome following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in pediatric chronic myeloid leukemia

Background

Pediatric CML is very rare. Before the introduction of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) from a donor -if available- was the standard cure attempt. Data on the long-term outcome and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in former pediatric CML patients undergoing HSCT are lacking.

Study question

We investigated long-term survivors' self-reporting to a questionnaire sent out to patients formerly enrolled in pediatric CML-HSCT trials.

Methods

Individuals with CML transplanted at age <18 years were identified from the German Childhood Cancer Registry database. Long-term survivors received a questionnaire based on the SF-36 and FACT-BMT asking them to self-report HRQOL issues. (Ethical vote #541_20 B, Medical Faculty, University of Erlangen-Nürnberg).

Results

111/171 (64.9%) individuals survived HSCT long-term and 86/111 (77.5%) fulfilled all inclusion criteria and received the questionnaire. 37/86 (43%) participants (24 female, 13 male, median age at HSCT 12 years [range 2-18], median age at the time of the survey 29 years [range 18-43]) responded after a median follow-up period of 19 years (range 4-27) after HSCT. 10/37 (27%) participants underwent no regular medical follow-up examinations. Self-reported symptoms like chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGvHD)-associated organ impairments and conditioning regimen consequences could causatively not sharply be separated in each case. Complains comprised hypothyroidism (N=11, 30%), infertility (N=9, 24%), lung problems, dry eyes (each N=7, 19%), skin alterations (N=6, 17%), hair problems (N=4, 11%), and sexual dysfunction (N=3, 9%). 10 (27%) participants experienced 13 CML relapses after a median interval from HSCT of 31 months (range 2-93). Only one patient underwent 2nd SCT after failure of relapse treatment with TKIs. Six secondary malignancies (dysplastic melanocytic nevus and ALL, basal cell carcinoma (N=2), rhabdomyosarcoma, and thyroid carcinoma developed in 5 (13%) participants. As assessed by the SF-36 questionnaire, impaired physical health was mainly associated with cGvHD. The mental component summary score showed that also participants without cGvHD scored significantly lower than the general population. When assessed by the FACT-BMT, participants with cGvHD scored significantly lower while participants without cGvHD scored even 5 points higher than the data from controls. 18 (49%) participants considered the sequelae of HSCT an obstacle to education. Out of the total cohort, N=20 (54%), N=7 (19%), N=5 (14%), and N=4 (11%) participants worked full time, part-time, were unemployed, or had not yet finalized their education, respectively. 20 (54%) participants lived as singles, 8 (22%) lived in a partnership, 6 (16%) were married, and 3 (8%) had been divorced. Four (11%) participants reported a total number of 7 children.

Conclusion

This first assessment of HRQOL in former pediatric patients with CML surviving HSCT for more than two decades demonstrates self-reported satisfactory well-being only in the absence of cGvHD. Research-based on self-reported outcomes sheds light on former patients' perspectives and provides an additional layer of valuable knowledge for pediatric and adult hematologists. Regular follow-up examinations are mandatory helping to avoid that late secondary neoplasias, CML-relapse, and disorders forming the broad range of possible long-term consequences of HSCT are not detected too late.

Quality of life and informational needs for allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant among patients and their caregivers visiting long-term follow-up clinic

Purpose

To examine the relationship between health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and fulfillment of informational needs among patients for allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) and caregivers who visit long-term follow-up (LTFU) clinics within 1.5 years of post-HSCT.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional survey at two university hospitals in Japan between May and December 2018 using self-administered questionnaires and medical records. Based on previous research and patient interviews, informational needs of patients and caregivers were categorized into general information, post-discharge treatments, side effects and complications, self-care, psychosocial problems, and social resources. The HRQOL of patients and caregivers was measured using the Japanese Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Bone Marrow Transplant (for patients) and Caregiver Quality of Life Index-Cancer (for caregivers). In addition, the pooled-regression actor-partner interdependence model approach was employed to analyze the relationships using R ver.3.6.0.

Results

A total of 16 patients and 14 caregivers were analyzed. The mean total score of the FACT-BMT was 91.0, and the mean total score of the Caregiver Quality of Life Index-Cancer was 88.2. For both patients and caregivers, fulfillment of informational needs regarding side effects and complications (estimates = 0.55, t (16) = 4.88, P < 0.001) and self-care (estimates = 0.73, t (13) = 5.02, P < 0.001) exerted actor effects on their HRQOL, whereas fulfillment of informational needs regarding psychosocial problems (estimates = 0.35, t (13) = 2.90, P = 0.012) exerted a partner effect on the mutual HRQOL.

Conclusions

Multidimensional physio-psychosocial approaches toward patients and their caregivers are important to enhance their HRQOL during the acute phase after HSCT. Detailed overviews of and methods to cope with patients' psychosocial issues should be provided before discharge, especially for caregivers unable to visit the LTFU clinics.

Management of Chronic Graft-vs.-Host Disease in Children and Adolescents With ALL: Present Status and Model for a Personalised Management Plan

Herein we review current practice regarding the management of chronic graft-vs.-host disease (cGvHD) in paediatric patients after allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). Topics covered include: (i) the epidemiology of cGvHD; (ii) an overview of advances in our understanding cGvHD pathogenesis; (iii) current knowledge regarding risk factors for cGvHD and prevention strategies complemented by biomarkers; (iii) the paediatric aspects of the 2014 National Institutes for Health-defined diagnosis and grading of cGvHD; and (iv) current options for cGvHD treatment. We cover topical therapy and newly approved tyrosine kinase inhibitors, emphasising the use of immunomodulatory approaches in the context of the delicate counterbalance between immunosuppression and immune reconstitution as well as risks of relapse and infectious complications. We examine real-world approaches of response assessment and tapering schedules of treatment. Furthermore, we report on the optimal timepoints for therapeutic interventions and changes in relation to immune reconstitution and risk of relapse/infection. Additionally, we review the different options for anti-infectious prophylaxis. Finally, we put forth a theory of a holistic view of paediatric cGvHD and its associated manifestations and propose a checklist for individualised risk evaluation with aggregated considerations including site-specific cGvHD evaluation with attention to each individual's GvHD history, previous medical history, comorbidities, and personal tolerance and psychosocial circumstances. To complement this checklist, we present a treatment algorithm using representative patients to inform the personalised management plans for patients with cGvHD after HSCT for ALL who are at high risk of relapse.

Rehabilitation after Allogeneic Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: A Special Challenge

Simple Summary

After undergoing an allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (alloHCT), patients need intensive physiological and psychological rehabilitation. This should start immediately after discharge from the transplant ward as in- or outpatient rehabilitation. The rehabilitation centres should be qualified and experienced because this patient group exhibits problems that differ from those of patients who have undergone oncological therapies or autologous HCT. An experienced multidisciplinary team in close consultation with the primary transplantation centre should perform the rehabilitation therapy. This review will show the special challenges of these patients according to different timepoints after HCT. Because there is so little data available, personal experience and general guidelines on patient care after alloHCT are presented.

Abstract

The general population is getting older and suffer more haematological malignancies despite being physically fit. These malignancies are mainly only curable via an alloHCT, and they are now carried out more frequently. Patients benefit from intensive rehabilitation earlier and may need it repeatedly in cases of severe side effects (e.g., graft-versus-host disease). They can suffer many problems that other cancer patients do not experience, such as severe infections, continued immunosuppression, nutritional restrictions, acute or chronic GvHD, or organ impairments (e.g., lung, eyes). They may also encounter various associated psychological problems, e.g., feeling like a chimera. Rehabilitation centres willing to care for patients after alloHCT should have an experienced multidisciplinary team and should work in close co-operation with the primary transplant centre.

Evaluation of the Cost of Survivorship Care After Allogeneic Hematopoeitic Stem Cell Transplantation-An Analysis of 2 German Transplantation Centers

The aim of the presented study was to analyze the care expenditure for outpatients after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (alloHSCT) done in accordance with the national, European guidelines and the German Social Law. We performed an analysis of the National and European survivorship care guidelines and in parallel recorded the time expenditure and staff costs separated according to different occupational groups involved in outpatient care at two German transplantation centers [University Hospital Regensburg (UKR) and University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE)]. In addition, we performed a comparison of real costs vs. reimbursed costs according to the standard rating benchmark catalog (EBM), which was supplemented by a survey of German transplantation centers. The results showed that the staff costs are only covered by the EBM for patients without complications during long-term follow-up care-notably, this accounts for 15% of alloHSCT patients. Staff costs for patients requiring treatment of graft-vs.-host disease or relapse of the malignant underlying malignancy exceed to the factor 6.5 (UKR) to 12 (UKE) of the EBM revenue, caused both by the increased duration and frequency of the outpatient visits. As a result of the survey at German transplant centers, 15 out of 18 responding centers reported a lack of cost coverage for follow-up care. Two/15 centers reported that survivorship care is limited to a restricted time, independent of patient's needs, due to a lack of cost reimbursement. The results show that alloHSCT survivorship care of patients requires significant staff resources, which are not covered by the current version of the German EBM catalog. New approaches to finance labor intensive after care of transplant patients are required.

Clinical, social, and psycho-oncological needs of adolescents and young adults (AYA) versus older patients following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Purpose

To analyze demand for information and advice as well as medical, psychological, and social needs of adolescents and young adults (AYAs) and older patients (non-AYA) after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT).

Methods

A questionnaire was sent to 100 HSCT recipients comprising n = 50 AYAs (aged 19–39 years) and n = 50 non-AYAs (> 39 years). The questionnaire covered the categories: (a) patient characteristics; (b) need for advice, on medical, psychological, and social care topics; (c) medical, psychological, and social needs, and (d) preferred forms and channels of information.

Results

The return rate was 65%. 62.5% of patients indicated medical needs; 41.1% psychological needs, and 64.9% had needs concerning social issues. Among medical aspects, aftercare was important to both groups. Nutrition was of highest interest for AYA, while non-AYAs identified fatigue and vaccination as their most pressing concerns. Body shape/sexuality and relaxation techniques were the most common psychological issues for AYA, while coping strategies were important for both cohorts. Family, relationship and friends were of less interest in both groups. Rehabilitation and premature retirement were of highest interest for both cohorts. The preferred mode of communicating advice was one-to-one conversation in a quiet environment as opposed to informational sessions.

Conclusion

Despite well-established aftercare programs following HSCT, many patients describe unmet needs regarding medical, psychological, and social policy issues. AYA and non-AYA differ in informational needs after HSCT, and, therefore, age-appropriate informational materials are necessary. Particularly AYA may profit from information covering body-shape/sexuality and nutrition, while both cohorts require information covering coping strategies and aftercare.

Theory-driven development of a medication adherence intervention delivered by eHealth and transplant team in allogeneic stem cell transplantation: the SMILe implementation science project

BACKGROUND

Medication adherence to immunosuppressants in allogeneic stem cell transplantation (alloSCT) is essential to achieve favorable clinical outcomes (e.g. control of Graft-versus-Host Disease). Over 600 apps supporting medication adherence exist, yet they lack successful implementation and sustainable use likely because of lack of end-user involvement and theoretical underpinnings in their development and insufficient attention to implementation methods to support their use in real-life settings. Medication adherence has three phases: initiation, implementation and persistence. We report the theory-driven development of an intervention module to support medication adherence (implementation and persistence phase) in alloSCT outpatients as a first step for future digitization and implementation in clinical setting within the SMILe project (Development, implementation and testing of an integrated care model in allogeneic SteM cell transplantatIon faciLitated by eHealth).

METHODS

We applied Michie's Behavior Change Wheel (BCW) and the Capability-Opportunity-Motivation and Behavior (COM-B) model using three suggested stages followed by one stage added by our team regarding preparation for digitization of the intervention: (I) Defining the problem in behavioral terms; (II) Identifying intervention options; (III) Identifying content and implementation options; (IV) SMILe Care Model Prototype Development. Scientific evidence, data from a contextual analysis and patients'/caregivers' and clinical experts' inputs were compiled to work through these steps.

RESULTS

(I) Correct immunosuppressant taking and timing were defined as target behaviors. The intervention's focus was determined within the COM-B dimensions Capability (lack of knowledge, lack of routine), Opportunity (lack of cues, interruptions in daily routine) and Motivation (lack of problem solving, trivialization). (II) Five intervention functions were chosen, i.e. education, training, modelling, persuasion and enablement. (III) Twenty-four behavior change techniques were selected, e.g., goal setting, action planning and problem solving. (IV) Finally, seventeen user stories were developed to guide the SMILeApp's software development process.

CONCLUSION

Our example on the theory-driven development of an intervention module in alloSCT delivered by eHealth and transplant team using a rigorous 3 + 1-stage approach based on BCW, COM-B and agile software development techniques, can be used as methodological guidance for other eHealth intervention developers. Our approach has the potential to enhance successful implementation and sustained use of eHealth solutions in real-life settings.

A Web-Based Mobile App (INTERACCT App) for Adolescents Undergoing Cancer and Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Aftercare to Improve the Quality of Medical Information for Clinicians: Observational Study

Background

A growing number of cancer and hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) survivors require long-term follow-up with optimal communication schemes, and patients' compliance is crucial. Adolescents have various unmet needs. Regarding self-report of symptoms and health status, users of mobile apps showed enhanced compliance. Currently, HSCT aftercare at the HSCT outpatient clinic of the St. Anna Children’s Hospital in Vienna, Austria, is based on handwritten diaries, carrying various disadvantages. Recently, we developed the prototype of a web-based, self-monitoring gamified mobile app tailored for adolescents: the INTERACCT (Integrating Entertainment and Reaction Assessment into Child Cancer Therapy) app.

Objective

This observational, prospective study evaluated the usability of the INTERACCT app for tracking real-time self-reported symptoms and health status data in adolescent HSCT patients and a healthy matched control group. The primary outcome of the study was the quality of the self-reported medical information. We hypothesized that the mobile app would provide superior medical information for the clinicians than would the handwritten diaries.

Methods

Health data were reported via paper diary and mobile app for 5 consecutive days each. The quality of medical information was rated on a 5-point scale independently and blinded by two HSCT clinicians, and the duration of use was evaluated. A total of 52 participant questionnaires were assessed for gaming patterns and device preferences, self-efficacy, users’ satisfaction, acceptability, and suggestions for improvement of the mobile app. Interrater reliability was calculated with the intraclass correlation coefficient, based on a two-way mixed model; one-way repeated-measures analysis of variance and t tests were conducted post hoc. Descriptive methods were used for correlation with participants’ demographics. For users’ satisfaction and acceptability of the mobile app, the median and the IQR were calculated.

Results

Data from 42 participants—15 patients and 27 healthy students—with comparable demographics were evaluated. The results of our study indicated a superiority of the quality of self-reported medical data in the INTERACCT app over traditional paper-and-pencil assessment (mobile app: 4.14 points, vs paper-based diary: 3.77 points, P=.02). The mobile app outperformed paper-and-pencil assessments mainly among the patients, in particular among patients with treatment-associated complications (mobile app: 4.43 points, vs paper-based diary: 3.73 points, P=.01). The mobile app was used significantly longer by adolescents (≥14 years: 4.57 days, vs ≤13 years: 3.14 days, P=.03) and females (4.76 days for females vs 2.95 days for males, P=.004). This corresponds with a longer duration of use among impaired patients with comorbidities. User satisfaction and acceptability ratings for the mobile app were high across all groups, but adherence to entering a large amount of data decreased over time. Based on our results, we developed a case vignette of the target group.

Conclusions

Our study was the first to show that the quality of patient-reported medical information submitted via the INTERACCT app embedded in a serious game is superior to that submitted via a handwritten diary. In light of these results, a refinement of the mobile app supported by a machine learning approach is planned within an international research project.

Nature's endless wonder: unexpected motherhood after pediatric allogeneic stem cell transplantation and severe late effects

Infertility and endocrine late effects (LE) are common sequelae after pediatric allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) after myeloablative conditioning. Nevertheless, the individual risk for these LE is not always easy to predict and therefore these issues are of ongoing interest to the clinical research community dealing with HSCT aftercare. This article describes the case of a young woman who received polychemotherapy and total body irradiation (TBI) containing conditioning for HSCT for a relapsed anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL). She developed severe sclerotic chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) with irreversible joint contractures and multiorgan involvement, requiring long-term multimodal immunosuppressive treatment. Subsequently showing a considerable number of LE including hypergonadotropic hypogonadism, she accepted that infertility would be quite likely. Her courageous personal life planning included part-time working and a partnership but not motherhood. This article reports the unexpected and spontaneous pregnancy and the extreme preterm birth of a surprisingly adequately developing child.

Harnessing the anti-inflammatory properties of stem cells for transplant therapy in hemorrhagic stroke

Hemorrhagic stroke is a global health crisis plagued by neuroinflammation in the acute and chronic phases. Neuroinflammation approximates secondary cell death, which in turn robustly contributes to stroke pathology. Both the physiological and behavioral symptoms of stroke correlate with various inflammatory responses in animal and human studies. That slowing the secondary cell death mediated by this inflammation may attenuate stroke pathology presents a novel treatment strategy. To this end, experimental therapies employing stem cell transplants support their potential for neuroprotection and neuroregeneration after hemorrhagic stroke. In this review, we evaluate experiments using different types of stem cell transplants as treatments for stroke-induced neuroinflammation. We also update this emerging area by examining recent preclinical and clinical trials that have deployed these therapies. While further investigations are warranted to solidify their therapeutic profile, the reviewed studies largely posit stem cells as safe and potent biologics for stroke, specifically owing to their mode of action for sequestering neuroinflammation and promoting neuroregenerative processes.

Prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors and diseases in patients with multiple myeloma undergoing autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation

Multiple myeloma (MM) is the second most common hematologic malignancy and occurs similar to cardiovascular diseases (CVD), in the sixth/seventh decade. The aim of this retrospective cohort study was to evaluate the prevalence and prognostic value of cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF) and CVD in 325 patients with MM undergoing autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (PBSCT) at the University Hospital of Würzburg between 03/2004 and 12/2011. Mean age in the total cohort was 61 years. Among CVRF, prevalence of arterial hypertension was highest (59.7%), followed by overweight (54.2%) and positive smoking history (18.2%). The prevalence of heart failure (3.1%) or coronary heart disease (4.8%) was low. During a median follow-up of 36 months, 18% of the patients died. Hypertension (HR = 1.83, p = 0.048) as well as positive smoking history (HR = 2.13, p = 0.02) were independently associated with increased mortality risk in multivariate analysis. In a subgroup analysis of 100 patients echocardiographic parameters were compared before and after PBSCT. Echocardiography revealed a significant reduction of left atrial diameters (–1.5 mm, p = 0.009) and septum thickness (–1.0 mm, p = 0.001), non-significant reduction of systolic function, and an increase of the prevalence of diastolic dysfunction (+14%; p = 0.01). In this study CVRF, especially hypertension and smoking, are strong predictors of poor survival in patients with MM undergoing autologous PBSCT. Echocardiography before and after treatment shows subtle changes in systolic function but an increase of the prevalence of diastolic dysfunction.

Total Body Irradiation and Risk of Diabetes Mellitus; A Meta-Analysis

Objective: Hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) has recently emerged as a cure for previously “incurable” diseases and is being explored and attempted in many other fields including congenital and acquired non-malignant diseases. However, the long-term side effect associated with HSCT especially Total Body Irradiation (TBI) is still understudied. Therefore, we attempted to establish association between TBI and risk of developing Diabetes Mellitus (DM) or impaired glucose metabolism (IGM). Methods: We searched for titles of articles in MEDLINE (PubMed), EMBASE, and Cochrane library in August 2018 that evaluated the association between TBI in the setting of HSCT and DM or IGM. We conducted a random effect meta-analysis of 11 studies involving a total of 13,191 participants and reported the pooled MD (mean difference) for the development of DM/IGM after TBI as part of the conditioning regimen for HSCT. Results: We found a significant increase in the risk of developing DM/IGM after TBI is used as part of the conditioning regimen compared to other types of conditioning regimen with the pooled MD being 5.42, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 2.51-11.71, I2=92.4%. Conclusion: TBI as a conditioning regimen in the setting of HSCT significantly increases the risk of developing DM/IGM. Therefore, we recommend close monitoring and screening for diabetes mellitus in patients who underwent TBI before HSCT.

The Outcomes of Pediatric Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Recipients Requiring Intensive Care Unit Admission- A Single Center Experience

BACKGROUND

Although the outcome of pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) has significantly improved, it remains to be associated with high mortality. Identifying patients at high risk of mortality may potentially help to triage clinical management. The primary objective of this study is to evaluate risk factors associated with mortality of patients who received HSCT and admitted to ICU using pediatric sequential organ failure assessment (pSOFA), one of pediatric severity scoring systems in intensive care unit (ICU).

METHODS

We performed retrospective review of electronic medical records of pediatric patients who received HSCT and were admitted to ICU in our institution between January 2010 and June 2018. Incidence of mortality was obtained, and risk factors associated with the mortality were examined using univariate and multivariable analyses.

RESULTS

The mortality rate of pediatric HSCT patients who were admitted to ICU as a whole was 27.9%. Patients were divided into three groups based on the number of HSCT required and timing of ICU admission. Patients who received first HSCT and admitted to ICU during the same hospital stay were the majority of the study population (Group A). d(pSOFA), which was defined as the difference between maximum pSOFA and admission pSOFA, greater than and equal to 7 best predicted mortality of Group A (the area under the ROC curve 0.850; 95% CI: 0.733-0.966). Univariate and multivariable analyses showed that an increase in neurologic and cardiovascular sub scores were independently associated with higher mortality (odds ratio (OR) 2.27; 95% CI: 1.32-3.93, and OR 2.69; 95% CI: 1.21-5.99, respectively).

DISCUSSION

In our single center study, pediatric HSCT patients who were admitted to ICU demonstrated a high mortality. Risk factor analysis demonstrated that patients with the progression of neurologic and cardiovascular injuries probed by pSOFA scoring system during their ICU stay were strongly associated with mortality.

Early and late complications following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in pediatric patients - A retrospective analysis over 11 years

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) has been an effective method for treating a wide range of malignant or non-malignant disorders. In case of an autologous HSCT, patients receive their own stem cells after myeloablation before extraction. Allogeneic HSCT uses stem cells derived from a donor. Despite being associated with a high risk of early and long-term complications, it is often the last curative option. 229 pediatric patients, who between 1 January 2005 and 31 December 2015 received an HSCT at the University Children’s Hospital Wuerzburg, were studied. Correlations between two groups were calculated with the Chi square test or with a 2x2-contingency table. To calculate metric variables, the Mann-Whitney-U-test was used. Survival curves were calculated according to Kaplan and Meier. Significance was assumed for results with a p-value <0.05 (CI (Confident Interval) 95%). We retrospectively analyzed 229 pediatric patients (105 females, 124 males) for early and late complications of allogeneic and autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Median age at HSCT was seven years. Underlying diseases were leukemia (n = 73), lymphoma (n = 22), solid tumor (n = 65), CNS (central nervous system)- tumor (n = 41), and “other diseases” (n = 28). Survival times, overall survival, and event-free survival were calculated. Of all patients, 80.8% experienced complications of some degree, including mild and transient complications. Allo-HSCT (allogeneic HSCT) carried a significantly higher risk of complications than auto-HSCT (autologous HSCT) (n = 118 vs. n = 67; p = < .001) and the remission rate after allo-HSCT was also higher (58.7% vs. 44,7%; p = .032). Especially infection rates and pulmonary complications are different between auto- and allo-HSCT. Leukemia patients had the highest risk of early and late complications (95,0%; p < .001). Complications within HSCT are major risk factors following morbidity and mortality. In order to detect complications and risk factors early, strict recordings are needed to reduce the rate of complication by recognition and prevention of triggering factors. In the future, these factors should receive greater attention in the planning of HSCT post-transplantation care in order to improve the results of the transplantation and establish protocols to prevent their occurrence.

Stem cell therapy for abrogating stroke-induced neuroinflammation and relevant secondary cell death mechanisms

Ischemic stroke is a leading cause of death worldwide. A key secondary cell death mechanism mediating neurological damage following the initial episode of ischemic stroke is the upregulation of endogenous neuroinflammatory processes to levels that destroy hypoxic tissue local to the area of insult, induce apoptosis, and initiate a feedback loop of inflammatory cascades that can expand the region of damage. Stem cell therapy has emerged as an experimental treatment for stroke, and accumulating evidence supports the therapeutic efficacy of stem cells to abrogate stroke-induced inflammation. In this review, we investigate clinically relevant stem cell types, such as hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), very small embryonic-like stem cells (VSELs), neural stem cells (NSCs), extraembryonic stem cells, adipose tissue-derived stem cells, breast milk-derived stem cells, menstrual blood-derived stem cells, dental tissue-derived stem cells, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), teratocarcinoma-derived Ntera2/D1 neuron-like cells (NT2N), c-mycER(TAM) modified NSCs (CTX0E03), and notch-transfected mesenchymal stromal cells (SB623), comparing their potential efficacy to sequester stroke-induced neuroinflammation and their feasibility as translational clinical cell sources. To this end, we highlight that MSCs, with a proven track record of safety and efficacy as a transplantable cell for hematologic diseases, stand as an attractive cell type that confers superior anti-inflammatory effects in stroke both in vitro and in vivo. That stem cells can mount a robust anti-inflammatory action against stroke complements the regenerative processes of cell replacement and neurotrophic factor secretion conventionally ascribed to cell-based therapy in neurological disorders.

Haploidentical Related Donor Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation for Dedicator-of-Cytokinesis 8 Deficiency Using Post-Transplantation Cyclophosphamide

Dedicator-of-cytokinesis 8 (DOCK8) deficiency, a primary immunodeficiency disease, can be reversed by allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT); however, there are few reports describing the use of alternative donor sources for HSCT in DOCK8 deficiency. We describe HSCT for patients with DOCK8 deficiency who lack a matched related or unrelated donor using bone marrow from haploidentical related donors and post-transplantation cyclophosphamide (PT/Cy) for graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis. Seven patients with DOCK8 deficiency (median age, 20 years; range, 7 to 25 years) received a haploidentical related donor HSCT. The conditioning regimen included 2 days of low-dose cyclophosphamide, 5 days of fludarabine, 3 days of busulfan, and 200 cGy total body irradiation. GVHD prophylaxis consisted of PT/Cy 50 mg/kg/day on days +3 and +4 and tacrolimus and mycophenolate mofetil starting at day +5. The median times to neutrophil and platelet engraftment were 15 and 19 days, respectively. All patients attained >90% donor engraftment by day +30. Four subjects developed acute GVHD (1 with maximum grade 3). No patient developed chronic GVHD. With a median follow-up time of 20.6 months (range, 9.5 to 31.7 months), 6 of 7 patients are alive and disease free. Haploidentical related donor HSCT with PT/Cy represents an effective therapeutic approach for patients with DOCK8 deficiency who lack a matched related or unrelated donor.

Photography in Telemedicine: Improving Diagnosis of Chronic Graft-Versus-Host Disease

BACKGROUND

The long-term follow-up (LTFU) team at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance uses telemedicine to diagnose and treat post-transplantation complications in hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) survivors. Photos are often requested via the telemedicine service to aid in diagnosis, but they are typically of poor quality, making them unusable.

OBJECTIVES

This project offered bachelor of science in nursing students, partnered with a comprehensive cancer center, the opportunity to participate in an evidence-based practice project to improve detection and management of chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) in patients after HCT.

METHODS

Students partnered with RNs to develop instructional tools using multiple evidence sources. A brochure and video were developed.

FINDINGS

Providing these instructional tools to those in the LTFU program improved patient outcomes for managing cGVHD through telemedicine. This partnership provided an opportunity for mutual learning and improved clinical practice.

Towards in vivo amplification: Overcoming hurdles in the use of hematopoietic stem cells in transplantation and gene therapy

With the advent of safer and more efficient gene transfer methods, gene therapy has become a viable solution for many inherited and acquired disorders. Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are a prime cell compartment for gene therapy aimed at correcting blood-based disorders, as well as those amenable to metabolic outcomes that can effect cross-correction. While some resounding clinical successes have recently been demonstrated, ample room remains to increase the therapeutic output from HSC-directed gene therapy. In vivo amplification of therapeutic cells is one avenue to achieve enhanced gene product delivery. To date, attempts have been made to provide HSCs with resistance to cytotoxic drugs, to include drug-inducible growth modules specific to HSCs, and to increase the engraftment potential of transduced HSCs. This review aims to summarize amplification strategies that have been developed and tested and to discuss their advantages along with barriers faced towards their clinical adaptation. In addition, next-generation strategies to circumvent current limitations of specific amplification schemas are discussed.