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John TD, Maron G, Abraham A, Bertaina A, Bhoopalan SV, Bidgoli A, Bonfim C, Coleman Z, DeZern A, Li J, Louis C, Oved J, Pavel-Dinu M, Purtill D, Ruggeri A, Russell A, Wynn R, Boelens JJ, Prockop S, Sharma A. Strategic infection prevention after genetically modified hematopoietic stem cell therapies: recommendations from the International Society for Cell & Gene Therapy Stem Cell Engineering Committee. Cytotherapy 2024; 26:660-671. [PMID: 38483362 PMCID: PMC11213676 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcyt.2024.02.005] [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: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
There is lack of guidance for immune monitoring and infection prevention after administration of ex vivo genetically modified hematopoietic stem cell therapies (GMHSCT). We reviewed current infection prevention practices as reported by providers experienced with GMHSCTs across North America and Europe, and assessed potential immunologic compromise associated with the therapeutic process of GMHSCTs described to date. Based on these assessments, and with consensus from members of the International Society for Cell & Gene Therapy (ISCT) Stem Cell Engineering Committee, we propose risk-adapted recommendations for immune monitoring, infection surveillance and prophylaxis, and revaccination after receipt of GMHSCTs. Disease-specific and GMHSCT-specific considerations should guide decision making for each therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tami D John
- Division of Hematology, Oncology, Stem Cell Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Gabriela Maron
- Department of Infectious Diseases, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Allistair Abraham
- Center for Cancer and Immunology Research, CETI, Children's National Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Alice Bertaina
- Division of Hematology, Oncology, Stem Cell Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Senthil Velan Bhoopalan
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Alan Bidgoli
- Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Aflac Blood and Cancer Disorders Center, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Carmem Bonfim
- Pediatric Blood and Marrow Transplantation Division and Pelé Pequeno Príncipe Research Institute, Hospital Pequeno Príncipe, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Zane Coleman
- Department of Infectious Diseases, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Amy DeZern
- Bone Marrow Failure and MDS Program, John Hopkins Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Jingjing Li
- Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - Joseph Oved
- Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapies Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Mara Pavel-Dinu
- Division of Hematology, Oncology, Stem Cell Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Duncan Purtill
- Department of Haematology, Fiona Stanley Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | | | - Athena Russell
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Robert Wynn
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Jaap Jan Boelens
- Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapies Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Susan Prockop
- Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Akshay Sharma
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA.
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Corbacioglu S, Frangoul H, Locatelli F, Hobbs W, Walters M. Defining curative endpoints for transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia in the era of gene therapy and gene editing. Am J Hematol 2024; 99:422-429. [PMID: 38100154 DOI: 10.1002/ajh.27166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
β-thalassemia is a monogenic disease that results in varying degrees of anemia. In the most severe form, known as transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia (TDT), the clinical hallmarks are ineffective erythropoiesis and a requirement of regular, life-long red blood cell transfusions, with the development of secondary clinical complications such as iron overload, end-organ damage, and a risk of early mortality. With the exception of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation, current treatments for TDT address disease symptoms and not the underlying cause of disease. Recently, a growing number of gene addition and gene editing-based treatments for patients with TDT with the potential to provide a one-time functional cure have entered clinical trials. A key challenge in the design and evaluation of these trials is selecting endpoints to evaluate if these novel genetic therapies have a curative versus an ameliorative effect. Here, we present an overview of the pathophysiology of TDT, review emerging gene addition or gene editing therapeutic approaches for TDT currently in clinical trials, and identify a series of endpoints that can quantify therapeutic effects, including a curative outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Haydar Frangoul
- Sarah Cannon Research Institute and the Children's Hospital at TriStar Centennial, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Franco Locatelli
- IRCCS, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino, Gesù Rome, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - William Hobbs
- Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Mark Walters
- Department of Pediatrics, UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland, Oakland, California, USA
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3
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Zeng S, Lei S, Qu C, Wang Y, Teng S, Huang P. CRISPR/Cas-based gene editing in therapeutic strategies for beta-thalassemia. Hum Genet 2023; 142:1677-1703. [PMID: 37878144 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-023-02610-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
Beta-thalassemia (β-thalassemia) is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by point mutations, insertions, and deletions in the HBB gene cluster, resulting in the underproduction of β-globin chains. The most severe type may demonstrate complications including massive hepatosplenomegaly, bone deformities, and severe growth retardation in children. Treatments for β-thalassemia include blood transfusion, splenectomy, and allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). However, long-term blood transfusions require regular iron removal therapy. For allogeneic HSCT, human lymphocyte antigen (HLA)-matched donors are rarely available, and acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) may occur after the transplantation. Thus, these conventional treatments are facing significant challenges. In recent years, with the advent and advancement of CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats)/Cas9 (CRISPR-associated protein 9) gene editing technology, precise genome editing has achieved encouraging successes in basic and clinical studies for treating various genetic disorders, including β-thalassemia. Target gene-edited autogeneic HSCT helps patients avoid graft rejection and GVHD, making it a promising curative therapy for transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia (TDT). In this review, we introduce the development and mechanisms of CRISPR/Cas9. Recent advances on feasible strategies of CRISPR/Cas9 targeting three globin genes (HBB, HBG, and HBA) and targeting cell selections for β-thalassemia therapy are highlighted. Current CRISPR-based clinical trials in the treatment of β-thalassemia are summarized, which are focused on γ-globin reactivation and fetal hemoglobin reproduction in hematopoietic stem cells. Lastly, the applications of other promising CRISPR-based technologies, such as base editing and prime editing, in treating β-thalassemia and the limitations of the CRISPR/Cas system in therapeutic applications are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shujun Zeng
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, Norman Bethune College of Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuangyin Lei
- The Second Norman Bethune Clinical College of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, People's Republic of China
| | - Chao Qu
- The First Norman Bethune Clinical College of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, People's Republic of China
| | - Yue Wang
- The Second Norman Bethune Clinical College of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuzhi Teng
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, Norman Bethune College of Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, People's Republic of China.
| | - Ping Huang
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, Norman Bethune College of Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, People's Republic of China.
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4
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Hu J, Gong S, Chen K, Yang R, Wang L, Yang K, Nie L, Zou L, Su T, Chen C, Xu Y, He X, Yang L, Xiao H, Fu B. Haploidentical transplant for paediatric patients with severe thalassaemia using post-transplant cyclophosphamide and methotrexate: A prospectively registered multicentre trial from the Bone Marrow Failure Working Group of Hunan Province, China. Br J Haematol 2023; 200:329-337. [PMID: 36254684 DOI: 10.1111/bjh.18520] [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: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 09/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Haploidentical transplantation strategies for patients with transfusion-dependent thalassaemia (TD-TM) remain to be investigated. In this study, 54 paediatric patients with TD-TM were treated with a novel approach using post-transplant cyclophosphamide (PTCy) and low-dose methotrexate (LD-MTX), following a myeloablative regimen. The incidence of neutrophil and platelet engraftment was 96.3% ± 2.6% and 94.4% ± 3.1% respectively. The cumulative incidence of grades II-III acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) was 13.8% ± 4.8% at 100 days. At three years, the cumulative incidence of chronic GVHD was 28.5% ± 8.5%. With a median follow-up of 520 days (132-1325 days), the overall survival (OS) and event-free survival (EFS) were 98.1% ± 1.8% and 90.7% ± 3.9% respectively. Compared with the low-dose cyclophosphamide (CTX) conditioning regimen (120 mg/kg), the high-CTX regimen (200 mg/kg) achieved a higher incidence of stable engraftment (100% vs 66.7% ± 15.7%, p = 0.003), a comparable incidence of grades II-III acute GVHD, a lower incidence of chronic GVHD (20.2% ± 8.3% vs 66.6% ± 19.2%, p = 0.011), and better overall survival (100% vs 88.9% ± 10.5%, p = 0.025) as well as EFS (95.6% ± 3.1% vs 66.7% ± 15.7%, p = 0.008). Our results using unmanipulated haploidentical grafts and PTCy with LD-MTX in TD-TM are encouraging. (chictr.org.cn ChiCTR1800017969).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Hu
- Department of Hematology, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Susu Gong
- Department of Hematology, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Keke Chen
- Department of Pediatric Hematology, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Rui Yang
- Department of Pediatric Hematology, First People's Hospital of Chenzhou, Chenzhou, China
| | - Leyuan Wang
- Department of Pediatric Hematology, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Kaitai Yang
- Department of Hematology, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Lin Nie
- Department of Hematology, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Lang Zou
- Department of Hematology, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Tao Su
- Department of Hematology, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Cong Chen
- Department of Hematology, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yajing Xu
- Department of Hematology, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xianglin He
- Department of Pediatric Hematology, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Liangchun Yang
- Department of Pediatric Hematology, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Hong Xiao
- Department of Hematology, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Bin Fu
- Department of Hematology, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Hangzhou, China
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Mulas O, Caocci G, Efficace F, Piras E, Targhetta C, Frau V, Barella S, Piroddi A, Orofino MG, Vacca A, La Nasa G. Long-term health-related quality of life in patients with β-thalassemia after unrelated hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Bone Marrow Transplant 2022; 57:1833-1836. [DOI: 10.1038/s41409-022-01823-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Carsote M, Vasiliu C, Trandafir AI, Albu SE, Dumitrascu MC, Popa A, Mehedintu C, Petca RC, Petca A, Sandru F. New Entity-Thalassemic Endocrine Disease: Major Beta-Thalassemia and Endocrine Involvement. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12081921. [PMID: 36010271 PMCID: PMC9406368 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12081921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 07/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Beta-thalassemia (BTH), a recessively inherited haemoglobin (Hb) disorder, causes iron overload (IO), extra-medullary haematopoiesis and bone marrow expansion with major clinical impact. The main objective of this review is to address endocrine components (including aspects of reproductive health as fertility potential and pregnancy outcome) in major beta-thalassemia patients, a complex panel known as thalassemic endocrine disease (TED). We included English, full-text articles based on PubMed research (January 2017–June 2022). TED includes hypogonadism (hypoGn), anomalies of GH/IGF1 axes with growth retardation, hypothyroidism (hypoT), hypoparathyroidism (hypoPT), glucose profile anomalies, adrenal insufficiency, reduced bone mineral density (BMD), and deterioration of microarchitecture with increased fracture risk (FR). The prevalence of each ED varies with population, criteria of definition, etc. At least one out of every three to four children below the age of 12 y have one ED. ED correlates with ferritin and poor compliance to therapy, but not all studies agree. Up to 86% of the adult population is affected by an ED. Age is a positive linear predictor for ED. Low IGF1 is found in 95% of the population with GH deficiency (GHD), but also in 93.6% of persons without GHD. HypoT is mostly pituitary-related; it is not clinically manifested in the majority of cases, hence the importance of TSH/FT4 screening. HypoT is found at any age, with the prevalence varying between 8.3% and 30%. Non-compliance to chelation increases the risk of hypoT, yet not all studies confirmed the correlation with chelation history (reversible hypoT under chelation is reported). The pitfalls of TSH interpretation due to hypophyseal IO should be taken into consideration. HypoPT prevalence varies from 6.66% (below the age of 12) to a maximum of 40% (depending on the study). Serum ferritin might act as a stimulator of FGF23. Associated hypocalcaemia transitions from asymptomatic to severe manifestations. HypoPT is mostly found in association with growth retardation and hypoGn. TED-associated adrenal dysfunction is typically mild; an index of suspicion should be considered due to potential life-threatening complications. Periodic check-up by ACTH stimulation test is advised. Adrenal insufficiency/hypocortisolism status is the rarest ED (but some reported a prevalence of up to one third of patients). Significantly, many studies did not routinely perform a dynamic test. Atypical EM sites might be found in adrenals, mimicking an incidentaloma. Between 7.5–10% of children with major BTH have DM; screening starts by the age of 10, and ferritin correlated with glycaemia. Larger studies found DM in up to 34%of cases. Many studies do not take into consideration IGF, IGT, or do not routinely include OGTT. Glucose anomalies are time dependent. Emerging new markers represent promising alternatives, such as insulin secretion-sensitivity index-2. The pitfalls of glucose profile interpretation include the levels of HbA1c and the particular risk of gestational DM. Thalassemia bone disease (TBD) is related to hypoGn-related osteoporosis, renal function anomalies, DM, GHD, malnutrition, chronic hypoxia-induced calcium malabsorption, and transplant-associated protocols. Low BMD was identified in both paediatric and adult population; the prevalence of osteoporosis/TBD in major BTH patients varies; the highest rate is 40–72% depending on age, studied parameters, DXA evaluation and corrections, and screening thoracic–lumbar spine X-ray. Lower TBS and abnormal dynamics of bone turnover markers are reported. The largest cohorts on transfusion-dependent BTH identified the prevalence of hypoGn to be between 44.5% and 82%. Ferritin positively correlates with pubertal delay, and negatively with pituitary volume. Some authors appreciate hypoGn as the most frequent ED below the age of 15. Long-term untreated hypoGn induces a high cardiovascular risk and increased FR. Hormonal replacement therapy is necessary in addition to specific BTH therapy. Infertility underlines TED-related hormonal elements (primary and secondary hypoGn) and IO-induced gonadal toxicity. Males with BTH are at risk of infertility due to germ cell loss. IO induces an excessive amount of free radicals which impair the quality of sperm, iron being a local catalyser of ROS. Adequate chelation might improve fertility issues. Due to the advances in current therapies, the reproductive health of females with major BTH is improving; a low level of statistical significance reflects the pregnancy status in major BTH (limited data on spontaneous pregnancies and growing evidence of the induction of ovulation/assisted reproductive techniques). Pregnancy outcome also depends on TED approach, including factors such as DM control, adequate replacement of hypoT and hypoPT, and vitamin D supplementation for bone health. Asymptomatic TED elements such as subclinical hypothyroidism or IFG/IGT might become overt during pregnancy. Endocrine glands are particularly sensitive to iron deposits, hence TED includes a complicated puzzle of EDs which massively impacts on the overall picture, including the quality of life in major BTH. The BTH prognostic has registered progress in the last decades due to modern therapy, but the medical and social burden remains elevated. Genetic counselling represents a major step in approaching TH individuals, including as part of the pre-conception assessment. A multidisciplinary surveillance team is mandatory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mara Carsote
- Department of Endocrinology, C. Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy & C.I. Parhon National Institute of Endocrinology, 011684 Bucharest, Romania
- Correspondence: (M.C.); (M.-C.D.)
| | - Cristina Vasiliu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, C. Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy & University Emergency Hospital, 011684 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Alexandra Ioana Trandafir
- Department of Endocrinology, C.I. Parhon National Institute of Endocrinology, 011684 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Simona Elena Albu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, C. Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy & University Emergency Hospital, 011684 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mihai-Cristian Dumitrascu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, C. Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy & University Emergency Hospital, 011684 Bucharest, Romania
- Correspondence: (M.C.); (M.-C.D.)
| | - Adelina Popa
- Department of Dermatovenerology, C. Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy & “Elias” University Emergency Hospital, 011684 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Claudia Mehedintu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, C. Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy & “Filantropia” Clinical Hospital, 011684 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Razvan-Cosmin Petca
- Department of Urology, C. Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy & “Prof. Dr. Theodor Burghele” Clinical Hospital, 011684 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Aida Petca
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, C. Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy & University Emergency Hospital, 011684 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Florica Sandru
- Department of Dermatovenerology, C. Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy & “Elias” University Emergency Hospital, 011684 Bucharest, Romania
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Ahmed S, Soliman A, De Sanctis V, Alyafei F, Alaaraj N, Hamed N, Yassin M. A Short Review on Growth and Endocrine Long-term Complications in Children and Adolescents with β-Thalassemia Major: Conventional Treatment versus Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation. ACTA BIO-MEDICA : ATENEI PARMENSIS 2022; 93:e2022290. [PMID: 36043958 PMCID: PMC9534255 DOI: 10.23750/abm.v93i4.13331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The conventional treatment of β-thalassemia (β-TM) patients is based on the correction of anemia through regular blood transfusions and iron chelation therapy. However, allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) remains the only currently available technique that has curative potential. Variable frequency and severity of long-term growth and endocrine changes after conventional treatment as well as after HSCT have been reported by different centers. The goal of this mini-review is to summarize and update knowledge about long-term growth and endocrine changes after HSCT in patients with β-TM in comparison to those occurring in β-TM patients on conventional treatment. Regular surveillance, early diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up in a multi-disciplinary specialized setting are suggested to optimize the patient's quality of life (www.actabiomedica.it).
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Affiliation(s)
- Shayma Ahmed
- Department of Pediatrics, Hamad General Hospital, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ashraf Soliman
- Department of Pediatrics, Hamad General Hospital, Doha, Qatar
| | - Vincenzo De Sanctis
- Pediatric and Adolescent Outpatient Clinic, Quisisana Hospital, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Fawzia Alyafei
- Department of Pediatrics, Hamad General Hospital, Doha, Qatar
| | - Nada Alaaraj
- Department of Pediatrics, Hamad General Hospital, Doha, Qatar
| | - Noor Hamed
- Department of Pediatrics, Hamad General Hospital, Doha, Qatar
| | - Mohamed Yassin
- Department of Hematology, Cancer Research Center, Hamad Medical Center, Doha, Qatar
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Huang K, Luo J. Activated CD4 + T lymphocyte is a potential biomarker for acute graft-vs.-host disease after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in children with transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia. Front Pediatr 2022; 10:985306. [PMID: 36245740 PMCID: PMC9558818 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2022.985306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute graft-vs.-host disease (aGVHD) is still one of the most common and life-threatening complications of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Whether or not the level of activated T lymphocytes rises before the onset of aGVHD is unknown. We explored the possibility of T lymphocytes as biomarkers for early prediction of aGVHD in children with transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia (TDTβ). METHODS We retrospectively analyzed the characteristics of T lymphocyte subsets before and 14 days after HSCT in children with TDTβ who developed aGVHD. Data from 95 children (Age ≤ 14 years) who underwent allogeneic HSCT from January 2020 to December 2021 were collected. Patients were divided into non-aGVHD group (n = 55) and aGVHD group (n = 40), and aGVHD group was divided into two subgroups: grade I aGVHD (n = 16) and grade II-IV aGVHD (n = 24). Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis was performed to predict aGVHD. RESULTS Before preconditioning in non-aGVHD and aGVHD groups, there was no significant difference in all lymphocyte subsets and ratio of CD4 + /CD8 + T cells. On day 14 post-transplantation in non-aGVHD and aGVHD groups, the absolute concentrations per μl blood of T cells, CD4 + T cells, CD8 + T cells, activated CD4 + T cell and NK cells, were 69.73 (14.70, 137.77) and 140.36 (65.06, 293.42), 10.00 (2.35, 23.59) and 35.91 (12.41, 68.71), 37.25 (5.82, 84.36) and 89.99 (35.83, 180.81), 0.52 (0.17, 2.20) and 4.08 (0.91, 11.12), 43.86 (15.00, 91.31) and 26.35 (15.19, 49.39), respectively. On day + 14 (14 days post-transplantation), the differences in all cell subsets and the ratio of CD4 + /CD8 + T cells were not statistically significant between grade I aGVHD and grade II-IV aGVHD subgroups. The absolute concentrations of CD8 + T cells in grade I aGVHD were significantly higher than in grade II-IV aGVHD [128.21 (61.11, 258.91) vs. 60.81 (21.59, 176.38), P = 0.057]. AUC of NK cells, CD8 + T cells, T cells, CD4 + T cells, and CD4 + CD25 + T cells were 0.6275, 0.6839, 0.7068, 0.7241, and 0.7589, and cut-off values were 73.75 (97.50, 34.55), 146.90 (37.50, 94.55), 187.30 (45.00, 90.91), 18.95 (70.00, 72.73), and 3.24 (52.50, 87.27), respectively. The AUC of the combined CD4 + CD25 + T cells and CD8 + T cells, CD4 + CD25 + T cells and T cells, CD4 + CD25 + T cells and CD4 + T cells, CD4 + CD25 + T cells and NK cells, respectively, were 0.7500, 0.7598, 0.7750, and 0.8050. CONCLUSION Our findings demonstrate that level of activated CD4 + T cells on day + 14 (post-HSCT) is a valuable biomarker for predicting aGVHD in children with TDTβ and CD8 + T cells could likely be a biomarker for severe aGVHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ken Huang
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Jianming Luo
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
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