A critical history of chromic myeloid leukemia

Evaluation of visual evoked potential in chronic myeloid leukemias

BACKGROUND

Visual complaint is not very uncommon in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients. Our study aims to evaluate the visual pathway using visual evoked potential (VEP) in cases of CML at the time of diagnosis and 6 weeks after tyrosine kinase therapy, to find out treatment impact in asymptomatic as well as symptomatic individuals and compare it with the general population.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This is an analytical cross-sectional study. The study group comprised 20 newly diagnosed cases of CML and 20 age- and sex-matched healthy control population. A thorough history and clinical examination with detailed ophthalmological studies, including VEP, were done. Cases who had VEP abnormalities were then followed-up after 6 weeks post-Imatinib therapy and underwent repeat investigations, including VEP.

RESULTS

VEP in cases was significantly deranged (P < 0.001), where 15 patients (75%) had abnormalities in VEP compared to 3 (15%) in control. Post 6 weeks chemotherapy, Out of 10 cases that were followed up, 7 patients had achieved hematological remission with normal VEP finding (P = 0.02). Simultaneously, an increase in hemoglobin (P = 0.002) and reduction in total leukocyte count (TLC) (P = 0.004) were observed.

CONCLUSION

Considerable evidence appear to support the notion that CML patients have a higher prevalence of ophthalmic manifestations as compared to the general population, which can be screened earlier with objective tests like VEP. Concurrently, hematological parameters and VEP showed derangement at the time of diagnosis. After 6 weeks of Imatinib treatment, the improvement in VEP can then be attributed to a reduction in TLC. Hence it can be deduced that VEP has paramount importance in the early identification of ophthalmic manifestations, which are reversible with timely treatment.

Comparison of microRNA Expression Profile in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Patients Newly Diagnosed and Treated by Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) results from a translocation between chromosomes 9 and 22, which generates the Philadelphia chromosome. This forms BCR/ABL1, an active tyrosine kinase protein that promotes cell growth and replication. Despite great progress in CML treatment in the form of tyrosine kinase inhibitors, allogeneic-hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) is currently used as an important treatment alternative for patients resistant to these inhibitors. Studies have shown that unregulated expression of microRNAs, which act as oncogenes or tumor suppressors, is associated with human cancers. This contributes to tumor formation and development by stimulating proliferation, angiogenesis, and invasion. Research has demonstrated the potential of microRNAs as biomarkers for cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutic targets. In the present study, we compared the circulating microRNA expression profiles of 14 newly diagnosed patients with chronic phase-CML and 14 Philadelphia chromosome-negative patients after allo-HSCT. For each patient, we tested 758 microRNAs by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) analysis. The global expression profile of microRNAs revealed 16 upregulated and 30 downregulated microRNAs. Target genes were analyzed, and key pathways were extracted and compared. Bioinformatics tools were used to analyze data. Among the downregulated miRNA target genes, some genes related to cell proliferation pathways were identified. These results reveal the comprehensive microRNA profile of CML patients and the main pathways related to the target genes of these miRNAs in cytogenetic remission after allo-HSCT. These results provide new resources for exploring stem cell transplantation-based CML treatment strategies.

Clinical pathway for patients with Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia: The Euriclea Project

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The use of Tirosine Kinase Ihnibitors (TKIs) for the treatment of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) has definitely represented a turning point in the treatment of the onco-hematological diseases. Over the years, the interest of physicians, nurses, patients and caregivers has increasingly focused on the aspects of the humanization of care, the management of side effects and on the full and constant therapeutic adherence. The aim of the project was to define patient-oriented care processes, based on a proactive approach that can fully respond to the new health needs of CML patients.

METHODS

A nursing expert Working Group (WG) was established. WG reviewed literature about CML patients assistance and then it was conducted a survey on organizational models for the treatment of CML patients, adopted by Italian haematologic and transplant centers.  Finally, the main issues regarding CML patients care were identified and discussed on a multiprofessional basis.

RESULTS

Euriclea Project for care of CML patients with the description of a new and expanded nurse role was defined. The Nurse Case Manager or Nursing Clinical Experts were identified as key people for the management of the side effects of treatment, the promotion of the therapeutic adherence and the evaluation of efficacy and effectiveness of the process through the identification of specific indicators for structure, process and outcome.

DISCUSSION

The focal areas of the care process were identified so as to define a different approach to the CML patient, through a holistic view of care and the multidisciplinary interventions.

Clinical pathway for patients with Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia: The Euriclea Project

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The use of Tirosine Kinase Ihnibitors (TKIs) for the treatment of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) has definitely represented a turning point in the treatment of the onco-hematological diseases. Over the years, the interest of physicians, nurses, patients and caregivers has increasingly focused on the aspects of the humanization of care, the management of side effects and on the full and constant therapeutic adherence. The aim of the project was to define patient-oriented care processes, based on a proactive approach that can fully respond to the new health needs of CML patients.

METHODS

A nursing expert Working Group (WG) was established. WG reviewed literature about CML patients assistance and then it was conducted a survey on organizational models for the treatment of CML patients, adopted by Italian haematologic and transplant centers.  Finally, the main issues regarding CML patients care were identified and discussed on a multiprofessional basis.

RESULTS

Euriclea Project for care of CML patients with the description of a new and expanded nurse role was defined. The Nurse Case Manager or Nursing Clinical Experts were identified as key people for the management of the side effects of treatment, the promotion of the therapeutic adherence and the evaluation of efficacy and effectiveness of the process through the identification of specific indicators for structure, process and outcome.

DISCUSSION

The focal areas of the care process were identified so as to define a different approach to the CML patient, through a holistic view of care and the multidisciplinary interventions.