Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation is equally effective in secondary acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) compared to de-novo ALL-a report from the EBMT registry

Secondary acute lymphoblastic leukemia (s-ALL) comprises up to 10% of ALL patients. However, data regarding s-ALL outcomes is limited. To answer what is the role of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) in s-ALL, a matched-pair analysis in a 1:2 ratio was conducted to compare outcomes between s-ALL and de novo ALL (dn-ALL) patients reported between 2000-2021 to the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation registry. Among 9720 ALL patients, 351 (3.6%) were s-ALL, of which 80 were in first complete remission (CR1) with a known precedent primary diagnosis 58.8% solid tumor (ST), 41.2% hematological diseases (HD). The estimated 2-year relapse incidence (RI) was 19.1% (95%CI: 11-28.9), leukemia-free survival (LFS) 52.1% (95%CI: 39.6-63.2), non-relapse mortality (NRM) 28.8% (95%CI: 18.4-40), GvHD-free, relapse-free survival (GRFS) 39.4% (95%CI: 27.8-50.7), and overall survival (OS) 60.8% (95%CI: 47.9-71.4), and did not differ between ST and HD patients. In a matched-pair analysis, there was no difference in RI, GRFS, NRM, LFS, or OS between s-ALL and dn-ALL except for a higher incidence of chronic GvHD (51.9% vs. 31.4%) in s-ALL. To conclude, patients with s-ALL who received HCT in CR1 have comparable outcomes to patients with dn-ALL.

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in Hodgkin lymphoma in Switzerland, 20 years of experience: 2001-2020

Despite the high cure rate with initial therapy, approximately 10% of Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) patients are refractory to initial treatment, and up to 30% of patients will relapse after achieving initial complete remission. Despite promising initial results of treatment by immune checkpoint inhibitors, most patients will eventually progress. We analyzed 62 adult patients with relapsed or refractory HL (rrHL) treated by allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) in one of three University Hospitals of Switzerland (Zurich, Basel, and Geneva) between May 2001 and January 2020. The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS). Secondary endpoints were relapse-free survival (RFS), non-relapse mortality (NRM), and relapse incidence, which were assessed in univariate analysis. The median follow-up was 61 months (interquartile range 59-139). The 2- and 5-year OS was 54% (standard error (SE) ±12) and 50.2% (SE ±13.3), respectively, and the 2- and 5-year RFS was 40.7% (SE ±16.3) and 34.4% (SE ±19.0), respectively. NRM was 23.1% (SE ±2.2) and 27.4% (SE ±2.5) at 2 and 5 years, respectively. The cumulative incidence of relapse was 36.1% (SE ±5.6) at 2 years and 38.2% (SE ±6.6) at 5 years. Our analysis of allo-HSCT outcomes in the context of rrHL shows encouraging OS and RFS rates, with the mortality rate reaching plateau at 50% at 2 years after allo-HSCT. This confirms that allo-HSCT still remains as a potentially curative option for half of patients with rrHL.

Pretransplant Genetic Susceptibility: Clinical Relevance in Transplant-Associated Thrombotic Microangiopathy

Transplant-associated thrombotic microangiopathy (TA-TMA) is a life-threatening complication of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). We hypothesized that pretransplant genetic susceptibility is evident in adult TA-TMA and further investigated the association of TMA-associated variants with clinical outcomes. We studied 40 patients with TA-TMA, donors of 18 patients and 40 control non-TMA HCT recipients, without significant differences in transplant characteristics. Genomic DNA from pretransplant peripheral blood was sequenced for TMA-associated genes. Donors presented significantly lower frequency of rare variants and variants in exonic/splicing/untranslated region (UTR) regions, compared with TA-TMA patients. Controls also showed a significantly lower frequency of rare variants in ADAMTS13, CD46, CFH, and CFI. The majority of TA-TMA patients (31/40) presented with pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants. Patients refractory to conventional treatment (62%) and patients that succumbed to transplant-related mortality (65%) were significantly enriched for variants in exonic/splicing/UTR regions. In conclusion, increased incidence of pathogenic, rare and variants in exonic/splicing/UTR regions of TA-TMA patients suggests genetic susceptibility not evident in controls or donors. Notably, variants in exonic/splicing/UTR regions were associated with poor response and survival. Therefore, pretransplant genomic screening may be useful to intensify monitoring and early intervention in patients at high risk for TA-TMA.

Incidence, Risk Factors, and Long-term Outcome of Acute Leukemia Patients With Early Candidemia After Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation: A Study by the Acute Leukemia and Infectious Diseases Working Parties of European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation

Background

This study was performed to assess the incidence of and risk factors for Candida infection in the first 100 days after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and the impact on long-term survival.

Methods

We performed an outcome analysis of 28542 acute leukemia patients who underwent HSCT from 2000 to 2012. There were 347 patients with candidemia by day 100 and 28195 without candidemia or any other type of Candida infection.

Results

The incidence of candidemia by day 100 was 1.2% and occurred at a median of 22 days after HSCT. Higher 100-day nonrelapse mortality (NRM; hazards ratio [HR], 3.0, P < .0001) and lower 100-day overall survival (OS; HR, 2.5, P < .0001) were observed in patients with candidemia. The case fatality rate by day 100 in patients with candidemia was 22% (76/347). Factors associated with candidemia occurrence were female gender, bone marrow or cord blood stem cell source, T-cell depletion, use of total body irradiation, and acute graft vs host disease. Among the patients alive at day 100, the 5-year NRM and OS after a median follow-up of 5.6 years (95% confidence interval, 5.5 - 5.7) for patients with and without candidemia were 22.5% vs 13.5%, P < .0001 and 45.6% vs. 53.4%, P = .0003, respectively. In multivariate analysis, the occurrence of a candidemia episode by day 100 was an independent risk factor for higher NRM (HR, 1.7, P = .001) and lower OS (HR, 1.4, P = .001).

Conclusions

The early occurrence of candidemia after HSCT is still associated with higher NRM and lower short- and-long-term OS.

Impact of anti-thymocyte globulin on results of allogeneic peripheral blood stem cell transplantation for patients with Philadelphia-positive acute lymphoblastic leukaemia: An analysis by the Acute Leukemia Working Party of the EBMT

BACKGROUND

Anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG) is widely used to prevent graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) after allogeneic peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (alloPBSCT). The goal of this study was to retrospectively assess the effect of ATG on outcomes in the setting of Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (Ph+ ALL).

METHODS

In the analysis, 1170 adult patients undergoing alloPBSCT from human leucocyte antigen-matched sibling or unrelated donors in the first complete remission between 2007 and 2016 were included. ATG was used in 429/575 (75%) and 121/595 (20%) patients transplanted from unrelated or sibling donors, respectively.

RESULTS

The incidence of chronic GVHD was 35% for patients treated with ATG compared with 52% in those not receiving ATG (p < 0.001), while the rate of extensive chronic GVHD was 16% and 36%, respectively (p < 0.001). The probability of survival free from GVHD and relapse (GRFS) was 42% and 32%, respectively (p = 0.002). In a multivariate model, the use of ATG was associated with reduced risk of overall chronic GVHD (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.52, p < 0.001) and extensive chronic GVHD (HR = 0.46, p < 0.001). It was also associated with better GRFS (HR = 0.77, p = 0.007), despite increased risk of relapse (HR = 1.41, p = 0.02). No significant effect was found with regard to the risk of non-relapse mortality and overall mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of ATG for patients with Ph+ ALL undergoing alloPBSCT is associated with reduced risk of chronic GVHD without impact on survival and therefore, could be considered. However, increased risk of relapse suggests the need for strict monitoring of minimal residual diseases and appropriate interventions after transplantation.

Comparable outcomes of haploidentical, 10/10 and 9/10 unrelated donor transplantation in adverse karyotype AML in first complete remission

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is the most powerful therapy preventing relapse in patients with adverse cytogenetics acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in first complete remission (CR1). In the absence of a matched related donor, potential alternatives include 10/10, 9/10 HLA-matched unrelated (UD) or haploidentical (Haplo) donors. We analyzed clinical outcomes of patients undergoing T-cell repleted Haplo (n = 74), 10/10 UD (n = 433) and 9/10 UD HSCT (n = 123) from 2007 to 2015, reported to the EBMT Registry. Adverse risk AML was defined according to the 2017 ELN cytogenetic risk classification. The 2-year nonrelapse mortality was 19% for Haplo, 18% for 10/10 UD and 18% for 9/10 UD (P = .9). The relapse incidence was not significantly affected by donor source, with a 2-year incidence of 27% for Haplo HSCT, 39% for 10/10 UD and 37% for 9/10 UD SCT (P = .3). We show comparable probabilities of leukemia-free survival (LFS) and overall survival (OS) at 2 years among Haplo HSCT, 10/10 UD SCT and 9/10 UD SCT (53% and 59%, 43% and 50%, 44% and 50%, respectively, P = .5 for both parameters). The type of donor was not significantly associated with either acute or chronic graft-vs.-host disease incidence. Using multivariable Cox model, Haplo HSCT recipients experienced comparable OS and LFS to 10/10 and 9/10 UD. In the present series of adverse cytogenetics AML patients in CR1, Haplo HSCT recipients had comparable outcomes to those of 10/10 and 9/10 UDs, suggesting that all these types of HSCT may be considered a valid option in this high risk population.

Narrowing the gap for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in the East-Mediterranean/African region: comparison with global HSCT indications and trends

Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (HSCT) activity was evaluated in the African (AFR)/EMRO region and compared to the global activity for the years 2006-2013. Data were obtained from 1570 teams in the 6 WHO continental regions. Of these, 29 (1.85%) of all teams were active in 12 of the 68 AFR/EMRO countries. They reported 2.331 (3.3%) of the worldwide 71.036 HSCT, and a transplant rate of 32.8 (TR; HSCT/10 million inhabitants; worldwide 128.5). This reflects still the lowest regional TR despite an increase of 90% since 2006. HSCT activity in AFR/EMRO countries was characterized by a higher use of allogeneic compared to autologous HSCT, an almost exclusive use of family donors, including haploidentical family donors. These findings contrast with the prevalence of autologous over allogeneic HSCT, and a higher frequency of unrelated HSCT in other parts of the world. Of note, the increase by 200% in HSCT for hemoglobinopathies from 2006 to 2013 (72 per year) in the AFR/EMRO region. This reflects the specific role of HSCT for these disease categories with high prevalence and incidence in the AFR/EMRO region. This report provides information for the competent authorities to foster adequate infrastructure. It urges transplant organization to optimize their cooperation.

Cyclophosphamide versus etoposide in combination with total body irradiation as conditioning regimen for adult patients with Ph-negative acute lymphoblastic leukemia undergoing allogeneic stem cell transplant: On behalf of the ALWP of the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation

Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (alloHCT) with myeloablative conditioning based on total body irradiation (TBI) is widely used for the treatment of adults with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). TBI is most frequently administered in combination with either cyclophosphamide (Cy/TBI) or etoposide (Vp/TBI). The goal of this study was to retrospectively compare these two regimens. Adult patients with Ph-negative ALL treated with alloHCT in first or second complete remission who received Cy/TBI (n = 1346) or Vp/TBI (n = 152) conditioning were included in the analysis. In a univariate analysis, as compared to Cy/TBI, the use of Vp/TBI was associated with reduced incidence of relapse (17% vs. 30% at 5 years, P = .007), increased rate of leukemia-free survival (60% vs. 50%, P = .04), and improved "graft versus host disease (GVHD) and relapse-free survival" (GRFS, 43% vs. 33%, P = .04). No significant effect could be observed in terms of the incidence of nonrelapse mortality or acute or chronic GVHD. In a multivariate model, the use of Vp/TBI was associated with reduced risk of relapse (HR = 0.62, P = .04) while the effect on other study end-points was not significant. In conclusion, conditioning regimen based on Vp combined with TBI appears more effective for disease control than the combination of Cy with TBI for adult patients with Ph-negative ALL treated with alloHCT.

Distinct factors determine the kinetics of disease relapse in adults transplanted for acute myeloid leukaemia

BACKGROUND

Disease recurrence remains the major cause of death in adults with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) treated using either intensive chemotherapy (IC) or allogenic stem cell transplantation (allo-SCT).

AIMS

The timely delivery of maintenance drug or cellular therapies represent emerging strategies with the potential to reduce relapse after both treatment modalities, but whilst the determinants of overall relapse risk have been extensively characterized the factors determining the timing of disease recurrence have not been characterized.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We have therefore examined, using a series of sequential landmark analyses, relapse kinetics in a cohort of 2028 patients who received an allo-SCT for AML in CR1 and separately 570 patients treated with IC alone.

RESULTS

In the first 3 months after allo-SCT, the factors associated with an increased risk of relapse included the presence of the FLT3-ITD (P < 0.001), patient age (P = 0.012), time interval from CR1 to transplant (P < 0.001) and donor type (P = 0.03). Relapse from 3 to 6 months was associated with a higher white cell count at diagnosis (P = 0.001), adverse-risk cytogenetics (P < 0.001), presence of FLT3-ITD mutation (P < 0.001) and time interval to achieve first complete remission (P = 0.013). Later relapse was associated with adverse cytogenetics, mutated NPM1, absence of chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and the use of in vivo T-cell depletion. In patients treated with IC alone, the factors associated with relapse in the first 3 months were adverse-risk cytogenetics (P < 0.001) and FLT3-ITD status (P = 0.001). The factors predicting later relapse were the time interval from diagnosis to CR1 (P = 0.22) and time interval from CR1 to IC (P = 0.012).

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

Taken together, these data provide novel insights into the biology of disease recurrence after both allo-SCT and IC and have the potential to inform the design of novel maintenance strategies in both clinical settings.

Allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplant in patients with lower risk myelodysplastic syndrome: a retrospective analysis on behalf of the Chronic Malignancy Working Party of the EBMT

This corrects the article DOI: 10.1038/bmt.2016.266.

Workload even affects hand hygiene in a highly trained and well-staffed setting: a prospective 365/7/24 observational study

INTRODUCTION

Compliance with hand hygiene (HH) has often not proved satisfactory; high workload is a commonly self-reported reason. Previous studies comparing workload and compliance have not measured workload precisely and have focused on certain times of day. This study aimed to investigate the association between HH compliance and workload, both electronically defined 365/7/24 (primary endpoint). In addition, the quality of commonly used compliance defining methods (hand disinfectant usage, direct observation) was investigated (secondary endpoint).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Correlation of electronically measured HH compliance (hand-rub activities (HRA)/HH opportunities) with electronically determined workload (nursing time output/nursing time input) was undertaken over one year at a stem cell transplant unit at University Hospital Basel, Switzerland. HRA and procedures requiring HRA according to the five World Health Organization indications were recorded continuously (365/7/24) using electronic dispensers and electronic documentation, and compliance was calculated accordingly. Hand disinfectant usage was calculated using spending records for one year; direct observation was performed for approximately 1800 HH opportunities.

RESULTS

During the investigation, 208,184 HRA, translating into 57 [standard deviation (SD) 10] HRA/patient-day (PD), were performed. Electronically determined compliance ranged from 24% to 66% [mean 42.39% (SD 8%)]. The higher the workload, the lower the compliance (R=-0.411; P<0.001). HRA/PD (r=-0.037), hand disinfectant usage (mean 160mL/PD) and observed compliance (95%; 1734 HRA/1813 HH opportunities) were not found to be associated with workload.

CONCLUSION

Calculated compliance was inversely associated with nurses' workload. HRA/PD, observer-determined compliance and amount of disinfectant dispensed were used as surrogates for compliance, but did not correlate with actual compliance and thus should be used with caution.

Risk factors for treatment failure after allogeneic transplantation of patients with CLL: a report from the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation

For young patients with high-risk CLL, BTK-/PI3K-inhibitors or allogeneic stem cell transplantation (alloHCT) are considered. Patients with a low risk of non-relapse mortality (NRM) but a high risk of failure of targeted therapy may benefit most from alloHCT. We performed Cox regression analyses to identify risk factors for 2-year NRM and 5-year event-free survival (using EFS as a surrogate for long-term disease control) in a large, updated EBMT registry cohort (n= 694). For the whole cohort, 2-year NRM was 28% and 5-year EFS 37%. Higher age, lower performance status, unrelated donor type and unfavorable sex-mismatch had a significant adverse impact on 2-year NRM. Two-year NRM was calculated for good- and poor-risk reference patients. Predicted 2-year-NRM was 11 and 12% for male and female good-risk patients compared with 42 and 33% for male and female poor-risk patients. For 5-year EFS, age, performance status, prior autologous HCT, remission status and sex-mismatch had a significant impact, whereas del(17p) did not. The model-based prediction of 5-year EFS was 55% and 64%, respectively, for male and female good-risk patients. Good-risk transplant candidates with high-risk CLL and limited prognosis either on or after failure of targeted therapy should still be considered for alloHCT.

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation activity worldwide in 2012 and a SWOT analysis of the Worldwide Network for Blood and Marrow Transplantation Group including the global survey

Data on 68 146 hematopoietic stem cell transplants (HSCTs) (53% autologous and 47% allogeneic) gathered by 1566 teams from 77 countries and reported through their regional transplant organizations were analyzed by main indication, donor type and stem cell source for the year 2012. With transplant rates ranging from 0.1 to 1001 per 10 million inhabitants, more HSCTs were registered from unrelated 16 433 donors than related 15 493 donors. Grafts were collected from peripheral blood (66%), bone marrow (24%; mainly non-malignant disorders) and cord blood (10%). Compared with 2006, an increase of 46% total (57% allogeneic and 38% autologous) was observed. Growth was due to an increase in reporting teams (18%) and median transplant activity/team (from 38 to 48 HSCTs/team). An increase of 167% was noted in mismatched/haploidentical family HSCT. A Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats (SWOT) analysis revealed the global perspective of WBMT to be its major strength and identified potential to be the key professional body for patients and authorities. The limited data collection remains its major weakness and threat. In conclusion, global HSCT grows over the years without plateauing (allogeneic>autologous) and at different rates in the four World Health Organization regions. Major increases were observed in allogeneic, haploidentical HSCT and, to a lesser extent, in cord blood transplantation.

Impact of conditioning with TBI in adult patients with T-cell ALL who receive a myeloablative allogeneic stem cell transplantation: a report from the acute leukemia working party of EBMT

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-SCT) is a therapeutic option for adult patients with T-cell ALL (T-ALL). Meanwhile, few allo-SCT data specific to adult T-ALL have been described thus far. Specifically, the optimal myeloablative conditioning regimen is unknown. In this retrospective study, 601 patients were included. Patients received allo-SCT in CR1, CR2, CR >2 or in advanced disease in 69%, 15%, 2% and 14% of cases, respectively. With an overall follow-up of 58 months, 523 patients received a TBI-based regimen, whereas 78 patients received a chemotherapy-based regimen including IV busulfan-cyclophosphamide (IV Bu-Cy) (n=46). Unlike patients aged ⩾35 years, patients aged <35 years who received a TBI-based regimen displayed an improved outcome compared with patients who received a chemotherapy-based regimen (5-year leukemia-free survival (LFS) of 50% for TBI versus 18% for chemo-only regimen or IV Bu-Cy regimens, P=10(-5) and 10(-4), respectively). In multivariate analysis, use of TBI was associated with an improved LFS (hazard ratio (HR)=0.55 (0.34-0.86), P=0.01) and overall survival (HR=0.54 (0.34-0.87), P=0.01) in patients aged <35 years. In conclusion, younger adult patients with T-ALL entitled to receive a myeloablative allo-SCT may benefit from TBI-based regimens.

Combination therapy for multidrug-resistant cytomegalovirus disease

Multidrug-resistant (MDR) cytomegalovirus (CMV) emerged after transient responses to ganciclovir, foscarnet, and cidofovir in a CMV-seropositive recipient who underwent allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation from a CMV-seronegative donor. Experimental treatments using leflunomide and artesunate failed. Re-transplantation from a CMV-seropositive donor supported by adoptive transfer of pp65-specific T cells and maribavir was followed by lasting suppression. This case illustrates that successful MDR CMV therapy may require individualized multidisciplinary approaches.

Numerical impairment of nestin(+) bone marrow niches in acute GvHD after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for AML

The nestin(+) perivascular bone marrow (BM) stem cell niche (N(+)SCN) may be involved in GvHD. To investigate whether acute GvHD (aGvHD) reduces the number of N(+)SCN, we examined patients with AML who had undergone allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. In the test cohort (n=8), the number of N(+)SCN per mm(2) in BM biopsies was significantly reduced in aGvHD patients at the time of aGvHD compared with patients who did not have aGvHD (1.2±0.78 versus 2.6±0.93, P=0.04). In the validation cohort (n=40), the number of N(+)SCN was reduced (1.9±0.99 versus 2.6±0.90 N(+)SCN/mm(2), P=0.05) in aGvHD patients. Receiver operating curves suggested that the cutoff score that best discriminated between patients with and without aGvHD was 2.29 N(+)SCN/mm(2). Applying this cutoff score, 9/11 patients with clinically relevant aGvHD (⩾grade 2) and 13/20 with any type of GvHD had decreased N(+)SCN numbers compared with only 10/29 patients without clinically relevant aGvHD (P=0.007) and 6/20 patients without any type of GvHD (P=0.028). In patients tracked over time, N(+)SCN density returned to normal after aGvHD resolved or remained stable in patients who did not have aGvHD. Our results show a decrease in the number of N(+)SCN in aGvHD.

Ruxolitinib in corticosteroid-refractory graft-versus-host disease after allogeneic stem cell transplantation: a multicenter survey

Despite major improvements in allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation over the past decades, corticosteroid-refractory (SR) acute (a) and chronic (c) graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) cause high mortality. Preclinical evidence indicates the potent anti-inflammatory properties of the JAK1/2 inhibitor ruxolitinib. In this retrospective survey, 19 stem cell transplant centers in Europe and the United States reported outcome data from 95 patients who had received ruxolitinib as salvage therapy for SR-GVHD. Patients were classified as having SR-aGVHD (n=54, all grades III or IV) or SR-cGVHD (n=41, all moderate or severe). The median number of previous GVHD-therapies was 3 for both SR-aGVHD (1-7) and SR-cGVHD (1-10). The overall response rate was 81.5% (44/54) in SR-aGVHD including 25 complete responses (46.3%), while for SR-cGVHD the ORR was 85.4% (35/41). Of those patients responding to ruxolitinib, the rate of GVHD-relapse was 6.8% (3/44) and 5.7% (2/35) for SR-aGVHD and SR-cGVHD, respectively. The 6-month-survival was 79% (67.3-90.7%, 95% confidence interval (CI)) and 97.4% (92.3-100%, 95% CI) for SR-aGVHD and SR-cGVHD, respectively. Cytopenia and cytomegalovirus-reactivation were observed during ruxolitinib treatment in both SR-aGVHD (30/54, 55.6% and 18/54, 33.3%) and SR-cGVHD (7/41, 17.1% and 6/41, 14.6%) patients. Ruxolitinib may constitute a promising new treatment option for SR-aGVHD and SR-cGVHD that should be validated in a prospective trial.

Is admission screening for Pseudomonas aeruginosa useful in haematologic patients? A prospective study with 1310 patients

Screening for Pseudomonas aeruginosa is recommended to guide empirical antimicrobial therapy in patients on high-risk units. However, evidence for this approach is scarce. We therefore screened 1310 patients with severe haematologic diseases for P. aeruginosa colonization at admission: 108 (8.2%) were positive, but only nine (0.7%; six with the same clone as in the screening isolate) subsequently developed a P. aeruginosa bloodstream infection (positive predictive value of screening, 8.6%; negative predictive value of screening, 99.5%). Routine screening for P. aeruginosa at admission did not sufficiently predict subsequent bloodstream infections caused by P. aeruginosa.

Haematopoietic SCT in severe autoimmune diseases: updated guidelines of the European Group for Blood and Marrow Transplantation

In 1997, the first consensus guidelines for haematopoietic SCT (HSCT) in autoimmune diseases (ADs) were published, while an international coordinated clinical programme was launched. These guidelines provided broad principles for the field over the following decade and were accompanied by comprehensive data collection in the European Group for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT) AD Registry. Subsequently, retrospective analyses and prospective phase I/II studies generated evidence to support the feasibility, safety and efficacy of HSCT in several types of severe, treatment-resistant ADs, which became the basis for larger-scale phase II and III studies. In parallel, there has also been an era of immense progress in biological therapy in ADs. The aim of this document is to provide revised and updated guidelines for both the current application and future development of HSCT in ADs in relation to the benefits, risks and health economic considerations of other modern treatments. Patient safety considerations are central to guidance on patient selection and HSCT procedural aspects within appropriately experienced and Joint Accreditation Committee of International Society for Cellular Therapy and EBMT accredited centres. A need for prospective interventional and non-interventional studies, where feasible, along with systematic data reporting, in accordance with EBMT policies and procedures, is emphasized.

Prophylaxis and treatment of GVHD after allogeneic haematopoietic SCT: a survey of centre strategies by the European Group for Blood and Marrow Transplantation

Recommendations on indications for allogeneic haematopoietic SCT have been presented, but transplantation techniques remain poorly standardized. Pre-transplant risk factors are well defined, and reported outcomes vary markedly among patients with similar risk characteristics. It would be of importance to know the impact of differences in treatment procedures. To study properly the different components of allogeneic transplantation, standardization of at least some central procedures would be needed. As the first step, the European Group for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT) performed a survey among all its 372 member centres performing allogeneic transplantations about their strategies in preventing and treating GVHD. Responses from 79 centres (21% return) from 25 countries (60% return) were received. Although some trends toward more uniform policies compared with a survey carried out 15 years earlier were observed, the present survey still showed marked variability in the GVHD prophylaxis and treatment strategies. On the basis of these findings, EBMT is developing a consensus process aiming at a standardized strategy.

Clinical features and outcome of 2009-influenza A (H1N1) after allogeneic hematopoietic SCT

The impact of the 2009 H1N1-Influenza A (H1N1) pandemic in allogeneic hematopoietic SCT recipients (allo-HSCT) is not yet well defined. Between May 2009 and May 2010, all allo-HSCTs who presented with respiratory symptoms were screened for the presence of the H1N1 virus. Oseltamivir resistance was assessed and chart reviews were performed for all cases. In all, 51 of 248 (20%) allo-HSCT recipients followed at our outpatient clinic were screened. We identified 10 patients with H1N1 infection. Close contact with children was the most commonly suspected mode of transmission. Upper and lower respiratory tract infections were present in eight and five patients, respectively. Lymphopenia (<1 G/L) was the most frequent biological abnormality. High immunosuppression was responsible for severe infection requiring mechanical ventilation associated with prolonged viral shedding in three patients who had significant comorbidities and GvHD. Two of them developed an oseltamivir-resistant strain and both patients died subsequently despite intensive therapy, resulting in a case fatality rate of 20%. In conclusion, although most allo-HSCTs had mild symptoms from H1N1 infection, severe immunosuppression and emergence of oseltamivir resistance were likely responsible for a substantial morbidity, further supporting the need for vaccination and monitoring of close contacts, especially children.

Allogeneic stem cell transplantation after reduced intensity conditioning in patients with relapsed or refractory Hodgkin's lymphoma. Results of the HDR-ALLO study - a prospective clinical trial by the Grupo Español de Linfomas/Trasplante de Médula Osea (GEL/TAMO) and the Lymphoma Working Party of the European Group for Blood and Marrow Transplantation

BACKGROUND

Although Hodgkin's lymphoma is a highly curable disease with modern chemotherapy protocols, some patients are primary refractory or relapse after first-line chemotherapy or even after high-dose therapy and autologous stem cell transplantation. We investigated the potential role of allogeneic stem cell transplantation in this setting.

DESIGN AND METHODS

In this phase II study 92 patients with relapsed Hodgkin's lymphoma and an HLA-identical sibling, a matched unrelated donor or a one antigen mismatched, unrelated donor were treated with salvage chemotherapy followed by reduced intensity allogeneic transplantation. Fourteen patients showed refractory disease and died from progressive lymphoma with a median overall survival after trial entry of 10 months (range, 6-17). Seventy-eight patients proceeded to allograft (unrelated donors, n=23). Fifty were allografted in complete or partial remission and 28 in stable disease. Fludarabine (150 mg/m(2) iv) and melphalan (140 mg/m(2) iv) were used as the conditioning regimen. Anti-thymocyte globulin was additionally used as graft-versus-host-disease prophylaxis for recipients of grafts from unrelated donors.

RESULTS

The non-relapse mortality rate was 8% at 100 days and 15% at 1 year. Relapse was the major cause of failure. The progression-free survival rate was 47% at 1 year and 18% at 4 years from trial entry. For the allografted population, the progression-free survival rate was 48% at 1 year and 24% at 4 years. Chronic graft-versus-host disease was associated with a lower incidence of relapse. Patients allografted in complete remission had a significantly better outcome. The overall survival rate was 71% at 1 year and 43% at 4 years.

CONCLUSIONS

Allogeneic stem cell transplantation can result in long-term progression-free survival in heavily pre-treated patients with Hodgkin's lymphoma. The reduced intensity conditioning approach significantly reduced non-relapse mortality; the high relapse rate represents the major remaining challenge in this setting. The HDR-Allo trial was registered in the European Clinical Trials Database (EUDRACT, https://eudract.ema.europa.eu/) with number 02-0036.

Do NK cells contribute to the pathophysiology of transplant-associated thrombotic microangiopathy?

Transplant-associated thrombotic microangiopathy (TA-TMA) is a life-threatening complication caused by the aggregation of platelets exposed to the thrombogenic subendothelial matrix of injured endothelial cells. Here, we present a case of a patient transplanted for idiopathic aplastic anemia with a T-cell depleted hematopoietic stem cell graft from an HLA-C mismatched unrelated donor. At day 7 posttransplant, she suffered from acute renal failure with hematuria. The presence of numerous schistocytes, an increased level of lactate dehydrogenase and a renal biopsy with multiple vascular injuries confirmed the diagnosis of severe TA-TMA. At day 14, she developed graft versus host disease and died 7 months posttransplantation of multiorgan failure. At day 15, we observed a sizable population of natural killer (NK) cells in the peripheral blood, the number of which reached 0.8 G/L at 4 months posttransplant. Most NK cells lacked inhibitory killer immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIR) specific for the KIR-ligands expressed in the patient. NK cells were also abundantly present in pericardial and pleural fluids and had invaded the kidney, where they colocalized with the renal vasculopathy. Because there are several mechanisms through which NK cells and platelets can activate each other reciprocally, it is conceivable that NK cells contribute to TA-TMA and its progression.

Pre-emptive diagnosis and treatment of fungal infections--evaluation of a single-centre policy

Invasive fungal disease (IFD) remains a significant cause of mortality in haematology patients. Management strategies range from empiric therapy to pre-emptive approaches. Prophylaxis with mould-active agents has been evaluated, but the optimal strategy remains unclear. We present here a retrospective analysis of the pre-emptive strategy implemented at our institution. We analysed 348 consecutive neutropenic episodes in 234 patients. The main elements of our pre-emptive strategy included twice-weekly Galactomannan testing and weekly computed tomography (CT) scan. Antifungal prophylaxis usually consisted of fluconazole (400 mg once weekly). Antifungal treatment was started if criteria for IFD (including possible) were fulfilled. Along with the incidence of antifungal treatment and IFD, we also analysed the adherence to the strategy. Adherence was good but suboptimal with 81% of CT scans having been performed at an interval of 10 days or less. Concerning antifungal treatment, in 56 episodes the patient was receiving a mould-active agent as secondary prophylaxis. Antifungal treatment was started during 39% of the remaining episodes. In all, 109 cases of IFD were diagnosed, 51 being probable or proven. Forty-nine patients died before day 100, IFD directly caused or contributed to death in six patients. Two cases of IFD were diagnosed post-mortem and were missed by our pre-emptive strategy. Our pre-emptive strategy is feasible and safe with an acceptable rate of IFD and associated mortality, while avoiding anti-fungal treatment in a significant proportion of patients. The exact role of pre-emptive treatment compared with systematic mould-active prophylaxis can only be determined in a well-designed randomized trial.

Fludarabine, cyclophosphamide, antithymocyte globulin, with or without low dose total body irradiation, for alternative donor transplants, in acquired severe aplastic anemia: a retrospective study from the EBMT-SAA Working Party

BACKGROUND

We analyzed the outcome of 100 patients with acquired severe aplastic anemia undergoing an alternative donor transplant, after immune suppressive therapy had failed.

DESIGN AND METHODS

As a conditioning regimen, patients received either a combination of fludarabine, cyclophosphamide, and antithymocyte globulin (n=52, median age 13 years) or this combination with the addition of low dose (2 Gy) total body irradiation (n=48, median age 27 years).

RESULTS

With a median follow-up of 1665 and 765 days, the actuarial 5-year survival was 73% for the group that received fludarabine, cyclophosphamide, and antithymocyte globulin and 79% for the group given the conditioning regimen including total body irradiation. Acute graft-versus-host disease grade III-IV was seen in 18% and 7% of the groups, respectively. Graft failure was seen in 17 patients with an overall cumulative incidence of 17% in patients receiving conditioning with or without total body irradiation: 9 of these 17 patients survive in the long-term. The most significant predictor of survival was the interval between diagnosis and transplantation, with 5-year survival rates of 87% and 55% for patients grafted within 2 years of diagnosis and more than 2 years after diagnosis, respectively (P=0.0004). Major causes of death were graft failure (n=7), post-transplant-lymphoproliferative-disease (n=4) and graft-versus-host disease (n=4).

CONCLUSIONS

This study confirms positive results of alternative donor transplants in patients with severe aplastic anemia, the best outcomes being achieved in patients grafted within 2 years of diagnosis. Prevention of rejection and Epstein-Barr virus reactivation may further improve these results.

Consensus statement concerning cardiotoxicity occurring during haematopoietic stem cell transplantation in the treatment of autoimmune diseases, with special reference to systemic sclerosis and multiple sclerosis

Autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation is now a feasible and effective treatment for selected patients with severe autoimmune diseases. Worldwide, over 650 patients have been transplanted in the context of phase I and II clinical trials. The results are encouraging enough to begin randomised phase III trials. However, as predicted, significant transplant-related morbidity and mortality have been observed. This is primarily due to complications related to either the stage of the disease at transplant or due to infections. The number of deaths related to cardiac toxicity is low. However, caution is required when cyclophosphamide or anthracyclines such as mitoxantrone are used in patients with a possible underlying heart damage, for example, systemic sclerosis patients. In November 2002, a meeting was held in Florence, bringing together a number of experts in various fields, including rheumatology, cardiology, neurology, pharmacology and transplantation medicine. The object of the meeting was to analyse existing data, both published or available, in the European Group for Blood and Marrow Transplantation autoimmune disease database, and to propose a safe approach to such patients. A full cardiological assessment before and during the transplant emerged as the major recommendation.

Sideroblastic changes of the bone marrow can be predicted by the erythrogram of peripheral blood

The diagnosis of sideroblastic anemia is based on bone marrow aspiration, and the detection of ring sideroblasts (RS) in iron staining. The finding of laboratory parameters to approach this diagnosis still remains a great challenge. In this study, we analyzed the value of a specific erythrogram pattern from peripheral blood, produced by the ADVIA120 cell counter, to predict sideroblastic changes in the bone marrow. In a two step-design study, we first showed that 32/38 consecutive patients reporting > or =15% RS had such a pattern in the erythrogram. In the second step, we prospectively identified over a period of 32 months 21 patients with this typical erythrogram; 20/21 had > or =15% RS in the bone marrow. Hence, by this validation, we confirm that the erythrogram is highly predictive of RS in the bone marrow. The interpretation of the erythrogram should become daily practice in hematology to improve the efficacy to detect sideroblastic changes.

In situ detection of APRIL-rich niches for plasma-cell survival and their contribution to B-cell lymphoma development

A proliferation inducing ligand (APRIL) is one of the most recently cloned members of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) family. Early experiments implicated a pathophysiological role for APRIL in the promotion of solid tumors. Later, identification of APRIL receptors on B lymphocytes indicated a physiological role for APRIL in humoral responses. We have been able to generate antibodies that detect APRIL protein in human tissues. The study of in situ APRIL expression showed that APRIL mainly regulates late stages of B-cell humoral responses. It also provided evidence that APRIL may modulate tumor development in patients, but only for specific B-cell malignancies. Here, we will review to what extent fine characterization of in situ expression adds valuable information on APRIL (patho) physiological functions.

Cord blood banks collect units with different HLA alleles and haplotypes to volunteer donor banks: a comparative report from Swiss Blood stem cells

Allogeneic haematopoietic SCT is a standard therapy for many patients with haematological diseases. A major aim of public umbilical cord blood (UCB) banking is to establish an inventory with a large HLA diversity. Few studies have compared HLA diversity between UCB banks and volunteer unrelated donor (VUD) registries and examined whether UCB banks indeed collect more units with rare alleles and haplotypes. This study compares HLA-A/B/DRB1 allele frequencies and inferred A/B/DRB1-haplotypes in 1602 UCB units and 3093 VUD from two centres in distinct recruitment areas in Switzerland. The results show that the frequencies of HLA-DRB1 alleles as well as of the HLA-A/B/DRB1 haplotypes differ between UCB and VUD. Ten DRB1 alleles occurred at a 2- to 12-fold higher relative frequency in UCB than in VUD and 27 rare alleles were identified in UCB. Out of these 27 alleles, 15 were absent in the entire VUD data set of the national registry. This difference in allele frequencies was found only by intermediate/high-resolution typing. Targeted recruitment of UCB units from non-Caucasian donors could further increase HLA allele and haplotype diversity of available donors. Intermediate or high-resolution DNA typing is essential to identify rare alleles or allele groups.

Female-versus-male alloreactivity as a model for minor histocompatibility antigens in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

H-Y encoded gene products were the first to be recognized as clinically relevant minor histocompatibility antigens. Compared to other gender combinations, female donor/male recipient (FDMR) transplants are associated with increased graft-versus-host disease (GvHD), increased transplant-related mortality (TRM) and reduced risk of relapse. Still, their relative impact on transplant outcome remains controversial. We analyzed donor/recipient sex combination in 53,988 patients treated with allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) between 1980 and 2005. We found a strong increase in chronic GvHD and late TRM and decreased survival in FDMR transplants irrespective of underlying disease. Conversely, FDMR patients had lower relapse rates. The negative effect on survival decreased with advancing disease stage as relapse protection became more important. Effects of H-Y alloreactivity were most pronounced in patients transplanted from HLA-matched donors and in those receiving transplants from an adult donor. Adjustment for acute and chronic GvHD only partially corrected the effects of H-Y alloreactivity. Analysis of the FDMR proportion over time indicated that the frequency of this gender combination has declined in unrelated transplants over the last 10 years. These data define the role of H-Y mismatching in allogeneic HSCT and support the current practice of avoiding female donors for male patients, if possible.

The probability of identifying a 10/10 HLA allele-matched unrelated donor is highly predictable

Identification of an unrelated HLA allele-matched hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) donor is a costly and time-consuming procedure. To improve search logistics, we have limited the search period to 6 months and have introduced a probability estimate of the chances of identifying a 10/10 HLA allele-matched donor. Probabilities were classified as high (>95%), intermediate (50%) and low (<5% chance) based on allele and haplotype frequencies. By analyzing 350 consecutive searches between 2002 and 2005 (1719 donors tested), the probability estimates turned out to be correct for 96% (high), 88% (low) and 56% (intermediate) patients. For searches with a high probability of success, at least one of the 10 most frequent haplotypes in Caucasoids was found in 69% of the patients, but in only 11% of the patients with a low-probability estimate (P<0.00001). Survival probability at 3 years was significantly higher for HSCT patients classified with a high-probability estimate when compared to patients in the intermediate/low-probability groups (74 vs 51 and 54% respectively, P=0.01). The same difference in survival probabilities was observed when only 10/10 matched unrelated HSCT patients were analyzed. In the intermediate-/low-probability groups, patients with alternative (haploidentical, autologous) or mismatched unrelated donors had similar survival estimates. Probability prediction is therefore feasible in the search process for unrelated donors and can guide the therapeutic strategy.