Immunogenicity profile after COVID-19 vaccination in patients with onco-hematological diseases

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate the influence of onco-hematological pathologies on seroconversion to COVID-19 vaccines, in addition to the effects of chemotherapy treatment on this response. Methods The present study evaluated the immunogenic response of 76 patients with onco-hematological diseases to multiple vaccine platforms compared to 25 control individuals. Results Our results showed positive response rates of 74.02% in patients with onco-hematological diseases and 100% in controls. When analyzed according to etiological group, patients with lymphoproliferative disorders achieved a positive vaccine response rate of 58.7%, whereas those with myeloproliferative diseases achieved a 100% response rate. We also observed that patients previously exposed to COVID-19 presented a 75% increase in their antibody values after vaccination, and these values were 37% higher than those of patients who did not have such exposure. We found that patients who underwent B-lymphocyte-depleting therapy in the last 2 years before vaccination had a worse response rate of 18.75%. Conclusion Despite the immunosuppression of patients with onco-hematological diseases, caused by the biology of their diseases and treatment, benefit and safety in vaccinating these patients are observed, in view of the important recall immune response and incidence of adverse effects similar to those of the healthy population.

Panmielosis aguda con mielofibrosis / Acute panmyelosis with myelofibrosis

La panmielosis aguda con mielofibrosis (PMAF) es un raro desorden hematológico, definido como un subtipo de leucemia aguda. Se reporta un paciente masculino de 31 años de edad con historia de decaimiento marcado, fiebre vespertina y gingivorragia. El examen físico muestra palidez cutáneo mucosas, esplenomegalia ligera y en exámenes complementarios pancitopenia con 5 por ciento de blastos. En el medulograma no se obtuvo material y la impronta sugiere leucemia mieloide aguda no promielocítica. El estudio de inmunofenotipo por citometría de flujo confirma incremento de mieloblastos positivo para (CD34, CD13, CD17, CD117, CD38) y disminuidos en (CD11c y HLA-DR), con una mielofibrosis marcada en biopsia de medula ósea sin la presencia de blastos. Recibe tratamiento de inducción con esquema 3 + 7 (Citosar + Rubidomicina) después del cual el paciente se encuentra en remisión hematológica con persistencia de la fibrosis medular. Posteriormente inicia tratamiento con lenalidomida, Bifosfonatos (Ácido Zoledronico) y se encuentra en remisión hematológica 11 meses después del diagnóstico, hasta marzo 2020. Se realizan estudios de histocompatibilidad (HLA) para trasplante alogénico(AU)

Acute panmyelosis with myelofibrosis (PMAF) is a rare hematologic disorder, defined as a subtype of acute leukemia. A 31-year-old male patient with a history of marked decay, evening fever, and gingivorrhagia is reported. The physical examination showed mucous skin paleness, slight splenomegaly and the complementary examinations showed pancytopenia with 5 percent blasts. In the medullogram no material was obtained and the imprint suggests non-promyelocytic acute myeloid leukemia. Immunophenotype study by flow cytometry confirmed an increase in myeloblasts positive for (CD34, CD13, CD17, CD117, CD38) and decreased in (CD11c and HLA-DR), with marked myelofibrosis in bone marrow biopsy without the presence of blasts. He received induction treatment with a 3 + 7 scheme (Citosar + Rubidomycin) after which the patient was in hematological remission with persistence of spinal fibrosis. Later, he started treatment with lenalidomide, bisphosphonates (Zoledronic Acid) and was in hematological remission 11 months after diagnosis, until March 2020. Histocompatibility studies (HLA) were performed for allogeneic transplantation(AU)

Policitemia vera: Presentación clínica, diagnóstico y nuevos abordajes teraPéuticos / Polycythemia Vera: clinical presentation, diagnosis and new therapeutic approaches

Introducción: los desórdenes mieloproliferativos como la Policitemia vera (PV) pertenecientes al grupo clásico filadelfia negativo, son un área de la hematología que requiere un acercamiento de mayor profundidad, de modo que sea posible ofrecer un abordaje clínico, diagnóstico y terapéutico de carácter amplio, pertinente y actualizado.Así será factible ofrecer alternativas a individuos que no responden a un tratamiento convencional. Objetivo: recoger los elementos clínicos característicos o de mayor importancia de la Policitemia vera y realizar una contextualización sobre las opciones terapéuticas existentes o disponibles y las nuevas alternativas en desarrollo, desde diferentes disciplinas médicas básicas como la biología molecular y el área de la inmunología. Materiales y métodos: se realizó durante el segundo semestre de 2017 y el primer trimestre de 2018 una revisión exhaustiva de material bibliográfico existente sobre la Policitemia vera, su fisiopatología, enfoque terapéutico actual y las nuevas alternativas médicas disponibles para su tratamiento, todo lo anterior en la base de datos de la Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana, utilizando motores de búsqueda como lo son PubMed, Clinical Key, SciELO y Science Direct. Conclusión: es de vital importancia el estudio y la comprensión de la fisiopatología de la Policitemia vera para llegar, en un futuro, a la instauración de nuevas alternativas terapéuticas para los pacientes que la padecen y no responden a terapias tradicionales, pues aún no existe cura para esta condición hematológica y actualmente su enfoque terapéutico se centra principalmente, en controlar, mitigar y prevenir las complicaciones asociadas a la misma..(AU)

Introduction: myeloproliferative disorders such as Polycythemia vera (PV) belonging to the classic Philadelphian negative group, are an area of internal medicine and hematology that requires a closer look, in order to offer a clinical, diagnostic and therapeutic approach of a broad, pertinent and updated nature. Thus it would be feasibleto offer alternatives to individuals who do not respond or do not have an indication to apply a conventional treatment. Objective: to collect the characteristic or most important clinical elements of the Polycythemia Vera and to contextualize the existing or available therapeutic options and the new alternatives in development, from different basic medical disciplines such as molecular biology and the area of immunology. Materials and methods: an exhaustive review of existing bibliographic material on Polycythemia Vera, its physiopathology, current therapeutic approach and the new medical alternatives available for its treatment, was carried out during the second semester of 2017 and the first quarter of 2018. This was made under the license of Universidad Pontificia Bolivarina database, using search engines such as PubMed, Clinical Key, SciELO and Science Direct. Conclusion: the study and understanding of the pathophysiology of Polycythemia Vera is of vital importance to reach the establishment of new therapeutic alternatives for patients who suffer it and do not respond to traditional therapies, as there is still no cure for this hematological condition and currently, its therapeutic approach is mainly focused on controlling, mitigating and preventing complications associated with it..(AU)

Deferasirox-induced urticarial vasculitis in a patient with myelodysplastic syndrome

Abstract Deferasirox is an iron chelator agent used in the treatment of diseases with iron overload, such as thalassemia and myelodysplastic syndrome. Although the majority of adverse reactions of deferasirox involve gastrointestinal symptoms and increase in serum creatinine and transaminases, skin rashes, such as maculopapular and urticarial eruptions, have also been reported. This study reports a case of myelodysplastic syndrome with urticarial vasculitis due to deferasirox therapy. Drug eruption was been confirmed by means of a challenge test, together with histopathological and clinical findings. To the best of our knowledge, we report the first case of deferasirox-induced urticarial vasculitis. Physicians should be aware of the possibility of urticarial vasculitis on deferasirox therapy and the fact that the discontinuation of the drug generally results in improvement.

Déficit adquirido de factor X en leucemia mielomonocítica crónica: reporte de un caso / Isolated factor X deficiency in chronic myelomonocytic leukemia: Report of one case

Bleeding disorders are commonly associated with hemato-oncologic diseases. We report a 68 years old male with a chronic myelomonocytic leukemia derived from a long lasting mielodysplastic syndrome that did not respond to treatment with Azacitidine. The patient was hospitalized due to tonic clonic seizures. A CAT scan showed a hematoma in the frontal lobe. A new assessment of hemostasis revealed an isolated deficiency of Factor X. We speculate that this deficit could be secondary to consumption due to the chronic Myelomonocytic Leukemia.

A model for the functional assessment of elderly with myeloid neoplasms

Objective: Myeloid neoplasms are heterogeneous diseases that are more incident in the elderly. The goals of this study were to aggregate a geriatric approach to the patient assessment, to show the impact of gender, age, hemoglobin concentration and comorbidities on the functionality of elderly with myeloid neoplasms and to better understand how the instruments of functional assessment work according to the aggressiveness of the disease. Methods: Elderly patients (≥60 years old) with myeloid neoplasms were assessed using the Karnofsky scale, Eastern Cooperative Oncologic Group scale, and basic and instru- mental activities of daily living scales. The hematopoietic cell transplantation-comorbidity index assessed the comorbidities. A mixed logistical regression model was fitted to estimate the impact of gender, age, hemoglobin concentration and the hematopoietic cell transplantation-comorbidity index on patients' functionality. Results: Eighty-two patients with a mean age of 72.8 years (range: 60-92 years) were evaluated. Eighty percent had good Karnofsky and Eastern Cooperative Oncologic Group scales and 39% were independent according to the daily living activity scales. All of the patients with poor Karnofsky and Eastern Cooperative Oncologic Group scales were classified as dependent by the daily living activity scales. The mixed logistic regression models showed that age, gender, hemoglobin concentration and the comorbidity index impacted on the daily living activity scales. Karnofsky and Eastern Cooperative Oncologic Group scales were affected by hemoglobin and the comorbidity index. The model hypothesized the hemoglobin concentration at which there was a higher risk of poor Karnofsky and Eastern Cooperative Oncologic Group scales. This hemoglobin concentration depended on comorbidities and on the aggressiveness of the myeloid neoplasm. Conclusion: The geriatric approach improved the sensitivity and specificity ...

Quantification of mixed chimerism allows early therapeutic interventions

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is the curative option for patients with myelodysplastic syndrome; however, it requires a long post-transplantation follow-up. A 53-year-old woman with a diagnosis of myelodysplastic syndrome underwent related donor allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in July 2006. Three months after transplantation, a comparative short tandem repeat analysis between donor and recipient revealed full chimerism, indicating complete, healthy bone marrow reconstitution. Three years and ten months after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, the patient developed leukopenia and thrombocytopenia. Another short tandem repeat analysis was carried out which showed mixed chimerism (52.62%), indicating relapsed disease. A donor lymphocyte infusion was administered. The purpose of donor lymphocyte infusion is to induce a graft-versus-leukemia effect; in fact, this donor's lymphocyte infusion induced full chimerism. Successive short tandem repeat analyses were performed as part of post-transplantation follow-up, and in July 2010, one such analysis again showed mixed chimerism (64.25%). Based on this finding, a second donor lymphocyte infusion was administered, but failed to eradicate the disease. In September 2011, the patient presented with relapsed disease, and a second related donor allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation was performed. Subsequent short tandem repeat analyses revealed full chimerism, indicating complete bone marrow reconstitution. We conclude that quantitative detection of mixed chimerism is an important diagnostic tool that can guide early therapeutic intervention...

Desregulação da apoptose em neoplasias mieloproliferativas crônicas / Apoptosis deregulation in myeloproliferative neoplasms

As neoplasias mieloproliferativas crônicas cromossomo Filadélfia negativas são doenças hematológicas clonais que se caracterizam pela independência ou pela hipersensibilidade dos progenitores hematopoiéticos às citocinas. Os mecanismos celulares e moleculares envolvidos na fisiopatologia das neoplasias mieloproliferativas crônicas ainda não estão totalmente esclarecidos. Achados fisiopatológicos relevantes para as neoplasias mieloproliferativas crônicas estão associados às alterações genéticas como, por exemplo, a mutação somática no gene que codifica o JAK2 (JAK2V617F). A desregulação do processo de morte celular programada, denominada apoptose, parece participar da patogênese dessas desordens. Sabe-se que a desregulação da expressão dos genes pró- e antiapoptóticos promove a resistência das células à apoptose, culminando com o acúmulo das células mieloides e estabelecendo a neoplasia. Esta revisão enfocou as alterações na regulação da apoptose em neoplasias mieloproliferativas crônicas e a importância da melhor compreensão desse mecanismo para o desenvolvimento de novas terapias para essas doenças.

Philadelphia-chromosome negative chronic myeloproliferative neoplasms are clonal hematologic diseases characterized by hematopoietic progenitor independence from or hypersensitivity to cytokines. The cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in the pathophysiology of myeloproliferative neoplasms have not yet been fully clarified. Pathophysiologic findings relevant for myeloproliferative neoplasms are associated with genetic alterations, such as, somatic mutation in the gene that codifies JAK-2 (JAK V617F). Deregulation of the process of programmed cellular death, called apoptosis, seems to participate in the pathogenesis of these disorders. It is known that expression deregulation of pro- and anti-apoptotic genes promotes cell resistance to apoptosis, culminating with the accumulation of myeloid cells and establishing neoplasms. This review will focus on the alterations in apoptosis regulation in myeloproliferative neoplasms, and the importance of a better understanding of this mechanism for the development of new therapies for these diseases.

Atypical chronic myeloid leukemia with t(9; 22)(p24,11. 2), a BCR-JAK2 fusion gene

We report here on a rare case of BCR-ABL1-negative atypical chronic myeloid leukemia with a t(9;22)(p24;q11.2)translocation and a BCR-JAK2 fusion gene, with resistance to the tyrosine kinase inhibitors imatinib and dasatinib.At two years of follow-up, the patient showed no hematologic response and was submitted to an allogeneic bonemarrow transplantation. Fifty-three days after the procedure, he died due to acute graft-versus-host disease. This BCR-JAK2 fusion gene has so far been found in only five patients in the whole world, with three clinical presentations: myeloproliferative neoplasm, acute lymphoblastic leukemia and acute myeloid leukemia.

Essential thrombocythemia: a rare disease in childhood

Essential thrombocythemia is an acquired myeloproliferative disorder characterized by the proliferation of megakaryocytes in bone marrow, leading to a persistent increase in the number of circulating platelets and thus increasing the risk for thrombotic and hemorrhagic events. The disease features leukocytosis, splenomegaly, vascular occlusive events, hemorrhages and vasomotor disorders. The intricate mechanisms underlying the molecular pathogenesis of this disorder are not completely understood and are still a matter of discussion. Essential thrombocythemia is an extremely rare disorder during childhood. We report on a case of essential thrombocythemia in a child and discuss the diagnostic approach and treatment strategy.

A clinical and laboratory investigation of myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative neoplasms / 中华检验医学杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate distingwished clinical and experimental characteristics of the four main subtypes in myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative neoplasms (MDS/MPNs).MethodsMDS/MPNs 53 cases from Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University,including 24 cases CMML,13 cases aCML,12 cases JMML,4 cases MDS/MPN-U,were analyzed regarding to 2001 WHO classification.Morphology (M) of peripheral and bone marrow blood cells were observed under microscope.FCM was used in immunological(Ⅰ) analyse on blasts and myelomonocytes in peripheral blood and bone marrow.G-banding technique was used in cytogenetic (C)examination.PCR was used in molecular genetic (M) mutation detection.Numeric data,such as mean Hb,WBC,PLT et al,among several groups,were compared using Single-factor analysisof variance.Student-Newman-Keulstestwasuseincomparingmeansof two groups.Proportions,such as percentage of clinical features,immunological and cytogenetic abnormal cases among different groups,were compared using Chi-square test or Fisher exact test.Results( 1 ) In the course of MDS/MPNs,there were 46 cases (86.8％ ) had paleness and fatigue 33 cases (62.5％ ) had palpable spleen.JMML had most fever and enlargement of lymph node (75.0％,75.0％ ),statistically distinguished from CMML ( 12.5％,12.5％ ) (x2 =14.89,17.98,P ＜ 0.05 ).(2) The hemoglobin was ( 83.1 ± 24.6 ) g/L.WBC counts were ( 19.8 ± 8.1 ) × 109/L.PLT counts were ( 158.7 ± 108.2) x 109/L.Immature neutrophils and blasts were found in peripheral blood.(3)JMML and CMML had most monocytes absolute counts among the subtypes (4.25 ±0.76) (3.62 ±0.76).(4) Almost 100％ JMML had monocytes abnormalities.(5)For 15 cases were detected immunological characteres by FCM,13 cases showed abnormalities.(6)For 29 cases of MDS/MPNs had been analyzed chromosome karyotypes and 12 out of them (41.4％) were abnormal,Ph chromosomes and those AML-defining translocations were all negative,+ 8 and 7-involved- karyotypes were more frequent.(7)23 cases were detected molecular genetic features,in which were all negative.BCR/ABL1 and JAK2 V617F mutation were all negative in the 13 cases of aCML.JAK2 V617F mutation was positive in 1 case of MDS/MPN-U.ConclusionsMost MDS/MPNs had paleness and fatigue,light to mild anemia,cytosis,monocytes low grade of blast and immature neutrophils in peripheral blood with dysplasia in bone marrow.JMML seems has more severe clinical features and more distinguishing laboratory characters.Immunological abnormalities and abnormalkaryotypes are found frequently in MDS/MPNs with no statistical differences among the four subtypes.There is no specific molecular abnormals in MDS/MPNs.( Chin J Lab Med,2012,35:832-837)

Molecular biology for myelodysplastic syndrome: An update / 肿瘤

The pathogenesis of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) has not been fully clarified, it may be closely associated with the great heterogeneity in biology that characterizes this group of diseases. Recent studies have revealed that some changes in molecular biology, including abnormal expression of disease gene, abnormal epigenetics, and abnormalities of hematopoietic stem cells, were closely correlated with the pathogenesis of MDS. This article reviews the newly discovered changes of molecular and biological characteristics associated with the development of MDS. Copyright © 2012 by TUMOR.

Classificação da Organização Mundial da Saúde para os tumores dos tecidos hematopoético e linfoide, 4ª edição, 2008: principais modificações introduzidas em relação à 3ª edição, 2001 / World Health Organization classification of tumors of hematopoietic and lymphoid tissues, 4th edition, 2008: major changes from the 3rd edition, 2001

A Classificação da Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS) para os tumores do tecido hematopoético e linfoide (4ª edição, 2008)¹ representa uma atualização da 3ª edição, 2001². Apresentamos a seguir um resumo dessas alterações nos grupos das doenças mieloproliferativas, mileodisplásicas, leucemias mieloides agudas, neoplasias de células precursoras B e T, e neoplasias de células B, T e NK maduras. O entendimento das alterações genético-moleculares e os resultados alcançados com propostas terapêuticas inovadoras nesses grupos de doenças demandam constante reavaliação de sua classificação, justificando as alterações importantes aqui discutidas1,3-5.

The World Health Organization (WHO) Classification of tumors of hematopoietic and lymphoid tissues (4th edition, 2008)¹ presents an updated version of the 3rd edition published in 2001². A summary of these changes relates to the groups of chronic myeloproliferative disorders, myelodisplasia, acute myeloid leukemias, neoplasms of precursor B and T cells and neoplasms derived of mature B, T and NK cells. A better understanding of molecular genetic changes and results achieved with innovative therapeutic approaches in these groups of diseases requires constant reassessment of the classifications, supporting the major changes discussed here, including interesting comments from literature1, 3-5.

Molecular approach to diagnose BCR/ABL negative chronic myeloproliferative neoplasms

Chronic myeloproliferative neoplasms arise from clonal proliferation of hematopoietic stem cells. According to the World Health Organization myeloproliferative neoplasms are classified as: chronic myelogenous leukemia, polycythemia vera, essential thrombocythemia, primary myelofibrosis, chronic neutrophilic leukemia, chronic eosinophilic leukemia, hypereosinophilic syndrome, mast cell disease, and unclassifiable myeloproliferative neoplasms. In the revised 2008 WHO diagnostic criteria for myeloproliferative neoplasms, mutation screening for JAK2V617F is considered a major criterion for polycythemia vera diagnosis and also for essential thrombocythemia and primary myelofibrosis, the presence of this mutation represents a clonal marker. There are currently two hypotheses explaining the role of the JAK2V617F mutation in chronic myeloproliferative neoplasms. According to these theories, the mutation plays either a primary or secondary role in disease development. The discovery of the JAK2V617F mutation has been essential in understanding the genetic basis of chronic myeloproliferative neoplasms, providing some idea on how a single mutation can result in three different chronic myeloproliferative neoplasm phenotypes. But there are still some issues to be clarified. Thus, studies are still needed to determine specific molecular markers for each subtype of chronic myeloproliferative neoplasm.

Aspectos imaginológicos del sarcoma granulocítico en la cara y el cráneo de niños y jóvenes: informe de cinco casos y revisión de la literatura / Radiological findings of granulocytic sarcoma in the face and skull of children and young persons: report of five cases and literature review

Introducción: el sarcoma granulocítico (SG) es una neoplasia maligna cuya incidencia es de 2,9% a3,1% en pacientes con leucemia mieloide (LM) o enfermedades mieloproliferativas. Se presentahabitualmente en hombres y en población africana, asiática y suramericana. Objetivo: describir las características imaginológicas del SG en la cara y el cráneo de cinco niños y jóvenes. Pacientes y métodos: presentamos cinco pacientes con SG en la cara y la base del cráneo. A cuatro de ellos se les hizo tomografía computarizada (TC) y a tres, resonancia magnética (RM) cerebral. Cuatro presentaron una masa de tejido blando en la órbita, dos tenían afectación ósea y otro reveló lesión en el sistema nervioso central. En cuatro se diagnosticó leucemia mieloide aguda (LMA) .Conclusión: el SG puede manifestarse con invasión orbitaria y craneofacial en niños y adultos jóvenes. Usualmente los pacientes consultan por proptosis y edema orbitario. Con este cuadro clínico el SG es la primera probabilidad diagnóstica en el contexto de la LMA o las mielodisplasias. En otras situaciones clínicas se debe hacer diagnóstico diferencial con complicaciones de sinusitis, rabdomiosarcoma, linfoma de la órbita y otras neoplasias. La imaginología demuestra invasión de tejidos blandos e infiltración ósea. Es muy característico del SG afectar en un comienzo la pared lateral o la superior de la órbita. En algunos casos simula abscesos. El diagnóstico se confirma por histopatología.

Introduction: Granulocytic sarcoma (GS) is a rare malignant neoplasia, with an incidence rate of 2.9% to 3.1% in patients with myeloid leukemia or myeloproliferative diseases. Usually it affects males, of African, Asian and South American populations. Objetive: To describe the radiological characteristics of GS in the face and skull of children and young people. Patients and methods: We report five patients with GS in the face and skull. Computerized tomography (CT) was carried out in four and orbital and brain magnetic resonance (MRI) in three. Out of the five, four had soft tissue masses in the orbit, two had bone infiltration, and in one there was a central nervous system lesion. In four patients acute myeloid leukemia was demonstrated. Conclusion: GS may affect the orbit, the face and the skull of children and young adults; it manifests with exophthalmia and orbital edema. It must be considered as a diagnostic possibility in the context of myeloid leukemia and myelodysplasias. Otherwise, differential diagnosis should be made with complications of sinusitis, orbital rhabdomyosarcoma, orbital lymphoma and other tumors. Imaging studies may help in the diagnosis by revealing soft tissue masses and areas of bone infiltration. In some cases GS may resemble abscesses. Diagnosis must be confirmed by histopathology.