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BACKGROUND: As on March 12, 2020, the WHO declared COVID-19 as a global pandemic. Its rapid spread has posed major challenges to the management of health-care systems. Patients with hematological disorders, being immunocompromised in more ways than one, face a lot of challenges. Most of these patients require frequent visits to health-care facilities for transfusion support, infusions, surveillance, and follow-ups, which increase the risk of exposure and hence infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. AIM: We assessed the impact of the pandemic on the decisions of hematologists in Saudi Arabia. Method(s): An online survey was done through questionnaires, to understand the decisions and course of clinical treatments taken. 45 hematologist answered 20-questions structured questionnaires through online link. RESULT(S): The majority of hematologist have used virtual clinics in managing patients and have delayed or canceled well visits. Although some hematologist delayed treatment in stable patients like autologous stem cell transplantation for myeloma patients, the majority did not delay induction or consolidation therapies for patients with leukemia with curative intent plans. CONCLUSION(S): The crisis brought along with it challenges and opportunities to improve patient care through research and clinical practice. Telemedicine was sought for supporting outpatients. Malignancies were taken care of, with due precautions. Observations of decisions of hematologists resulted in the patients still being closely followed up and urgent treatments being attended to. The hematologists expressed satisfaction with the use of telemedicine. Online consultations and monitoring of patients could probably be taken as an alternative resource in such situations.Copyright © 2023 Journal of Applied Hematology Published by Wolters Kluwer - Medknow.
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Covid-19 infection has more relevant consequences in frail and comorbid patients but little is known about its course in patients with hematologic malignancies. In this report we would like to present the case of a patient with multiple myeloma treated with recent autologous bone marrow stem cell transplantation and affected by Covid-19 pneumonia, presenting with a possible reinfection or an extremely long viral shedding.Copyright © 2023 Tehran University of Medical Sciences.
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Objectives: This is a protocol for a Cochrane Review (intervention). The objectives are as follows:. To assess the benefits and adverse effects of vaccines for the prevention of infections in adults with haematological malignancies.Copyright © 2023 The Cochrane Collaboration. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Here we report two cases of myeloma patients who became positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection during the acute phase of autologous stem cell transplant. Both patients were promptly treated with monoclonal antibodies and remdesivir, and, despite the profound neutropenia and lymphopenia, they did not develop respiratory failure and they remained paucisymptomatic during the entire period of aplasia. Neutrophil engraftment took place as expected and the patients were discharged quickly and did not experience adverse effects after discharge.
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Introduction Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is an aggressive and potential life-threatening syndrome characterized by excessive immune activation and cytokine release. In adults, infections, inflammatory diseases and more rarely hematological malignancies can trigger the onset of HLH. We describe a rare case of intravascular diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) associated with HLH. Case presentation A 53-year-old woman, presenting with high fever since 3 weeks and asthenia, was admitted to the hospital. She had a negative medical and travel history. On physical examination, generalized edema and hypotension were noted. An extensive bacterial and viral work-up (including COVID-19) was negative. During admission, the patient developed progressive anasarca and an episode of epileptic convulsions. Laboratory results showed increasing cytopenia, major hyperferritinemia, hypofibrinogenemia and hypertriglyceridemia. A bone marrow examination showed prominent hemophagocytosis. Cerebrospinal fluid examination showed the presence of aberrant monocytes, indicating CNS involvement. Genetic analysis to detect hemophagocytosis-associated mutations was negative. PET-CT revealed increased FDG uptake in both adrenal glands, hypophysis, bone marrow and spleen. Biopsy of the adrenal gland was not contributive. Brain MRI showed two cerebral masses radiologically suggestive for meningioma, confirmed by histology. The patient was refractory to high-dose corticotherapy and treatment was adapted to the HLH-94 protocol. A blind skin biopsy showed the presence of a population of pathological B-lymphocytes with aberrant immunophenotype (CD20+/Pax5+/Bcl6+/Bcl2+/cMYC-) in and around the small blood vessels leading to the diagnosis of intravascular DLBCL. Treatment was adjusted to lymphoma-specific immune-chemotherapy upon which a gradual clinical improvement was noted. After four cycles R-CHOP, three cycles of high dose methotrexate and high dose Endoxan for stem cell mobilisation, treatment was intensified with two cycles R-DHAP because of laboratory signs of persistent hemophagocytosis. Thereafter, the patient received an autologous stem cell transplantation (auto-HCT) after BEAM chemotherapy. End of treatment PET-CT and skin biopsy documented complete remission of the lymphoma. Because of slow hematological recovery, repeated bone marrow examinations were done and showed hypoplasia and persistent hemophagocytosis. Dexamethasone in combination with eltrombopag led to a gradual hematological response. At 20 months after auto-HCT, the patients stay in complete remission of the DLBCL and are independent of corticotherapy, with acceptable hematological parameters and no clinical signs of HLH. Discussion In the absence of infection, HLH is a diagnostic challenge frequently leading to delayed identification of the primary trigger, if any. A characteristic image on PET-CT with increased uptake in adrenal glands and hypophysisis led us to perform a blind skin biopsy to diagnose intravascular DLBCL, a rare subtype of lymphoma. Our case also shows that 1) HLH is very difficult to manage without dealing with the primary trigger and 2) HLH can persist for prolonged periods of time after successful treatment of the primary cause and may require specific therapy for sufficient control.
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Introduction: AL Amyloidosis is characterized by a plasma cell dyscrasia that can be detected in 99% by monoclonal protein on abnormal serum free light chain (sFLC) concentrations or immunofixation electrophoresis (IFE). Case Description: A 47-year-old man was admitted to the emergency department and afterward to the intensive care unit due to severe COVID-19-associated pneumonia. Initial laboratory studies showed: hemoglobin 12.1 g/dL, creatinine 2 mg/dL, albumin 1.69 g/ dL, AST 20 U/L, ALT 19 UI, urine analysis with no erythrocytes, urine protein/creatinine ratio 4.9 g/g, HbA1c 5.5%, C3 150 mg/dL, C4 35 mg/dL. Serological testing for hepatitis B, C, HIV, ANA, and anti-PLA2R were negative. After three months of hospitalization, the patient was discharged home and lost his outpatient follow-up. He returned five months later with a nephrotic syndrome. Laboratory studies showed: creatinine 1.47 mg/dL, urine proteins 5.7g/day, sFLC lambda 90.1 mg/L (8.3-27), sFLC kappa 43 mg/L (6.7-22.4), sFLC ratio 0.48 (0.31-1.56), urine and serum protein electrophoresis negative, urine and serum IFE negative. We performed a renal biopsy, consistent with amyloidosis with positivity for Congo red staining. Immunofluorescence reported light chain restriction +++ for lambda (figure 1) and was negative for IgG, IgM, IgA, C1q, C3c, kappa, and albumin. A bone biopsy reported no evidence of plasmatic cell neoplasia and was negative for Congo red staining. An echocardiogram showed no evidence of amyloid affection. Hematology stratified the patient as low risk, so they started protocol for autologous stem cell transplantation as definitive treatment but decided to consider CyBorD as induction therapy. Discussion(s): This case illustrates a patient with systemic AL amyloidosis without evidence of plasma cell dyscrasia by conventional techniques. It could be explained because the hematologic disease is so subtle that it goes undetected. The parameter for response in his follow-up will be the improvement of proteinuria, as we cannot measure classic criteria of hematologic response. Figure 1.
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Background: High-risk (HR) cytogenetic is associated with poor outcome in transplant eligible (TE) newly diagnosed myeloma multiple myeloma (NDMM). The triplet combination carfilzomib lenalidomide and dexamethasone (KRD) plus transplantation demonstrated high efficacy with faorable safety profile in TE-NDMM patients (FORTE). The addition of daratumumab (Dara) to frontline therapy also improed response rate and progression free-surial in TE-NDMM patients (CASSIOPEIA, GRIFFIN). Double transplant also improed outcome of HR TE NDMM patients (EMN02, STAMINA). Aims: The phase 2 trial 2018-04 from the Intergroupe Francophone du Myelome (IFM) is ealuating an intensie strategy with Dara-KRD induction and consolidation plus double transplant in HR TE NDMM (NCT03606577). Methods: HR MM was defined by the presence of del17p, t(4;14) and/or t(14;16). Stategy includes Dara-KRD induction (6 cycles), autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT), Dara-KRD consolidation (4 cycles), second ASCT, Dara-lenalidomide maintenance. The primary endpoint was the feasibility of this intensie strategy. Here, we report efficacy and safety analysis of Dara-KRD induction. Results: Fifty patients with preiously untreated NDMM were included from july 2019 to march 2021 in 11 IFM centers Median age was 57 (range 38 -65). ISS stage 3 was present in 12 (24%) patients. Based on inclusion criteria, all patients had HR cytogenetic, including 17p deletion (n=20, 40%), t(4;14) (n=26, 52%) or t(14;16) (n=10,20%). Forty-six patients completed Dara-KRD induction. Two patients discontinued treatment due to seere aderse eent (COVID-19 infection, n=1 ;drug-induced hepatitis, n=1) and 2 patients discontinued treatment due to disease progression. Grade 3-4 treatment related aderse eent (>5% of patients) were neutropenia (38%), anemia (14%), thrombocytopenia (8%), infection (6%), renal insufficiency (6%) and deep-ein thrombosis (6%). Two patients (6%) experienced stem-cell collection failure. Oerall response rate was 96%, including 92 % > ery good partial response. Among 37/46 ealuable patients post induction, Minimal Residual Disease negatiity rate (NGS, 10-5) was 62%. Summary/Conclusion: Dara-KRD as induction prior ASCT is safe and allows deep responses in TE NDMM patients with high-risk cytogenetic profile. IFM 2018-04 study is ongoing and longer follow-up is needed to ealuate safety and efficacy of the oerall strategy with Dara-KRD induction and consolidation plus double transplant in this subset of HR patients.
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Background: Ibrutinib (IBR) is an oral covalent Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitor (BTKi), licensed for treatment of relapsed or refractory mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). Under NHS interim Covid-19 agreements in England, IBR with or without rituximab (R) was approved for the frontline treatment for MCL patients (pts) as a safer alternative to conventional immunochemotherapy. Although recent phase 2 studies have reported high response rates in low-risk patients for this combination in the frontline setting, randomised phase 3 and real-world data are currently lacking. Aims: To describe the real-world response rates (overall response rate (ORR), complete response (CR) rate) and toxicity profile of IBR +/-R in adult patients with previously untreated MCL. Methods: Following institutional approval, adults commencing IBR +/-R for untreated MCL under interim Covid-19 arrangements were prospectively identified by contributing centres. Hospital records were interrogated for demographic, pathology, response, toxicity and survival data. ORR/CR were assessed per local investigator according to the Lugano criteria using CT and/or PET-CT. Results: Data were available for 66 pts (72.7% male, median age 71 years, range 41-89). Baseline demographic and clinical features are summarised in Table 1. 23/66 pts (34.8%) had high-risk disease (defined as presence of TP53 mutation/deletion, blastoid or pleomorphic variant MCL, or Ki67%/MiB-1 ≥30%). IBR starting dose was 560mg in 56/62 pts (90%) and was given with R in 22/64 pts (34%). At a median follow up of 8.7 months (m) (range 0-18.6), pts had received a median of 7 cycles of IBR. 19/60 pts (32%) required a dose reduction or delay in IBR treatment. New atrial fibrillation and grade ≥3 any-cause toxicity occurred in 3/59 pts (5.8%) and 8/57 (14.0%) respectively. For the whole population and high-risk pts only, ORR was 74.4% and 64.7% respectively (p=0.2379), with a median time to response of 3.8m, coinciding with the first response assessment scan. Seven pts (16.7%), of whom 2 had highrisk disease, attained CR at a median of 6.0m. ORR for pts receiving vs not receiving R were 84.2% and 66.7% respectively (p=0.1904). IBR was discontinued in 20/61 pts (32.8%) at a median time to discontinuation of 4.1m, due to progressive disease (PD, 19.7%), toxicity (4.9%), death (3.3%;1 pt each of Covid-19 and E. coli infection), pt choice (3.3%) and other unspecified reasons (1.6%). 15/66 pts (22.7%) overall and 7/23 (30.4%) with high-risk disease progressed on IBR at a median time to PD of 4.0m. No pts underwent autologous stem cell transplantation consolidation during the study period. 12/57 pts (21.1%) received second line treatment (R-chemotherapy n=7, Nordic MCL protocol n=2, VR-CAP n=2, pirtobrutinib n=1). Response to second line treatment was CR in 4/11 pts, PD in 7/11. Of the 2 Nordic-treated patients, 1 had CR after cycle 2 and 1 PD. Fourteen pts (21.2%) died during the follow up period, due to MCL (n=11), Covid-19 (n=2) and congestive cardiac failure (n=1). Overall survival was lower for patients with high-risk disease (HR 0.55, p=0.038). Image: Summary/Conclusion: In this real-world UK cohort of pts receiving first-line IBR +/-R for MCL, including older and high-risk pts, we report high ORR rates in a similar range to the phase II Geltamo IMCL-2015 study of combination IBR-R in an exclusively low-risk population. Documented CR rates were lower, possibly reflecting a low usage of rituximab in the Covid-19 pandemic as well as CT assessment of response. Treatment was generally well tolerated, with low rates of toxicityrelated treatment discontinuation. The study is ongoing.
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Background: Gemtuzumab ozogamicin (GO), an anti-CD33 immunoconjugate Antibody is currently approved in combination with 7 + 3 in low- and intermediate risk acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). These patients are candidate for consolidation with autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) particularly when MRD- is obtained. GO can improve the rate of MRD negativity. There are limited data on the effect of its addition on the mobilization of Hemopoietic Stem Cells (HSC). Aims: To assess the feasibility of mobilization of HSC after re-introduction into market of GO at 3mg/m2 in 2019. Methods: We retrospectively studied AML patients undergoing 3+7 + GO induction and Ara-C + Daunorubicine + GO, consolidation (doses are derived from label instructions and ALFA0701 study) and mobilization on day +20 using GCSF 10μg/kg. CD34+ were monitored, and patients were harvested when a threshold of 20 cells/μL was reached in peripheral blood. Results: In 2020 and 2021, also considering constrains caused by COVID-19 pandemics, we attempted mobilization in our 3 Italian centres of 14 patients with a diagnosis of CD33+ de novo-AML. The median age was 52 years (range 29-65 yrs.), 4 were males and 10 females;11 patients carried a mutation of NPM1 and all had a normal karyotype except one with t(10p12;11q14) (Table 1). All received 3+7+GO induction and achieved a CR. Therefore, we started consolidation (total ARA-C 8g/m2) + GO as inpatient. Ten patients (71%) reached the established threshold of 20 CD34+ /μL and were successfully harvested, while 4 patients (29%) failed mobilization. The median day of apheresis was D+26 from the start to chemotherapy (range 22- 39). The median number of circulating CD34+ cells on the day of collection was 35.9 cells/μL (range 20-2153 cells/μL). The median CD34+ harvested was 4.65 x 106/kg (range 1.8- 44.6 x 106/kg). In our cohort, 4 patients (28% of the entire cohort and 40% of the harvested patients) underwent ASCT, 3 achieved favourable engraftment, while in the last patient ASCT is ongoing. Several reasons prevented ASCT in the remaining 6 patients: 3 patients underwent allogeneic SCT (2 had positive MRD on harvested apheresis;1 was reclassified as high-risk ELN2017 due to RUNX1 mutation resulting from NGS panel), 2 refused ASCT and one suffered early relapse. Summary/Conclusion: In our patients, the addition of GO did not impair HSC mobilization and harvesting that was reached in about 71% of cases, similarly to the AML-10 trial of the EORTC and GIMEMA Leukemia Groups where 70% of patients were successfully harvested. Our data are particularly interesting because in the pivotal ALFA0701 study, only one patient underwent Autologous- SCT, but in the control arm. An important limit of our case-series is that only 4 patients were auto-transplanted, so we have scant data on engraftment. In particular, evaluating day to engraftment of platelets would be interesting, given the known increase of thrombocytopaenia in patients treated with GO. In conclusion, mobilization with GO is feasible and further studies are warranted to evaluate the effects of fractioned doses of GO on HSC mobilization and ASCT outcome;the ongoing trial GIMEMA AML1819 - EudraCT number 2019-003871-20 - will prospectively assess the effect of GO, but with lower doses of ARA-C (total ARA-C 6 g/m2). (Table Presented).
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Background: Patients with hematological malignancies (HM) infected with SARS-CoV-2 hae a higher risk of deeloping seere coronairus disease (COVID-19) with consequent death, due to immune system impairment. Anti-spike Neutralizing Monoclonal Antibodies (nMoAbs) are indicated for the treatment of paucisymptomatic COVID-19 patients, but eidence of safety and efficacy among HM subjects is still lacking. Aims: To assess the efficacy of different nMoAbs approed by Agenzia Italiana del Farmaco (AIFA) on HM patients affected by paucisymptomatic SARS-COV-2. Methods: Multicenter retrospectie obserational study at ten sites in Italy, which enrolled consecutie patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection and treated with nMoAbs from February 2020 to December 2021. Only HM subjects on treatment or in disease remission within 6 months from treatment discontinuation with paucisymptomatic SARSCOV- 2 infection were included. nMoAbs approed by AIFA include Bamlaniimab, Bamlaniimab/Eteseimab, Casiriimab/Imdeimab, Sotroimab, and Regdanimab. The primary endpoint was to assess the time to SARS-CoV- 2 molecular swab negatiization. A comparison to an historical control not receiing nMoAbs was assessed. Secondary endpoints consisted in ealuation of Hospitalization rate due to COVID-19, including intensie care unit (ICU) admission rate due to respiratory failure, and safety assessment. Results: Oerall 51 HM patients (median age 62 years;35% women) were ealuated. Seenteen of them had non- Hodgkin lymphomas, 9 multiple myeloma, 6 chronic lymphocytic leukemia, 6 acute myeloid leukemia, 3 Hodgkin lymphoma, 2 acute lymphoblastic leukemia, 2 myeloproliferatie neoplasm, 1 Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia and 5 had other HM diagnosis. Thirty-six patients were on actie treatment, whereas 11 had completed their therapies within 6 months from nMoAbs administration, for 4 patients data were missing. In 7 subjects the last treatment was chemotherapy, in 19 immunotherapy with or without chemotherapy, in 9 target therapy, in 4 autologous stem cell transplantation, in 2 allogeneic stem cell transplantation, for 4 patients data were missing. Detailed description of patients' characteristics is reported in table 1. Twenty-six patients were treated with Bamlaniimab/Eteseimab, 17 with Casiriimab/Imdeimab, 3 with Bamlaniimab, and 2 with Sotroimab, for 3 patients data were missing. Median time to SARS-CoV-2 molecular swab negatiization was ealuable in 41 subjects and was 17 days (min 5, IQR 12-26, max 174). This result compared well with the preious finding of 28 days reported in an historical group of HM patients not treated with nMoAbs. We did not find any subpopulation, according to age, diagnosis, period of infection or type of nMoAbs who achieed a major benefit from nMoAbs treatment. The rate of Hospitalization due to COVID-19 progression was 19% (10/51), with an extremely low percentage of patients requiring ICU admission due to seer COVID-19 (2%,1/51). Most frequent side effects included chills (8%), diarrhea (6%), headache (2%), nausea (2%) and omiting (2%). Summary/Conclusion: Among paucisymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 positie HM patients on actie treatment or in disease remission within 6 months from treatment discontinuation, the administration of nMoAbs substantially reduced the time to swab negatiization compared to an historical control of HM subjects. This treatment was also able to reduce the rate of Hospitalization and death due to COVID-19 progression in this high risk group. (Table Presented).
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Background: Systemic AL amyloidosis is an incurable relapsing plasma cell disorder. Despite therapeutic advances, there are no approved treatments for relapse disease. Treatment is often challenging due to underlying organ dysfunction. Belantamab mafodotin is an antibody-drug conjugate targeting B-cell maturation antigen with approval for relapsed refractory myeloma. In multiply pre-treated myeloma, the DREAMM-2 phase II trial showed an overall response rate of 32% for those with 2.5 mg/kg dose administered every three weeks with 2/3rd patients reporting keratopathy. A small case series of 6 patients with relapsed AL amyloidosis (Zhang et al , ASH 2021) was recently reported and a phase 2 trial is recruiting for patients with refractory amyloidosis (NCT04617925). Aims: We report our initial results using Belantamab monotherapy for the treatment of patients with AL amyloidosis with relapsed disease. Methods: Data for consecutive patients who were administered Belantamab at a specialist referral centre, National Amyloidosis Centre, University College London, was analysed. Results: Eleven patients were included 8 male, 3 female. Median age at Belantamab initiation was 65 (range 42-74) years. Eight patients had λ AL-type and three κ AL-type. At diagnosis, median involved free light-chain concentration was 534 (range 73-7181) mg/l. A median of two organs involved at baseline (range 1-3): 4 had cardiac involvement (half Mayo stage 2;half Mayo stage 3a) and 8 had renal involvement. The median prior lines of therapy was 3 (range 2-5) with all exposed to prior immunomodulatory drugs, proteasome inhibitors and 73% to anti-CD38 antibody treatments. Thirty-six percent had relapsed after melphalan-conditioned autologous stem cell transplantation. A median of 3 cycles of belantamab were delivered (range 1-8). The most frequent adverse event was ocular toxicity which was experienced in 8 patients (grade 1-3), necessitating dose modification of the three-weekly schedule. One patient developed transient grade 1 dyspnoea and liver dysfunction. No patients developed cytopenias, unlike previous reports (Zhang et al , 2021), nor infections beyond COVID (2 patients mild with no hospital admissions). The majority of the cohort required dose reduction either at initiation (patient 4, due to end stage renal failure;patient 11, post-renal transplant) or during therapy (n=5;three to 1.9mg/kg, two to 1.25mg/kg) due to ocular toxicity. Only one patient remained on the standard dose of 2.5mg/kg for >3 cycles. Ocular toxicity improved after treatment interruption (drug intervals 4-6 weeks) and no patients required complete treatment cessation. One patient is too early to assess response. Haematological responses (PR or better) were seen in 7 patients with 3 complete responses and two very good partial responses (VGPR) which are ongoing. Both renal patients (patients 4 and 11) commenced a dose of 1.25mg/kg and sustained a VGPR with no additional toxicity. Patient 3 had a 42% reduction in sFLC after two doses but then a prolonged gap due to keratopathy and has lost the response. There were no cardiac or renal toxicities observed. Summary/Conclusion: Belantamab mafodotin demonstrates significant activity in patients with heavily pre-treated AL amyloidosis with 70% achieving a ≥PR. Apart from keratopathy requiring dose modification, no other substantial toxicity was observed. Two patients with renal impairment (stage V CKD and ESRD) and one patient post-renal transplant tolerated treatment with no additional toxicity. Belantamab mafodotin shows promise in treatment of relapsed AL and needs further prospective trials.
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Background: High-risk (HR) cytogenetic is associated with poor outcome in transplant eligible (TE) newly diagnosed myeloma multiple myeloma (NDMM). The triplet combination carfilzomib lenalidomide and dexamethasone (KRD) plus transplantation demonstrated high efficacy with favorable safety profile in TE-NDMM patients (FORTE). The addition of daratumumab (Dara) to frontline therapy also improved response rate and progression free-survival in TE-NDMM patients (CASSIOPEIA, GRIFFIN). Double transplant also improved outcome of HR TE NDMM patients (EMN02, STAMINA). The phase 2 trial 2018-04 from the Intergroupe Francophone du Myelome (IFM) is evaluating an intensive strategy with Dara-KRD induction and consolidation plus double transplant in HR TE NDMM (NCT03606577). Methods: HR MM was defined by the presence of del17p, t(4;14) and/or t(14;16). Stategy includes Dara-KRD induction (6 cycles), autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT), Dara- KRD consolidation (4 cycles), second ASCT, Dara-lenalidomide maintenance. The primary endpoint was the feasibility of this intensive strategy. Here, we report efficacy and safety analysis of Dara-KRD induction. Results: Fifty patients with previously untreated NDMM were included from july 2019 to march 2021 in 11 IFM centers Median age was 57 (range 38 -65). ISS stage 3 was present in 12 (24%) patients. Based on inclusion criteria, all patients had HR cytogenetic, including 17p deletion (n = 20, 40%), t(4;14) (n = 26, 52%) or t(14;16) (n = 10,20%). Forty-six patients completed Dara-KRD induction. Two patients discontinued treatment due to severe adverse event (COVID-19 infection, n = 1 ;drug-induced hepatitis, n = 1) and 2 patients discontinued treatment due to disease progression. Grade 3-4 treatment related adverse event (> 5% of patients) were neutropenia (38%), anemia (14%), thrombocytopenia (8%), infection (6%), renal insufficiency (6%) and deep-vein thrombosis (6%). Two patients (6%) experienced stem-cell collection failure. Overall response rate was 96%, including 92 % > very good partial response. Among 37 (/46) evaluable patients post induction, Minimal Residual Disease negativity rate (NGS, 10-5) was 62%. Conclusions: Dara-KRD as induction prior ASCT is safe and allows deep responses in TE NDMM patients with high-risk cytogenetic profile. IFM 2018-04 study is ongoing and longer follow-up is needed to evaluate safety and efficacy of the overall strategy with Dara- KRD induction and consolidation plus double transplant in this subset of HR patients.
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BACKGROUND: To date, there is no information on the safety and efficacy of the novel anti-sarbecoviruses monoclonal antibody sotrovimab administered, as a post-exposure prophylactic measure, during the aplastic phase of autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT). METHODS: We describe the outcomes of a Multiple Myeloma (MM) patient, who was threateningly exposed to the Omicron (B.1.1.529) SARS-CoV-2 variant, two days after having received a myeloablative regimen of high-dose melphalan. The patient fulfilled all CDC criteria for prolonged close contacts with an index patient who tested positive for a molecular nasopharyngeal swab (Omicron; B.1.1.529) soon after admission to the ward. Given the high risks of morbidity and mortality in the case of COVID-19 developing during the aplastic phase of transplantation, we adopted a post-exposure prophylaxis intervention based on intravenous (i.v.) sotrovimab. RESULTS: Sotrovimab (500 mg i.v.) was administered at day + 2 from stem cells reinfusion, i.e. 4 days after myeloablative chemotherapy, and at day + 5 from the last close contact with the Omicron-positive index case. The patient was fully protected from SARS-CoV-2 infection throughout his clinical course and remained molecularly negative at the day + 30 from the transplant. We compared times to engraftment and transplant-related toxicities of the sotrovimab-treated patient with the last 15 MM patients transplanted at our Centre, evidencing no unexpected safety signals, infusion-related reactions, or alarming effects on engraftment kinetics. CONCLUSIONS: We have shown here for the first time that administration of sotrovimab during the pre-engraftment phase of ASCT is effective, safe, and not associated with delays in hemopoietic recovery. As compared to MM patients who received the same myeloablative conditioning regimen, the patient given sotrovimab during the aplastic phase did not show any significant differences in engraftment kinetics and toxicity outcomes. Post-exposure prophylaxis with sotrovimab may represent a valuable approach in the stem cell transplantation setting for patients with high-risk exposure to a confirmed COVID-19 case sustained by highly infectious SARS-CoV-2 variants escaping the vaccine-derived immunity due to antigenic shifts in the spike proteins.
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Objective: To compare the role of intra-ovarian Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) versus marrow derived Stem-Cells (SC) instillation for improvement in ovarian-reserve (AFC,AMH, FSH). Design: A prospective comparative study. Method: 72 infertile females (20-39 years) with poor ovarian reserve (AMH <1.2 ng/ml;AFC < 5) (POSEIDON criterion) were enrolled for study between January 2020 -December 2021. The two comparative groups underwent either intra-ovarian PRP instillation (n = 42) or autologous SC transplantation (n = 30). After the two groups were matched (PRP vs. SC) for baseline characteristics (Age, AMH, AFC, FSH, Estradiol), 30 subjects in each group were compared for change in serum FSH/AMH/Estradiol levels and AFC at 1st month and 3rd month post intervention from the baseline. This was also compared between the two groups using Student t-test. The cost and procedural pain measured using Visual analog scale (VAS) were also compared. Results: After matching for baseline characteristics, significant ∼ 1.8/2 and ∼1.5/1.6fold increase in AFC at 1st/3rd month post intervention (p < 0.001) was observed after PRP instillation and SC transplantation respectively. However, PRP group fared better than SC group at 3rd month post intervention (7.07 vs. 5.60, p = 0.02), while no significant difference existed amongst the two at 1st month of follow up. Levels of Serum FSH, AMH and Estradiol (p > 0.05) did not differ significantly from the baseline at 1st and 3rd month post intervention in both the groups. Similarly, there was no significant difference between the two groups in serum FSH level (7.98 IU/ml vs. 9.62 IU/ml, p = 0.062;8.26 IU/ml vs. 9.50 IU/ml, p = 0.15), AMH level (1.62 ng/ml vs. 1.02 ng/ ml, p = 0.27;1.35 ng/ml vs. 0.95 ng/ml, p = 0.24), Estradiol level (49.12 pg/ml vs. 56.48 pg/ml p = 0.443;54.7 pg/ml vs. 61.12 pg/ml, p = 0.44) at 1st and 3rd month post intervention respectively. PRP is comparatively more cost effective and is associated with lesser pain (32.5 mm vs. 28.13 mm, p = 0.02) then SC group thus showing better compliance and acceptability. Conclusion: Both PRP and SC therapies improves the ovarian reserve markers however, response to PRP is superior to SC. Also, further to note that PRP is minimally invasive and has better compliance and acceptability. The main limitation of this study is small sample size and due to Covid pandemic inability to perform the IVF cycles to show improvement in clinical pregnancies and live births. Therefore, a large randomized trial is required to validate these results.
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BACKGROUND: The clinical efficacy of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines according to antibody response in immunosuppressed patients such as hematological patients has not yet been established. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective multicenter registry-based cohort study conducted from December 2020 to December 2021 by the Spanish transplant and cell therapy group was used to analyze the relationship of antibody response at 3-6 weeks after full vaccination (2 doses) with breakthrough SARS-CoV-2 infection in 1394 patients with hematological disorders. RESULTS: At a median follow-up of 165 days after complete immunization, 37 out of 1394 (2.6%) developed breakthrough SARS-CoV-2 infection at median of 77 days (range 7-195) after full vaccination. The incidence rate was 6.39 per 100 persons-year. Most patients were asymptomatic (19/37, 51.4%), whereas only 19% developed pneumonia. The mortality rate was 8%. Lack of detectable antibodies at 3-6 weeks after full vaccination was the only variable associated with breakthrough infection in multivariate logistic regression analysis (Odds Ratio 2.35, 95% confidence interval 1.2-4.6, p = 0.012). Median antibody titers were lower in cases than in non-cases [1.83 binding antibody units (BAU)/mL (range 0-4854.93) vs 730.81 BAU/mL (range 0-56,800), respectively (p = 0.007)]. We identified 250 BAU/mL as a cutoff above which incidence and severity of the infection were significantly lower. CONCLUSIONS: Our study highlights the benefit of developing an antibody response in these highly immunosuppressed patients. Level of antibody titers at 3 to 6 weeks after 2-dose vaccination links with protection against both breakthrough infection and severe disease for non-Omicron SARS-CoV-2 variants.
Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Hematologic Diseases , Antibodies, Viral , BNT162 Vaccine , COVID-19/epidemiology , COVID-19/prevention & control , COVID-19 Vaccines/therapeutic use , Cohort Studies , Hematologic Diseases/complications , Hematologic Diseases/therapy , Humans , Prospective Studies , SARS-CoV-2ABSTRACT
Prior studies of antibody response after full SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in hematological patients have confirmed lower antibody levels compared to the general population. Serological response in hematological patients varies widely according to the disease type and its status, and the treatment given and its timing with respect to vaccination. Through probabilistic machine learning graphical models, we estimated the conditional probabilities of having detectable anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies at 3-6 weeks after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in a large cohort of patients with several hematological diseases (n= 1166). Most patients received mRNA-based vaccines (97%), mainly Moderna® mRNA-1273 (74%) followed by Pfizer-BioNTech® BNT162b2 (23%). The overall antibody detection rate at 3 to 6 weeks after full vaccination for the entire cohort was 79%. Variables such as type of disease, timing of anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody therapy, age, corticosteroids therapy, vaccine type, disease status, or prior infection with SARS-CoV-2 are among the most relevant conditions influencing SARS-CoV-2-IgG-reactive antibody detection. A lower probability of having detectable antibodies was observed in patients with B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma treated with anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies within 6 months before vaccination (29.32%), whereas the highest probability was observed in younger patients with chronic myeloproliferative neoplasms (99.53%). The Moderna® mRNA-1273 compound provided higher probabilities of antibody detection in all scenarios. This study depicts conditional probabilities of having detectable antibodies in the whole cohort and in specific scenarios such as B cell NHL, CLL, MM, and cMPN that may impact humoral responses. These results could be useful to focus on additional preventive and/or monitoring interventions in these highly immunosuppressed hematological patients.
Subject(s)
Antineoplastic Agents , COVID-19 , Antibodies, Monoclonal , Antibodies, Viral , BNT162 Vaccine , COVID-19/diagnosis , COVID-19/prevention & control , COVID-19 Vaccines , Early Detection of Cancer , Humans , SARS-CoV-2 , VaccinationABSTRACT
Background: SARS-COV-2 anti-Spike IgG response following mRNA vaccination (BNT162b2) is suboptimal and highly variable in MM patients. Patients and Methods: We report here a single-institution retrospective analysis of 127 consecutive patients with symptomatic MM (71 males, 56 females), [median age 69.5 years (range 45-85)], 63 patients with untreated MM and 64 patients with MM refractory to one or more previous treatment lines. Myeloma therapies included PI+IMiD combos, IMiD-based regimens, PI-based regimens, anti-CD38 mAb-based therapies, antibody-drug conjugates (Belantamab Mafodotin monotherapy), dexamethasone and high dose melphalan. Anti-spike IgG antibody were detected also in 50 healthy volunteers. Patients with symptomatic MM and healthy controls received two dose of COVID-19 mRNA vaccine (Pfizer BioNTech) on days 1 and 21 between 29 April and 15 May 2021. Patients with prior history of SARS-CoV-2 were excluded from analysis. Quantitative determination of anti-spike S1/S2 IgG antibody was performed at 4 weeks from vaccination completion (LIAISONR SARS-COV-2 S1/S2 IgG, LIAISONR). It was previously established a threshold >15 AU/ml of anti-Spike IgG which was related to neutralizing activity of anti-SARS-COV-2 antibodies. Results: Sixty-five out of 127 patients were evaluable for response. Antispike IgG antibody were detected in 50/65 (76.9%) MM patients, defined as responders [177 AU/mL (range 26.4 - 1430)]. 23.1% of MM patients, defined as non-responders, failed to respond at two doses of COVID-19 mRNA vaccine [3.8 AU/mL (range 0.65 - 9.33)]. Seroprotection rate at cutoff of 15 AU/mL was 100% in controls [249 AU/mL (range 104 - 2430)]. No statistically significant differences were found between the two subgroups of patients for myeloma disease phase (relapse/refractory MM vs. untreated symptomatic MM), LDH, residual gammaglobulin levels, WBC, ANC, lymphocytic response, age and sex (Tab. 2). Conversely, plasmacytosis, B2M and haemoglobin concentration were associated with a different response to vaccine. Patients with extreme plasmacytosis (60.0 20.3 vs. 28.218.8 meanSD;p <0.001) (Tab. 2) had a mean titer less than 15 AU/ml of anti-Spike IgG compared with patients with a low plasmacytosis, who, conversely, showed significantly higher mean titers of anti-Spike IgG. B2M was significantly higher in non-responders compared to responders (4.6 4.1 vs. 3.23.6 mean SD;p = 0.006) (Tab. 2). Haemoglobin value was significantly lower in non-responders compared to responders (10.8 1.8 vs. 12.11.8 mean SD;p = 0.008) (Tab. 2). Multivariate analysis confirmed the bone marrow infiltration pattern and haemoglobin value as statistically significant variables. In addition, in the present cohort, the myeloma treatment, including high-dose melphalan and autologous stem cell transplantation, have not been associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Conclusions: In our experience, significant fraction of MM patients (23.1%) does not developed any detectable anti-Spike IgG after two dose of COVID-19 mRNA vaccine. Lack of IgG response associated with three statistically significant variables: extreme plasmacytosis, B2M, and haemoglobin concentration. In the subgroup of patients with good response to vaccine, after a median follow-up of 7 months from second dose of COVID-19 mRNA vaccine, no cases of COVID-19 occurred. .
ABSTRACT
Autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) is standard of care in biologically fit, newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (MM) patients, offering better therapeutic outcomes and improved quality of life (QoL). However, with the UK's 1st national lockdown on 23/03/2020, several guidelines recommended deferring ASCT due to risks of infection, with resource limitations forcing some units to suspend ASCT entirely. Such changes to patients' treatment plans inevitably altered their lived experience during these uncertain times with expected impact on QoL. We conducted a qualitative study using semi-structured interviews to gain insight into MM patients' understanding of their disease, initial therapy and ASCT, and their response to therapy changes. A clinical snapshot of how COVID-19 affected the MM ASCT service in a single UK institution is also provided, including changes to chemotherapy treatment plans, timing, and prioritisation of ASCT. Framework analysis identified 6 overarching themes: (1) beliefs about ASCT, (2) perceptions of information provided about MM and ASCT, (3) high levels of fear and anxiety due to COVID-19, (4) feelings about ASCT disruption or delay due to COVID-19, (5) perceptions of care, and (6) importance of social support. Example subthemes were beliefs that ASCT would provide a long-remission/best chance of normality including freedom from chemotherapy and associated side-effects, disappointment, and devastation at COVID-related treatment delays (despite high anxiety about infection) and exceptionally high levels of trust in the transplant team. Such insights will help us adjust our service and counselling approaches to be more in tune with patients' priorities and expectations.
Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation , Multiple Myeloma , Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/therapeutic use , Communicable Disease Control , Humans , Multiple Myeloma/drug therapy , Quality of Life , Retrospective Studies , Stem Cell Transplantation , Transplantation, AutologousABSTRACT
There is increased infection risk at the time of autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) including for patients with plasma cell disorders (PCD), therefore preventing infection with COVID-19 vaccination in this vulnerable group is key. However, patients with PCD have been shown to mount suboptimal responses to COVID-19 vaccination. A clinical audit of serological response to COVID-19 vaccination before and after ASCT was undertaken, to observe how antibody titres change during this period. Antibodies to the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein were measured using the Elecsys Anti-SARS-CoV-2S assay (Roche diagnostics) in 88 patients who underwent ASCT for PCD at the University College London Hospital NHS Foundation Trust between December 2020 and September 2021. Pre-ASCT antibody titres were measured following first or second vaccine and following ASCT. The majority ( n = 76) had no prior history of COVID-19 infection, and four of this cohort declined vaccination. In those who received one vaccine pre-ASCT ( n = 21), 76% seroconverted with a median titre of 11.3 3 U/ml (IQR 1.5-62.6). In those who received two doses pre-ASCT ( n = 51), 97% seroconverted with a median titre of 494 U/ml (IQR 190.5-1681). In those who received two doses pre-ASCT, anti-S antibodies were detected in the immediate post-ASCT setting, with titres of 373 U/ml (median, IQR 40.6-2326) measured less than or equal to 28 days (median 15 [6-25]) post-ASCT, and 170 U/ml (IQR 55-604) at more than 28 days (median 85 [32-125]) post-ASCT. Patients who received one dose pre-ASCT had lower median titres of 36.5 U/ml (IQR 12.6-1310) measured less than or equal to 28 days (median 15 [12-22] post-ASCT and 7.7 U/ml (IQR 2.9-23.8) at more than 28 days (median 85 [40-104] post-ASCT. Antibody levels declined over time, but patients who had received two vaccines pre-ASCT maintained higher titres post-ASCT compared to those who had received one dose, emphasising the importance of COVID-19 vaccination prior to ASCT. Our patients are advised to be re-vaccinated against COVID-19 3 months after ASCT, and antibody response following re-vaccination was measured in a subgroup ( n = 14). Those who were previously un-vaccinated did not seroconvert following one dose. However, antibody titres in those who had received either one or two vaccines ( n = 12) prior to ASCT increased from 32.4 U/ml (median, IQR 13.4-1082) post-ASCT to 431 U/ml (median, IQR 15.33-2500) following re-vaccination. Those who had received two vaccines pre-ASCT ( n = 2) achieved higher titres than those who had received a single dose. In conclusion, we demonstrated how protective titres fall during the patient's journey through ASCT and our repeated interactions with them. Despite this, patients vaccinated prior to ASCT maintain some level of measurable antibody immediately post-ASCT, which is encouraging as patients are considered most vulnerable to infection during this period. Titres were also boosted effectively after one dose of re-vaccination, compared to those never vaccinated. Current guidance is for adult patients who have undergone ASCT to be considered 'never vaccinated' against COVID-19, in line with pre-COVID-19 re-vaccination practice, and to receive a three-dose primary course followed by a booster vaccination post-ASCT. We must facilitate and encourage our patients to be vaccinated prior and after ASCT in this rapidly changing landscape, especially in context of the spread and evolution of a potentially more transmissible virus. (Table Presented).