Enterotoxins A and B produced by Staphylococcus aureus increase cell proliferation, invasion and cytarabine resistance in acute myeloid leukemia cell lines.

As in the case of cancer, the risk of infection increases when the host's immune system is not working properly. It has been shown that toxins produced by the bacteria responsible for bacterial infections can alter the properties of cancer cells as well as their sensitivity to chemotherapy agents. Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is one of the most prevalent pathogens in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients and it produces several virulence factors, including Staphylococcal enterotoxin A (SEA) and Staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB). Cytotoxicity, transwell migration, invasion assays, and various transcriptomic and gene set enrichment (GSE) analyses were used to determine how SEA and SEB alter cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and Cytarabine (Cyt) resistance in AML cell lines. The treatment of AML cell lines with SEA/SEB caused an increase in cell proliferation and Cyt resistance. Toxins enhanced the proclivity of cells to migrate and invade, with around 50% of cells in the presence of SEA and SEB. Transcriptomic and gene set enrichment analyses, and subsequent PCR validations showed dysregulation of immune related genes and genesets. Apparently, this allows AML cells to escape and survive the undesirable environment created by toxins, possibly via the ER stress signaling pathway. Therefore, SEA and SEB can significantly alter the characteristics of AML cancer cells and evaluation of alterations in responsible immune genes and pathways may be crucial for controlling the progression of cancer. In addition, our results suggest that there may be a strong interaction between the immune related pathways and the ER signaling pathway.

The effects of Ankaferd hemostat on preventing oral mucositis in colorectal cancer patients receiving chemotherapy.

INTRODUCTION: New agents are introduced each day to be used in the prevention and treatment of mucositis in cancer treatment. One of those agents is the Ankaferd hemostat. Ankaferd hemostat has pleiotropic effects and anti-infective characteristics in tissue healing. METHODS: The study was designed as a randomized controlled experimental study. The sample of the study comprised a total of 66 patients (33 patients in the Ankaferd hemostat group and 33 patients in the sodium bicarbonate group) with colorectal cancer who received FOLFOX combination chemotherapy treatment in the first cycle of chemotherapy to prevent mucositis. Participants who met the criteria were randomly assigned to the groups. Before the patient received chemotherapy, ECOG performance score and Oral Mucositis Grading Scale were applied on the 7th day and 15th day. The Ankaferd hemostat group brushed teeth at least twice a day for 2 min and gargled with Ankaferd hemostat twice for 2 min for 2 weeks. The sodium bicarbonate group brushed teeth at least 2 min a day and gargled with sodium bicarbonate 4 times for 2 min for 2 weeks. The Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials diagram was used to illustrate the randomization of patients. RESULTS: When the Ankaferd hemostat group is compared with the sodium bicarbonate group, there is a significant difference in favor of the Ankaferd hemostat group in the mucositis grade on the 7th day and 15th day after chemotherapy (p < 0.05). In the binary logistic regression analysis, among the factors affecting the formation of mucositis on the 7th day, only neutrophil and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) were included in the model, while only the TSH variable is statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: It was determined that Ankaferd hemostat is effective in preventing oral mucositis due to chemotherapy in adult patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer. In addition, it has been suggested to conduct new studies on the effectiveness of Ankaferd hemostat in the prevention of mucositis in different groups. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (ID: NCT05438771, Date: 25.06.2022).

A single-center experience of haploidentical stem cell transplantation in hematological malignancies.

BACKGROUND: Since well-designed prospective comparative trials are lacking, haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantations approach should be based on the expertise of a particular center. In this study, we aimed to report the results and outcomes of patients who underwent haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. METHODS: : Thirty-nine patients who underwent transplantation in our clinic between 2015 and 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Primary end point of this study is to find out the survival rates of the patients. RESULTS: The overall survival of patients was 29.9 ± 4.9 months. The disease-free survival of the patients was 37.8 ± 5.7 months. The 3-year overall survival rate of the patients was %50 and the 3-year disease-free survival rate of the patients was %53. Nineteen patients were nonsurvivors among a total of 39 patients. Busulfan-fludarabine-thiotepa was the most frequently used conditioning regimen for transplantation. Busulfan-fludarabin-antithymocyte globulin regimen is the second preferred conditioning regimen. Cyclosporine- cyclophosphamide-mycophenolate mofetil was the most widely used graft-versus-host disease prophylaxis regimen. Sixteen patients had graft-versus-host disease, 28% of the patients had acute graft-versus-host disease, and 13% had chronic graft-versus-host disease. Gastrointestinal system consists of the most involved organs in graft-versus-host disease since 15% of the patients had gastrointestinal graft-versus-host disease. First-degree relatives (parent/child) were the most frequent donor source for haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Sepsis was the most frequent reason of death among transplant patients. DISCUSSION: In our center, we prefer to use high dose posttransplantation cyclophosphamide after haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for graft-versus-host disease prophylaxis. With this approach, our center's overall survival and disease-free survival rates are comparable and compatible with the literature findings.

Pathobiological alterations affecting the distinct clinical courses of pediatric versus adult COVID-19 syndrome.

Background/aim: The clinical presentation of pediatric coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is associated with a milder disease course than the adult COVID-19 syndrome. The disease course of COVID-19 has three clinicobiological phases: initiation, propagation, and complication. This study aimed to assess the pathobiological alterations affecting the distinct clinical courses of COVID-19 in pediatric age groups versus the adult population. We hypothesized that critical biogenomic marker expressions drive the mild clinical presentations of pediatric COVID-19. Materials and methods: Blood samples were obtained from 72 patients with COVID-19 hospitalized at Ankara City Hospital between March and July 2021. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated using Ficoll-Paque and density-gradient sedimentation. The groups were compared using a t-test and limma analyses. Mean standardized gene expression levels were used to hierarchically cluster genes employing Euclidean Gene Cluster 3.0. The expression levels of identified genes were determined using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Results: This study found that ANPEP gene expression was significantly downregulated in the pediatric group (p < 0.05, FC: 1.57) and IGF2R gene expression was significantly upregulated in the adult group (p < 0.05, FC: 2.98). The study results indicated that the expression of critical biogenomic markers, such as the first-phase (ACE2 and ANPEP) and second-phase (EGFR and IGF2R) receptor genes, was crucial in the genesis of mild clinical presentations of pediatric COVID-19. ANPEP gene expression was lower in pediatric COVID-19. Conclusion: The interrelationship between the ANPEP and ACE2 genes may prevent the progression of COVID-19 from initiation to the propagating phase in pediatric patients. High IGF2R gene expression could potentially contribute to a protective effect and may be a contributing factor for the mild clinical course observed in pediatric patients.

Comment on Zamfir et al. Hematologic Malignancies Diagnosed in the Context of the mRNA COVID-19 Vaccination Campaign: A Report of Two Cases. Medicina 2022, 58, 874.

The SARS-CoV-2 spike protein mRNA-based vaccines have prevented countless mortality and morbidity, and have an excellent risk/benefit ratio. However, various adverse events may rarely occur after the BNT162b2 vaccine, like any other medical intervention. The COVID-19 itself and the spike protein produced endogenously by mRNA vaccines may have immunological, microenvironmental, prothrombotic, and neoplastic effects. As a contribution to the published report, we would like to share our experience regarding four cases in which myeloid neoplasms emerged following the vaccination. Conclusions: There is no doubt that vaccination could continue along the lines of established universal recommendations. Meanwhile, all hematological adverse events must be closely monitored and reported. Further efforts should be focused on the probable pathobiological mechanisms and causalities of spike protein-related toxicity and clonal myeloid disorders.

Effectiveness of Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy for COVID-19 Patients in the Intensive Care Unit: A Case-Control Study

Objective: Many methods are used in the treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which causes acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and there are conflicting reports in the literature regarding the results of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy, which is one of those methods. The aim of our study is to evaluate the effect of MSC treatment applied together with standard treatments on survival. Materials and Methods: This retrospective case-control study evaluates the survival effect of MSC treatment administered to patients treated in intensive care after the development of ARDS due to COVID-19 between March 2020 and March 2021. The age, gender, comorbid disease status, APACHE II score, and overall and comorbidity-based survival rates were compared between patients who received standard medical treatment (SMT) and patients who received MSC treatment together with SMT. Results: There were 62 patients in the group receiving only SMT and 81 patients in the group receiving SMT and MSC. No difference was observed between the groups in terms of age, gender, presence of comorbid diseases, or APACHE II scores. There were also no differences according to Kaplan-Maier analysis for the survival statuses of the groups. There was no serious adverse effect due to MSC treatment among these patients. Conclusion: Our study presents the largest case series in the literature, and it was observed that MSC treatment may not significantly affect overall survival or comorbid disease-based survival, in contrast to many other studies in the literature.

NK-cell dysfunction of acute myeloid leukemia in relation to the renin-angiotensin system and neurotransmitter genes.

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is the most heterogeneous hematological disorder and blast cells need to fight against immune system. Natural killer (NK) cells can elicit fast anti-tumor responses in response to surface receptors of tumor cells. NK-cell activity is often impaired in the disease, and there is a risk of insufficient tumor suppression and progression. The aim of this study is to assess the dysfunction of NK cells in AML patients via focusing on two important pathways. We obtained single-cell RNA-sequencing data from NK cells obtained from healthy donors and AML patients. The data were used to perform a wide variety of approaches, including DESeq2 (version 3.9), limma (version 3.26.8) power differential expression analyses, hierarchical clustering, gene set enrichment, and pathway analysis. ATP6AP2, LNPEP, PREP, IGF2R, CTSA, and THOP1 genes were found to be related to the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) family, while DPP3, GLRA3, CRCP, CHRNA5, CHRNE, and CHRNB1 genes were associated with the neurotransmitter pathways. The determined genes are expressed within different patterns in the AML and healthy groups. The relevant molecular pathways and clusters of genes were identified, as well. The cross-talks of NK-cell dysfunction in relation to the RAS and neurotransmitters seem to be important in the genesis of AML.

Turkey real-life data: demographic features, treatment results and effects of comorbidities in chronic myeloid leukemia.

Aim: This study aimed to identify patient characteristics, treatment patterns and outcomes and to evaluate the effects of presence of comorbidities at diagnosis in chronic phase (CP)-chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients in Turkey. Materials & methods: Hospital records between 2005 and 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Results: Of 861 CP-CML patients included, 31% had at least one comorbidity at diagnosis. Sex, cardiovascular disease status at diagnosis and molecular (at least major) and cytogenetic (partial and complete) responses were the independent predictors of survival. Conclusion: The response rates of CP-CML patients to the tyrosine kinase inhibitors were satisfactory. In addition to tolerability and side effect profiles of drugs, comorbidity status of patients should also be considered in treatment choice in CML patients.

This study aimed to identify patient characteristics, treatment patterns and outcomes and to evaluate the effects of presence of comorbidities at diagnosis in chronic phase (CP)-chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients in Turkey. Hospital records of patients between 2005 and 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Of the included 861 CP-CML patients, 31% had at least one comorbidity at diagnosis. The survival of the patients was affected by sex, cardiovascular disease status at diagnosis, and molecular (at least major) and cytogenetic (partial and complete) responses. The response rates of CP-CML patients to the tyrosine kinase inhibitors were satisfactory. In addition to tolerability and side effect profiles of drugs, comorbidity status of patients should also be considered in treatment choice in CML patients.

Efficacy of eltrombopag in thrombocytopenia after hematopoietic stem celltransplantation.

BACKGROUND: Thrombocytopenia is a common complication following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Eltrombopag has been used in thrombocytopenia treatment after HSCT in recent years. Herein, we present our experience of 25 patients treated with eltrombopag for post-HSCT thrombocytopenia. METHODS: Fifteen autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT) and 10 allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) recipients treated with eltrombopag for treatment of prolonged isolated thrombocytopenia (PIT) or secondary failure of platelet recovery (SFPR) in the stem cell transplantation unit of Hacettepe University Hematology Department between 2017 and 2021 were included in the study. The primary endpoint of this study is eltrombopag response in patients diagnosed with PIT or SFPR. Platelet count above 50,000/mm3 for five consecutive days without platelet transfusion was considered as eltrombopag response. Overall survival (OS) analyses were calculated based on the time between HSCT and death from any cause. The patients who were alive at the last follow-up were censored at this time for calculation of OS analyses. RESULTS: AHSCT (66.7% (10/15)) and allo-HSCT (50% (5/10)) recipients responded to eltrombopag for the treatment of post-HSCT thrombocytopenia. There was no excess toxicity related to the eltrombopag use. The median response duration of allo-HSCT recipients and AHSCT recipients were 41 (13-104) days and 50 (7-342) days, respectively. There was a statistically significant OS duration difference between the responders and nonresponders in allo-HSCT and AHSCT recipients with p values of 0.005 and 0.02, respectively. DISCUSSION: Eltrombopag is promising for the treatment of thrombocytopenia after AHSCT and allo-HSCT in terms of efficacy and safety.

Antineoplastic Effects of Ankaferd Hemostat.

Materials and Methods: Up to June 2022, literature searches were performed using the internet search engines Medline, Google Scholar, and Embase: Ankaferd. PRISMA flow diagram described the Ankaferd search. Results: ABS have important effects in several cellular processes, like control of the cell cycle, apoptosis, angiogenesis, signal transduction, inflammation, immunologic, and metabolic mechanisms. The molecular basis of antineoplastic roles of ABS depends on its proteomics, metabolomics, and transcriptomics features. ABS has antineoplastic effects on solid tumors like colon, bladder, breast, and osteosarcoma cancer cells. Also, ABS effects renal tubular apoptosis and has antitumoral roles on malign melanoma cells. ABS inhibits hematological tumors like myeloma and lymphoid cells. ABS induces apoptosis in retinal cells and has inhibitory effects on mesenchymal stem cells. It has an antiproliferative role on gastrointestinal tumors like hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Moreover, ABS has a treatment supportive role in cancer since it can prevent oxidative DNA damage and decrease the intestinal damage in necrotizing enterocolitis. Furthermore, it has chemopreventive and hepatoprotective features and can be used for prophylaxis and treatment of oral mucositis. Conclusion: ABS alters cell metabolism and cell cycle. ABS has antineoplastic role on cancer cells. The expanding context of ABS compromises anti-infective, antineoplastic, and wound healing features. ABS may also be used for the palliative, adjuvant, neoadjuvant, or supportive use by interventional radiology procedures for the treatment of solid tumors. Future controlled studies are necessary to clarify the pleiotropic role of ABS like antineoplastic, antithrombotic, anti-inflammatory, anti-infective, antifungal, and antioxidative effects.

The effect of comorbidities on the choice of tyrosine kinase inhibitors in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia.

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) approved for chronic myeloid leukemia known to have similar efficacies but different safety profiles. Therefore, the choice of patient-specific treatments is driven by factors such as tolerability and adverse event profile of TKIs. This review article examines the most up-to-date data and provides practical recommendations for clinical approaches. Nilotinib and ponatinib should be avoided in patients with cardiovascular risk factors, dasatinib in patients with lung damage and bosutinib and nilotinib in patients with liver disease. Considering that certain comorbidities predispose some patients to developing severe adverse events when receiving TKIs, the first- and second-line treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia should be tailored to each patient's individual condition.

Prophylactic Central Nervous System Irradiation Is Not Indispensable in Adult Patients with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: A Multicenter Retrospective Cohort Study

Objective: Studies comparing the efficacy and safety of prophylactic regimens for central nervous system (CNS) involvement in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) are scarce in adults. This multicenter retrospective study aimed to compare the efficacy of prophylactic regimens with and without CNS irradiation on the development of CNS relapse during follow-up. Materials and Methods: This was a multicenter comparative cohort study. A total of 203 patients were included from four tertiary care centers in Turkey. Patients were divided into two groups according to whether they received CNS irradiation or not. The groups were analyzed retrospectively regarding patient and disease characteristics, with the main focus being CNS relapse. Results: While 105 patients received chemotherapy-based prophylaxis, 98 patients received additional CNS irradiation. These groups were statistically comparable in terms of demographic characteristics and risk factors for CNS involvement. In the irradiation group, patients were younger and had more stem cell transplants. In a median of 23.8 (11.1-62.4) months, there was no difference between the two groups regarding CNS relapse-free survival (log-rank p=0.787). Conclusion: Craniospinal irradiation may not be indispensable for every adult patient with ALL, similarly to pediatric patients. It is crucial to avoid the long-term toxicities of radiation, especially in patients with long life expectancy. Craniospinal irradiation may be reserved for therapeutic use in cases of CNS relapse and prophylaxis for some high-risk patients.

Bone Marrow Origin of Coronary Artery Diseases: The Impact of the Local Renin-Angiotensin System.

The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) has both important systemic circulatory and local effects. The effects of local cardiac RAS on the cardiovascular system have been increasingly researched. In this study, we review the relationship between local bone marrow and local cardiac RAS and their impacts on atherosclerosis.

Review on Characteristics and Analytical Methods of Rivaroxaban.

Rivaroxaban (RIV) is an oral anticoagulant that is the first available orally active direct inhibitor of factor Xa. This study focuses on a critical review of the mechanisms of action, characteristics, operations, physicochemical properties of RIV, and analytical methodologies to quantify the concentration of the agent in bulk, pharmaceutical formulations, dissolution media, and biological samples. The major analytical methodology for the determination of RIV is reverse-phase HPLC coupled with UV detection and LC-MS/MS. This technique is particularly beneficial to detect and analyze RIV in plasma samples. The methodologies published in literature until recently were tabulated and the sample preparation techniques prior to analyzes of the biological matrix were discussed. Based on this critical literature screening, it was concluded that the researchers may easily apply or modify the published methodologies depending on their purpose on further studies since the chemical and physical properties of RIV allows this agent to be extracted and analyzed by employing different analytical strategies.

Human Ace D/I Polymorphism Could Affect the Clinicobiological Course of COVID-19.

INTRODUCTION: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), that is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has spread rapidly worldwide since December 2019. The SARS-CoV-2 virus has a great affinity for the angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE-2) receptor, which is an essential element of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS). This study is aimed at assessing the impact of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene insertion (I)/deletion (D) polymorphisms, on the susceptibility and clinical outcomes of the COVID-19 immunoinflammatory syndrome. Patients and Methods. A total of 112 patients diagnosed with COVID-19 between 1 and 15 May 2020 were enrolled in the study. ACE gene allele frequencies were compared to the previously reported Turkish population comprised of 300 people. RESULTS: The most common genotype in the patients and control group was DI with 53% and II with 42%, respectively. The difference in the presence of the D allele between the patient and control groups was statistically significant (67% vs. 42%, respectively, p < 0.0001). Severe pneumonia was observed more in patients with DI allele (31%) than DD (8%) and II (0%) (p = 0.021). The mortality rate, time to defervescence, and the hospitalization duration were not different between the genotype groups. CONCLUSION: Genotype DI of ACE I/D polymorphism is associated with the infectious rate particularly severe pneumonia in this study conducted in the Turkish population. Therefore, ACE D/I polymorphism could affect the clinical course of COVID-19.

The clinical course of COVID-19 in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) recipients

Background/aim: The disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 was named as COVID-19. There is as yet insufficient information about the effects of HSCT on the clinical course of COVID-19. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the clinical course of COVID-19 in patients who had undergone HSCT. Materials and methods: We analyzed baseline characteristics, clinical course and findings of COVID-19, hospitalization and death rates, overall survival, and case fatality rates of HSCT recipients diagnosed with COVID-19 retrospectively. Results: 57.6% of the patients underwent AHSCT, and 42.4% underwent allo-HSCT. 60.6%, 27.3%, and 12.1% of the patients had mild, moderate, and severe COVID-19 or critical illness, respectively. Overall, 45.5% were hospitalized, 12.1% required intensive care, and 9.1% necessitated invasive mechanical ventilation. The total CFR was 9.1% in HSCT recipients, 22.2% in patients with active hematologic malignancy, and 4.2% in patients without active hematologic malignancy. Conclusion: It can be concluded that mortality of HSCT recipients is lower in patients whose primary disease is in remission compared to ones that are not in remission. Further studies with larger group patients are needed in order to delineate the effects of COVID-19 on HSCT patients.

Current community transmission and future perspectives on the COVID-19 process

Background/aim: COVID-19 syndrome due to the SARS-CoV-2 virus is a currently challenging situation ongoing worldwide. Since the current pandemic of the SARS-CoV-2 virus is a great concern for everybody in the World, the frequently asked question is how and when the COVID-19 process will be concluded. The aim of this paper is to propose hypotheses in order to answer this essential question. As recently demonstrated, SARS-CoV-2 RNAs can be reverse-transcribed and integrated into the human genome. Our main hypothesis is that the ultimate aim of the SARS-CoV-2 virus is the incorporation to human genome and being an element of the intestinal virobiota. Materials and methods: We propose that the SARS-CoV-2 genomic incorporation to be a part of human virobiota is essentially based on three pathobiological phases which are called as the 'induction', 'consolidation', and 'maintenance phases'. The phase of 'recurrence' complicates any of these three disease phases based on the viral load, exposure time, and more contagious strains and/or mutants. We have performed the 'random walk model' in order to predict the community transmission kinetics of the virus. Results: Chimerism-mediated immunotherapy at the individual and community level with the help of vaccination seems to be the only option for ending the COVID-19 process. After the integration of SARS-CoV-2 virus into the human genome via the induction, consolidation, and maintenance phases as an element of intestinal virobiota, the chimerism would be concluded. The 'viral load', the 'genomic strain of the SARS-CoV-2', and 'host immune reaction against the SARS-CoV-2' are the hallmarks of this long journey. Conclusion: Elucidation of the functional viral dynamics will be helpful for disease management at the individual- and community- based long-term management strategies.

Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem-Cell Transplantation Improves Disease-Free Survival Compared to Pediatric-Inspired Berlin-Frankfurt-Münster Chemotherapy in Adult Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.

INTRODUCTION: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a malign disease with poor prognosis in adults. After remission is achieved by induction therapy, administration of allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (AHSCT) is one of the standard treatment in adult ALL patients. Pediatric-inspired chemotherapy has been demonstrated to improve outcomes of adult ALL. The aim of this study was to compare the Berlin-Frankfurt-Münster-95 chemotherapy (BFM-95) regimen and AHSCT results in ALL patients with first complete remission. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forty-seven patients who received the BFM-95 regimen and 83 patients who underwent AHSCT were compared. Primary endpoints were comparison of overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) between groups. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of age, gender, or performance status. In BFM-95 and AHSCT, relapsed disease occurred in 11 (23.4%) and 24 (28.9%), respectively; the respective values for treatment-related mortality were 6 (12.7%) and 10 (12%) (P = .32 and .91). Five-year DFS was 38% with BFM-95 and 57% with AHSCT (P = .014). There was no 5-year OS difference in both groups (64% vs 60%, P = .13). While leukocyte count < 30 × 109/L at the time of diagnosis (hazard ratio, 2.7; P = .021) and prophylaxis of central nervous system (hazard ratio, 2; P = .036) were prognostic for OS, the only factor that had a prognostic effect on DFS was AHSCT (hazard ratio, 1.6; P = .041). CONCLUSION: AHSCT currently offers no special OS advantage but increases DFS compared to the BFM-95 regimen. AHSCT may be considered at first complete remission in patients at low risk of transplant-related mortality.

Long-term results of allogeneic peripheral blood hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for severe aplastic anemia.

OBJECTIVE: Aplastic anemia (AA) is a life-threatening disorder and may be associated with significant morbidity and mortality Currently, the first treatment option is allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (allo-HSCT) for patients younger than 40 years. Bone marrow is recommended as the stem cell source due to less graft versus host disease (GVHD) risk and better outcomes than peripheral blood (PB)-derived stem cell. The aim of this study is to share the data of AA patients who have underwent PB-derived allo-HSCT in our bone marrow transplantation center. METHODS: Twenty-seven patients who underwent PB-derived allo-HSCT from human leukocyte antigen matched sibling donors were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: The median follow-up time was 95.2 months (range, 4.8-235 months). The 10-year survival was 89 %. The median neutrophil and platelet engraftment time was 11 days (range, 9-16 days) and 13 days (range, 11-29 days), respectively. Primary platelet engraftment failure was observed in 1 patient (3.7 %). Acute and chronic GVHD observed in 2 (7.4 %) and 3 (11.1 %) patients, respectively. Neutropenic fever was observed in 13 (44.8 %) of patients until the engraftment after allo-HSCT. One patient died due to CMV infections, two died due to septic shock secondary to fungal infection. CONCLUSION: Although there is no prospective data directly comparing BM with PB as stem cell source in AA, observational studies indicates better OS with BM. PB can be used in certain situations such as higher risk for graft failure and donor preference. This study demonstrated that PB-derived stem cell seems to be a reasonable alternative to BM.

Evaluation of Prognostic Significance of the International Staging System According to Glomerular Filtration Rate in Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma Patients Eligible for Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation

Objective: The prognosis of multiple myeloma (MM) patients is highly heterogeneous. The aim of this study is to determine the impact of patients' renal functions on the prognostic performance of the International Staging System (ISS). In addition, we aimed to evaluate the results of survival of patients with ISS stages and normal renal functions and those with ISS stages and abnormal renal functions with this study. Materials and Methods: Two hundred and four patients with newly diagnosed MM who received an autologous stem cell transplantation after induction chemotherapy in our tertiary care center between the years of 2001 and 2018 were evaluated. Results: There were 153 (75%) MM patients who had a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of ≥60 mL/min and 51 (25%) MM patients who had GFR of <60 mL/min at the time of diagnosis in this study. There was a strong correlation between ISS stage and GFR. The ISS stages were higher in patients who had GFR of <60 mL/min than patients who had GFR of ≥60 mL/min (p<0.001). Patients with GFR of <60 mL/min were significantly more prevalent in the ISS III group than ISS I and II (p<0.001). Conclusion: This study showed that the ISS provides significant prognostic information in MM patients with GFR of ≥60 mL/min at diagnosis. However, in patients with impaired renal function at the time of diagnosis, B2-microglobulin may not be a good prognostic indicator since it may be affected by renal dysfunction as well as tumor burden.