[Primary myelofibrosis with double mutation in U2AF1].

A 47-year-old woman presented with subcutaneous hemorrhage. Blood tests revealed leukoerythroblastosis, anemia, and thrombocytopenia. Bone marrow biopsy led to a diagnosis of primary myelofibrosis (aaDIPSS, DIPSS-plus: intermediate-II risk). JAK2, CALR, and MPL mutations were not detected in peripheral blood, but targeted sequencing of bone marrow specimens revealed a double mutation (Q157R, S34F) in U2AF1. Allo-PBSCT was performed using an HLA-matched related donor, and post-transplantation bone marrow examination showed complete donor chimerism on day 55. Two years after allogeneic transplantation, the patient remains relapse-free. Although U2AF1 gene abnormality is known as a poor prognostic factor in primary myelofibrosis, this patient had a favorable long-term prognosis due to prompt transplantation therapy. This case highlights the importance of detailed gene mutation analysis in patients with triple-negative MF.

Drug interactions of tacrolimus with letermovir and azole antifungals following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: A retrospective observational analysis.

Tacrolimus interacts with letermovir and azole antifungals, whereas letermovir has nonuniform effects on the pharmacokinetics of azole antifungals. We retrospectively investigated the interaction of tacrolimus (continuous infusion) with letermovir considering co-administered azole antifungals in adult hematopoietic stem cell transplantation patients. The extent of intraindividual variation in the ratio of tacrolimus concentration to dose normalized by body weight (C/D ratio) was investigated. The correlation between the C/D ratio and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was analyzed. In 35 patients (795 points), the C/D ratio was higher in the tacrolimus plus letermovir period than in the tacrolimus alone period (1234.7 [566.2-2721.0] ng/mL/mg/kg vs. 564.4 [245.3-1861.3] ng/mL/mg/kg, p < .001). This trend was observed when co-administered with azole antifungals (n = 30, 1285.5 [662.7-2506.7] ng/mL/mg/kg vs. 547.1 [245.3-1861.3] ng/mL/mg/kg, p < .001), but not without azole antifungals (n = 5, 809.9 [566.2-1573.3] ng/mL/mg/kg vs. 616.1 [350.6-979.8] ng/mL/mg/kg, p = .125). For patients co-administered fluconazole, the tacrolimus C/D ratio increased in patients with letermovir than those without letermovir (n = 28, 1215.0 [662.7-2506.7] ng/mL/mg/kg vs. 529.9 [245.3-1654.4] ng/mL/mg/kg, p < .001). Tacrolimus C/D ratio did not correlate with eGFR under letermovir and fluconazole administrations (y = 0.1x + 1307.1, r = .008, p = .968). Close blood concentration monitoring of intravenous tacrolimus is required when patients administered letermovir and azole antifungals.

Allogeneic stem cell transplantation for children and adolescents/young adults with de novo blastic phase chronic myeloid leukemia in the tyrosine kinase inhibitor era.

The analysis of 165 children and adolescents/young adults with de novo blastic phase chronic myeloid leukemia showed disease status at hematopoietic stem cell transplantation was a strong prognostic factor and clearly separated the patient outcomes.

Prognostic impact of complex karyotype on post-transplant outcomes of myelofibrosis.

Chromosomal abnormalities in the role of prognostic factor for transplant patients with myelofibrosis (MF) are not fully investigated. Regarding complex karyotype (CK), we retrospectively analyzed 241 patients with primary and secondary MF who received a first allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). Based on an unfavorable karyotype in the Dynamic International Prognostic Scoring System, we compared the outcomes in 3 groups: favorable karyotype, unfavorable karyotype including CK (unfavorable-CK(+)), and unfavorable karyotype not including CK (unfavorable-CK(-)). Overall survival was significantly shorter in the unfavorable-CK(+) group (hazard ratio (HR) 2.49, 95% CI: 1.46-4.24, P < 0.001), whereas there was no difference between the unfavorable-CK(-) group and the favorable group (HR 0.57, 95% CI: 0.20-1.59, P = 0.28). In addition, a significantly higher proportion of patients in the unfavorable-CK(+) group did not achieve complete remission after HCT (P = 0.007). The cumulative incidence of disease progression was significantly higher in the unfavorable-CK(+) group (HR 2.5, 95% CI 1.6-3.92, P < 0.001), whereas that in the unfavorable-CK(-) group was comparable to that in the favorable group (HR 0.49, 95% CI 0.12-1.94, P = 0.31). Further investigations will be needed to clarify the impact of CK on transplant outcomes in MF.

Clinical utility of oral management in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation recipients: microbiological evidence based on molecular analysis of oral bacteria.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to clarify the clinical utility of oral management to prevent bloodstream infections by oral bacteria microbiologically in patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (ASCT). METHODS: Ten consecutive patients with hematological malignancies undergoing ASCT were enrolled in this study. We implemented dental treatments before transplantation, if required, and carried out oral hygiene instructions and oral management every other day after transplantation. Molecular analysis of bacterial DNA for seven oral species using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay was performed for oral samples and peripheral blood once a week for 3 weeks after transplantation. RESULTS: Periodontitis was found in all 10 patients (mild grade in 3 and middle grade in 7) for whom basic periodontal therapy was conducted. Necessary dental procedures, including tooth extraction were performed in 5 patients. After transplantation, oral mucositis occurred in 10 patients (grade 1 in 3, grade 2 in 2, and grade 3 in 5) for whom oral hygiene instruction and oral care were continued every other day. PCR-identified three to six bacterial species in oral samples from nine patients, but none in peripheral blood from any patient during the observation period. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that oral management could prevent bloodstream infections by oral bacteria in ASCT recipients despite the existence of periodontitis or oral mucositis. Its utility was confirmed by microbiological evidence based on molecular data.

Voriconazole as a secondary prophylaxis for cryptococcal meningitis during hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

Antifungal prophylaxis is crucial for successful hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Maintenance therapy with fluconazole (FLCZ) is generally prescribed as secondary prophylaxis in patients with human immunodeficiency virus infection and non-immunocompromised hosts. However, previous reports have revealed that FLCZ is insufficient as a secondary prophylaxis for cryptococcal infection in HSCT cases. There is no well-established evidence of effective secondary prophylaxis against cryptococcal infection in conditions of severe immunosuppression, such as in HSCT. Herein, we report a case of atypical chronic myeloid leukemia (aCML) presenting with cryptococcal meningitis. A 58-year-old man with progressive leukocytosis and headache was referred to our hospital. Bone marrow biopsy revealed aCML. Because the estimated overall survival was limited, HSCT was indicated. Furthermore, enhanced magnetic resonance imaging and lumbar puncture aided in diagnosing cryptococcal meningitis, which was treated with a combination therapy comprising liposomal amphotericin B and 5-fluorocystine for 28 days. Given the high recurrence rate of cryptococcal meningitis, voriconazole (VRCZ) dose was calculated using the trough concentration of VRCZ in the cerebrospinal fluid. Eventually, HSCT was successfully performed at an appropriate therapeutic range of VRCZ. To the best of our knowledge, there is no case report on HSCT with secondary prophylaxis against cryptococcal meningitis. Our report thus emphasizes the efficacy of VRCZ maintenance therapy as secondary prophylaxis for cryptococcal infection.

Comparison of Transplantation Outcomes after Foscarnet and Ganciclovir Administration as First-Line Anti-Cytomegalovirus Preemptive Therapy.

Ganciclovir (GCV) and foscarnet (FCN) are effective anti-cytomegalovirus (CMV) preemptive therapies; however, the impact of the 2 agents on various clinical outcomes of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) remains unclear. We retrospectively analyzed data on 532 patients undergoing allogeneic HSCT from unrelated donors and administered FCN (n = 86) or GCV (n = 446) as first-line anti-CMV preemptive therapy. Overall survival, relapse, and nonrelapse mortality (NRM) did not differ between the FCN and GCV groups, whereas the GCV group had a higher risk of chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) (hazard ratio [HR], 2.38; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.28 to 4.39; P = .006) and extensive cGVHD (HR, 3.94; 95% CI, 1.43 to 10.9; P = .008). All 13 patients with cGVHD in the FCN group survived. Switching to the other agent was done mainly due to hematologic adverse events in the GCV group and mainly due to insufficient efficacy in the FCN group. The incidence of end-organ CMV disease was similar in the 2 groups. Selection of FCN or GCV as first-line preemptive anti-CMV therapy did not affect survival, relapse, or NRM. Physicians can select either of the agents, depending on the clinical situation; however, the selection may influence the cGVHD-related clinical course in HSCT recipients.

Early central nervous system relapse of monomorphic epitheliotropic intestinal T-cell lymphoma after cord blood transplantation.

Monomorphic epitheliotropic intestinal T-cell lymphoma (MEITL) is a rare subtype of intestinal T-cell lymphoma that occurs mostly in Asia. CHOP-like therapy is usually selected, but the prognosis is very poor. This report concerns a 43-year-old woman with newly diagnosed stage IVA MEITL. The patient obtained a partial response after 4 cycles of GDP (gemcitabine, dexamethasone, cisplatin) and achieved a complete response (CR) after cord blood transplantation (CBT) conditioned with total body irradiation, cyclophosphamide, and cytarabine. Seven months after transplantation, the patient experienced cognitive impairment. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain showed a high-intensity lesion in the right cerebral peduncle and internal capsule. A cerebrospinal fluid examination confirmed central nervous system (CNS) relapse of MEITL. After 3 cycles of MPV (methotrexate, procarbazine, vincristine) followed by whole-brain radiotherapy, her cognitive impairment improved. Due to disease progression, she died 6 months after CNS relapse. Given the CNS relapse after achieving a CR with GDP and CBT in this patient, CNS prophylaxis during first-line therapy may be beneficial in the treatment of MEITL.

[Therapy-related acute promyelocytic leukemia with complex karyotype accompanied by cryptic PML/RARA on chromosome 15 by metaphase FISH].

A 53-year-old male presented with pancytopenia for 13 months. He had a past history of follicular lymphoma and hypopharyngeal cancer, which was treated via chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Bone marrow aspiration biopsy of the patient revealed a hypocellular marrow with 32% of hypergranular blasts without Auer bodies. There were also erythroid and megakaryocytic dysplasia in the bone marrow. Although the PML/RARA transcript was detected by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), the G-banding karyotype analysis showed a complex karyotype without t (15;17). The PML/RARA fusion signal was identified on chromosome 15 by metaphase FISH. The patient was diagnosed of therapy-related acute promyelocytic leukemia (t-APL) with cryptic PML/RARA. He successfully attained molecular complete remission with all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) and two courses of arsenic trioxide (ATO). He was subsequently administered nivolumab without ATRA maintenance therapy because of a progressing metastasis of a hypopharyngeal cancer to the lung. The patient had a relapse of t-APL following nine courses of nivolumab, 8 months after ending consolidation therapy with ATO. Reinduction therapy with ATRA was not effective for the relapsed t-APL that was accompanied by del (5q) and monosomy 7. Little has been previously reported on t-APL with cryptic PML/RARA. Therefore, the clinical course of this patient may provide useful insights about the characteristics of t-APL with cryptic PML/RARA.

[Successful treatment with a combination of elotuzumab, lenalidomide and dexamethasone of extramedullary disease in a patient with refractory multiple myeloma].

A 56-year-old man diagnosed with multiple myeloma was treated with CBD (cyclophosphamide, bortezomib, and dexamethasone; DEX), which was discontinued because of bortezomib-associated adverse events. Thereafter, he was treated with Ld (lenalidomide; LEN+DEX) followed by high-dose chemotherapy with autologous stem cell rescue, resulting in a complete response. Ld as maintenance therapy was discontinued because of immune thrombocytopenia, resulting in disease progression. Although treatment was switched to Pd (pomalidomide+DEX), DLd (daratumumab+LEN+DEX), and IRd (ixazomib+LEN+DEX); the patient's M protein level continued to increase and the extramedullary disease expanded despite radiotherapy. He was treated with E-Ld (elotuzumab+LEN+DEX) after 3 cycles of short VAD (vincristine, doxorubicin, and DEX). The extramedullary disease disappeared after 8 cycles of E-Ld. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report showing the effectiveness of E-Ld treatment for extramedullary disease of a heavily treated patient for multiple myeloma. We believe that the clinical course of this patient provides useful insights about the antimyeloma mechanism of elotuzumab.

Achievement of long-term remission of disseminated histoplasmosis in an AIDS patient.

Histoplasmosis, a fungal infection caused by Histoplasma capsulatum, is poor prognosis once it disseminated, especially in immunocompromised patients. A 50-year-old Japanese-Brazilian male with multiple cervical lymphadenopathies was diagnosed as disseminated histoplasmosis and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Anti-fungal therapy was initiated followed by anti-retroviral therapy (ART). He achieved long-term remission by treatment with voriconazole. Here we report a case of an AIDS patient with disseminated histoplasmosis who achieved long-term survival in non-endemic area.

[Atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome with C3 p.I1157T missense mutation successfully treated with eculizumab].

A 23-year-old man from Mie Prefecture, Japan, with past and family history of hematuria was diagnosed with influenza A and admitted to our hospital on the following day because of hemoglobinuria. He was diagnosed with thrombotic microangiopathy and was suspected of having atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS). C3 p.I1157T missense mutation, which we had previously reported in eight aHUS patients from six families in Mie Prefecture, was identified. The laboratory findings and symptoms of our patient promptly improved after administering eculizumab. Little information is available on abnormalities of the complement system in aHUS or on mutation-specific outcomes of eculizumab therapy. Eculizumab was effective for treating our aHUS patient with C3 p.I1157T missense mutation.

Clinical Utility of Wilms' Tumor 1 Monitoring in Patients with Myeloid Malignancy and Prior Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation.

Although allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) is 1 of the standard treatments for myeloid malignancy, relapse remains a major obstacle to cure. Early detection of relapse by monitoring of minimal residual disease (MRD) may enable us to intervene pre-emptively and potentially prevent overt relapse. Wilms' tumor 1 (WT1) is well known as a pan-leukemic marker. We retrospectively examined serially monitored WT1 levels of peripheral blood in 98 patients (84 with acute myeloid leukemia and 14 with myelodysplastic syndrome). At the time of allo-HSCT, 49 patients (50%) were in complete remission. Patients were divided into 3 groups according to WT1 levels (<50 copies/µg RNA, 50 to 500 copies/µg RNA and >500 copies/µg RNA). The cumulative incidence of relapse (CIR) and overall survival (OS) differed statistically according to the WT1 levels before allo-HSCT and at days 30 and 60 after allo-HSCT. In multivariate analysis, WT1 >500 copies/µg RNA before and at day 60 after allo-HSCT and WT1 ≥50 copies/µg RNA at day 30 were correlated with CIR. Moreover, WT1 >500 copies/µg RNA at day 60 after allo-HSCT was only correlated with worse OS. Our data suggest that serial monitoring of WT1 levels in peripheral blood may be useful for MRD monitoring and as a predictor of hematological relapse in allo-HSCT.

Management of Pulmonary Mucormycosis Based on a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Diagnosis in Patients with Hematologic Malignancies: A Report of Four Cases.

Pulmonary mucormycosis (PM) is a life-threatening fungal infection in patients with hematologic malignancies, and early and accurate diagnostic modalities are urgently needed. We conducted a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay targeting these fungi in peripheral blood from four patients with hematologic malignancies who were strongly suspected of having PM. In these four patients, the Rhizopus species was identified in two patients, and the Cunninghamella and Absidia species in one each. Based on these molecular findings, all of the patients were successfully treated via targeted therapy with liposomal amphotericin B. In this report, a PCR analysis proved very useful for managing PM in patients with hematologic malignancies.

Bacteremia due to Leuconostoc pseudomesenteroides in a Patient with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Leuconostoc species are vancomycin-resistant Gram-positive cocci. Infections due to Leuconostoc species have been reported in various immunocompromised patients, but little is known about such infection in patients with hematologic malignancies. We report a case of Leuconostoc infection in a 44-year-old woman with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The patient developed a high fever despite antimicrobial therapy with doripenem after induction chemotherapy. After an isolate from blood cultures was identified as L. pseudomesenteroides, we changed the antibiotics to piperacillin-tazobactam and gentamicin, after which the patient recovered from the infection. Physicians should be aware of Leuconostoc species as causative pathogen if they encounter Gram-positive cocci bacteremia resistant to standard antibiotics such as vancomycin and teicoplanin, especially in patients with hematologic malignancies.

Association of Cumulative Steroid Dose with Risk of Infection after Treatment for Severe Acute Graft-versus-Host Disease.

This study aimed to characterize the incidence and risk factors of invasive fungal disease, cytomegalovirus infection, other viral diseases, and gram-negative rod infection after glucocorticoid treatment for severe acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation and to elucidate the associations of cumulative steroid dose with the risks of individual infections. The study cohort included 91 consecutive patients who developed maximum grades III and IV acute GVHD at our center. The mean cumulative prednisolone-equivalent dose was 41 mg/kg during the first 4 weeks. The cumulative incidence rates of fungal disease, cytomegalovirus disease, other viral diseases, and gram-negative rod infection at 6 months after glucocorticoid treatment were remarkably high, at 14%, 21%, 28%, and 20%, respectively. GVHD within 26 days after transplantation and low lymphocyte count at GVHD treatment were associated with increased risks of several infections. Cumulative prednisolone-equivalent steroid doses ≥ 55 mg/kg during the first 4 weeks were associated with an increased risk of fungal disease (hazard ratio, 3.65; P = .03) and cumulative doses ≥ 23 mg/kg were associated with an increased risk of non-cytomegalovirus viral diseases (hazard ratio, 4.14; P = .02). Strategies to reduce the risk of infectious complications are needed, particularly for patients who have risk factors and those who receive high cumulative steroid doses.