Is 18F-FDG-PET/CT an Optimal Imaging Modality for Detecting Immune-Related Adverse Events after Immune-Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy? Pros and Cons.

Immunotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has revolutionized contemporary oncology, presenting efficacy in various solid tumors and lymphomas. However, ICIs may potentially overstimulate the immune system, leading to immune-related adverse events (irAEs). IrAEs may affect multiple organs, such as the colon, stomach, small intestine, kidneys, skin, lungs, joints, liver, lymph nodes, bone marrow, brain, heart, and endocrine glands (e.g., pancreas, thyroid, or adrenal glands), exhibiting autoimmune inflammation. 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT) is commonly used in oncology for staging and assessment of therapy responses, but it may also serve as a tool for detecting irAEs. This review aims to present various patterns of metabolic activation associated with irAEs due to ICI treatment, identifiable through 18F-FDG PET/CT. It describes the advantages of early detection of irAEs, but also presents the challenges in differentiating them from tumor progression. It also delves into aspects of molecular response assessment within the context of pseudoprogression and hyperprogression, along with typical imaging findings related to these phenomena. Lastly, it summarizes the role of functional PET imaging in oncological immunotherapy, speculating on its future significance and limitations.

Anti-HLA Immunization in Patients After Lung Transplantation: A Comparative Study Before and During the Pandemic.

Anti-human leukocyte antigen (anti-HLA) sensitization in lung transplant recipients (LTRs) can significantly impact graft survival and patient outcomes. The global pandemic, induced by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, brought about numerous challenges in the medical sphere, including potential alterations in HLA immunization patterns among LTRs. A retrospective analysis of LTRs group transplanted from July 2018 to 1 March 2020 (pre-pandemic) was compared with patients transplanted from 1 March 2020 to December 2022 (during the pandemic). Totally 92 patients were controlled. Patients were also divided into 2 groups: vaccinated and non-vaccinated. The results of cytotoxic crossmatch, results of anti-HLA antibody testing, presence of DSA before and after transplantation, and early and late graft function were compared between groups. In the pandemic and vaccinated groups, an increase was observed in the number of positive crossmatch tests performed with a pool of B lymphocytes. However, the presence of dithiothreitol abolished the positive reaction in 90% of cases. We also observed an increased percentage of patients immunized based on the results of solid phase tests both in the pandemic group and in the group of patients who received vaccination against the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It might be that the pandemic/vaccination has influenced the prevalence of anti-HLA immunization in LTRs. Further studies are essential to establish causative factors and develop targeted interventions for this population of patients.

Treatment of Patients After Lung Transplantation With Covid Infection During Long-Term Follow-Up.

BACKGROUND: Patients undergoing lung transplantation are routinely managed with lifelong immunosuppression, which is associated with a heightened risk for infections. This study delves into the therapeutic challenges and strategies for managing lung transplant recipients (LTRs) infected with COVID-19 during long-term follow-up. METHODS: The was a case series analysis, among which nonstandard therapies consisting of targeted antibody treatment, antiviral drugs, or anti-interleukin-6 drugs were applied in patients after lung transplantation. Additional analysis of laboratory test results for systemic inflammation and imaging studies was also carried out. The study was limited to a dedicated COVID-19 center, commonly known as a temporary hospital, and included patients infected with COVID-19 in the late post-lung transplant period (home-related infection). RESULTS: Fifteen post-lung transplantation patients with current COVID-19 infection were treated with antibodies such as tocilizumab, casirivimab, imdevimab, and regdanvimab. Of these patients, 1 was given tocilizumab (7%), 8 casirivimab and imdevimab (53%), and 2 regdanvimab (13%). Of the 15 lung transplant recipients studied, 8 presented COVID-19-associated lung changes in computed tomography scans (53%). Common clinical manifestations included dyspnea, fever, and fatigue. Antiviral agents, like remdesivir, were employed in the remaining 4 cases (27%), and adjunctive therapies, such as corticosteroids and anticoagulants, were used selectively. All treated patients survived the infection without complications; the treatment proved effective and safe.

Autologous Blood Transfusion During Elective Surgery in a Candidate for Living Donor Transplantation: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND: Blood transfusions are risk factors for alloimmunization and unfavorable outcomes in solid organ transplant recipients. PURPOSE: We propose the adoption of autologous blood transfusion (ABT) in transplant candidates and recipients referred to elective surgery. METHODS: We present a case of a 45-year-old man with chronic kidney disease stage 5 due to polycystic kidney disease, who was qualified for a native kidney nephrectomy (NKN) before kidney transplantation. Before the scheduled surgery, the patient was referred to a blood donation center for blood collection. RESULTS: During 2 consecutive visits, autologous blood was collected uneventfully, and this allowed for the preparation of 2 units of red blood cell concentrates and a unit of plasma. Pre- and post-donation hemoglobin values were 11.9 and 10.4 g/dL, respectively. The NKN procedure was complicated by intra-abdominal bleeding from an accessory aberrant artery of the kidney. Hemoglobin dropped to 6.8 g/dL and was treated with ABT, followed by artery embolization. This allowed for an increase of hemoglobin to 8.3 mg/dL and avoidance of allotransfusion. Six weeks after NKN, the patient underwent successful kidney transplantation from a living donor. Panel reactive antibodies before transplantation were 0%, and graft function has been excellent during 20 months of observation. CONCLUSION: An autologous blood collection is a feasible option for patients with chronic kidney disease. ABT should be considered the procedure of choice when qualifying potential waiting list candidates and solid organ recipients for elective surgeries.