The VAD Scheme versus Thalidomide plus VAD for Reduction of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor in Multiple Myeloma: A Meta-Analysis.

The VAD (vincristine-doxorubicin-dexamethasone) regimen has been used for decades to treat multiple myeloma (MM). Based on reports that vascular endothelial growth factor- (VEGF-) mediated angiogenesis is critical for MM pathogenesis, the antiangiogenic compound thalidomide has been added to VAD (T-VAD). However, it remains unclear whether T-VAD is more efficacious than VAD for serum VEGF reduction or if the difference influences clinical outcome.

Regulatory B cells promote graft-versus-host disease prevention and maintain graft-versus-leukemia activity following allogeneic bone marrow transplantation.

Regulatory B cells (Bregs) are involved in the pathogenesis of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). However, whether Bregs can alleviate acute GVHD without compromising graft-versus-leukemia (GVL) effects remains unclear. Here, we evaluated the role of Bregs in acute GVHD and GVL activity in both a mouse model and a clinical cohort study.

Impact of pre-transplant pulmonary infection developed in horizontal laminar flow unit on the outcome of subsequent allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

Background: So far, there is very little literature on how pre-transplant pulmonary infection developed in horizontal laminar flow unit (HLFU) affects outcomes of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT).

Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on allo-HSCT recipients who were diagnosed with pre-transplant pulmonary infection developed in HLFU between January 2012 and December 2012. Various tests were analyzed to evaluate the overall survival (OS) and pulmonary infection rate after allo-HSCT.

The incidence, risk factors, and outcomes of primary poor graft function after unmanipulated haploidentical stem cell transplantation.

Primary poor graft function (PGF) is a severe complication after allogeneic stem cell transplantation (SCT). The incidence, risk factors, and outcomes of PGF have not been well described, especially in the haploidentical SCT setting. We retrospectively reviewed patients who received haploidentical SCT at Peking University Institute of Hematology between January 1, 2011, and December 31, 2012.

Clinical and laboratory features of seven patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML)-M2/M3 and elevated myeloblasts and abnormal promyelocytes.

Background: There is limited information on a special subtype of Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) characterized by >20% myeloblasts and >20% abnormal promyelocytes in bone marrow and peripheral blood.

Objective: The objective of the present investigation was to explore the clinical and laboratory features of seven patients with AML-M2/M3.

Method: We retrospectively assessed cell morphology, cytochemistry, immunophenotype, cytogenetics, and clinical features of seven patients with this rare subtype of AML.