Efficacy and safety of rituximab-based chemoimmunotherapy in adult patients with Burkitt lymphoma in Korea.

Background: Burkitt lymphoma (BL), a rare, aggressive -driven B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), has endemic, sporadic, and immunodeficiency-associated variants. In Asia, BL accounts for 1-2% of lymphomas, with limited data available on adult outcomes. Although potentially curable, BL is associated with poor outcomes with low-intensity chemotherapy owing to rapid proliferation and chemoresistance.

Association between body mass index and survival after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

Background/aims: The unclear relationship between body mass index (BMI) and post-hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) mortality was investigated, including the impact of metabolic diseases.

Methods: This retrospective study conducted at a Korean tertiary hospital (2009-2021) included patients who underwent HSCT. Patients were categorized as underweight (BMI < 18.

Outcome of second allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation in adult patients with relapsed B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia in the era of new immunotherapeutic agents.

Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) is still recommended as a standard treatment of choice for relapsed B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Regarding the second allo-HCT (allo-HCT2), variable comorbid conditions and leukemic evolution after previous allo-HCT may affect poor survival outcomes. With the introduction of newer immunotherapeutic agents including blinatumomab, inotuzumab ozogamicin, and ponatinib, we got more chances for allo-HCT2 expecting more promising transplantation outcomes.

Feasibility of a Total Body Irradiation-Augmented Reduced-Toxicity Conditioning Regimen with an Antithymocyte Globulin/Post-Transplantation Cyclophosphamide Combination for Haploidentical Donor Transplantation in Adult Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.

Haploidentical donor transplantation (HIDT) with post-transplantation cyclophosphamide (PTCy)-based graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis is a promising alternative donor option for adults with high-risk acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The optimal conditioning regimen and GVHD prophylaxis strategy in this patient population remain unclear, however. We evaluated a newly optimized reduced-toxicity conditioning regimen consisting of fludarabine 150 mg/m, melphalan 100 mg/m, and low-dose (400 cGy) total body irradiation (FMTBI) with GVHD prophylaxis using an antithymocyte globulin (ATG)/PTCy combination in 26 adult patients with ALL undergoing HIDT.

Prolonged COVID-19 Pneumonia in Patients with Hematologic Malignancies: Clinical Significance and Serial CT Findings.

Hematologic malignancy patients have a heightened risk for prolonged COVID-19 pneumonia. We retrospectively investigated the clinical significance and serial CT findings of prolonged COVID-19 pneumonia in hematologic malignancy patients. Hematologic malignancy patients with persistent SARS-CoV-2 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) positivity >30 days and more than one chest CT after initial positivity were reviewed.

Atypical features of hepatic veno-occlusive disease/sinusoidal obstruction syndrome after inotuzumab ozogamicin in adult patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Purpose: Inotuzumab ozogamicin (INO) has demonstrated a safe bridging role to allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in patients with relapsed or refractory B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (R/R B-ALL). However, hepatic veno-occlusive disease/sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (VOD/SOS) is frequently observed. This study aimed to identify significant features of INO-associated VOD/SOS.

Prognostic Value of Very Early Interim FDG PET/CT After Single Cycle of Chemotherapy for 10-Year Survival in Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma.

Background/Objectives This study aimed to evaluate whether very early interim F-fluoro-2-deoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) after a single cycle of first-line chemotherapy predicts long-term survival outcome in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Methods A total of 51 patients (31 males and 20 females; mean age 55 years) had four FDG PET/CT studies, at baseline and after one, three, and six cycles of chemotherapy (PET0, PET1, PET3, and PET6). Visually and quantitatively assessed PET parameters were analyzed for associations with long-term survival.

Case Report: A case series on histiocytic sarcoma - various clinical features and patient outcomes.

Introduction: Histiocytic sarcoma (HS) is a rare and aggressive hematologic malignancy with a poor prognosis. HS can present with either isolated organ involvement or multi-systemic disease. This case series reports on nine patients with diverse clinical presentations and outcomes.

Inferior Outcomes of Fludarabine-Cyclophosphamide-Rituximab Chemotherapy in Korean Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Patients with Concurrent Thrombocytopenia and Anemia.

: Anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies combined with alkylator-based chemotherapy enhance survival in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). However, the risks of infection and bone marrow suppression may mean that new, targeted therapies are more appropriate for some patients than fludarabine-cyclophosphamide-rituximab (FCR). In the Republic of Korea, where insurance limits coverage to novel agents, FCR therapy should be carefully considered for patients with CLL.

The Role of Small Bowel Capsule Endoscopy in Determining the Treatment Strategy for Duodenal Follicular Lymphoma: A Single-Center Retrospective Study.

: In this single-center retrospective study, we aimed to verify the extent of duodenal follicular lymphoma (DFL) and investigate the role and clinical significance of video capsule endoscopy (VCE) in the treatment process. : We analyzed the clinical and imaging data of 40 patients diagnosed with DFL. : Imaging workup and bone marrow biopsies revealed DFL only in the gastrointestinal tract (stage I) in 22 patients and in local lymph nodes (stage II), distant lymph nodes (stage II), pancreas (stage IIE), and extranodal regions (stage IV) in 1, 3, 1, and 13 patients, respectively.

Long-term clinical outcome of a weekly 2-chlorodeoxyadenosine regimen in treatment-naïve patients with hairy cell leukemia.

Hairy cell leukemia (HCL) has a favorable clinical outcome with appropriate treatment; however, further research is needed on managing patients with relapsed or refractory disease and the risk of infection during prolonged periods. This study examined the long-term effects of 2-chlorodeoxyadenosine (2-CdA), particularly using a weekly infusion protocol, in treatment-naïve patients with HCL. This retrospective study evaluated the long-term follow-up data from 21 South Korean patients diagnosed with HCL.

Influence of Organ-Specific Extranodal Involvement on Survival Outcomes in Stage IV Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma.

Background: The prognostic significance of extranodal sites in stage IV diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) remains uncertain, making it challenging to select appropriate treatment strategies for individual patients. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the influence of different extranodal sites on prognosis in young patients with stage IV DLBCL who achieved complete remission (CR) following initial chemo-immunotherapy and to explore the potential of autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (ASCT) as a consolidation treatment for specific patient subgroups.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed data from 119 patients with DLBCL aged < 60 years who achieved CR after chemo-immunotherapy between 2008 and 2020.

DL-ICE as a bridge to allogeneic transplantation in relapsed/refractory PTCL: survival outcomes and prognostic factors.

Introduction: Peripheral T-cell lymphomas (PTCLs) have poor outcomes in the relapsed/refractory (R/R) setting. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of dexamethasone, L-asparaginase, ifosfamide, carboplatin, and etoposide (DL-ICE) chemotherapy followed by allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) in patients with R/R PTCLs.

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 80 adult patients with R/R PTCLs treated with DL-ICE chemotherapy between September 2009 and March 2023.

Comparison of Long-Term Outcomes of Double Unit Cord Blood Versus Haploidentical Donor Transplantation in Adult Patients With Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Regarding KIR-Ligand Mismatch.

Background: Haploidentical donor transplantation (HIDT) or cord blood transplantation (CBT) are common alternatives for patients lacking human-leukocyte antigen (HLA)-matched donors. In addition to the donor source, NK cell alloreactivity due to HLA-mismatch setting may affect outcomes in alternative-donor hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). However, a limited number of studies have evaluated their impacts in adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation to improve prognosis in aggressive monomorphic epitheliotropic intestinal T-cell lymphoma.

Introduction: Monomorphic epitheliotropic intestinal T-cell lymphoma (MEITL) is a rare, aggressive subtype of primary gastrointestinal T-cell lymphoma. Owing to the absence of symptoms characteristic of MEITL, diagnosis can be challenging, and the low response rate to conventional chemotherapy leads to an abysmal prognosis. This study aimed to define the clinicopathologic characteristics of MEITL in Korea, evaluate the clinical outcomes of intensive chemotherapy with and without hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), and explore prognostic factors.

Beneficial effects of cellular immunotherapy in the prevention and treatment of posttransplant hematologic relapse of myelodysplastic neoplasms.

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) is the only curative option for myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). However, relapse remains the primary cause of transplantation failure. This single-center study aimed to evaluate factors influencing therapeutic interventions to prevent overt relapse of MDS and to identify treatment approaches that ensure optimal response and safety.

Challenges in overcoming advanced-stage or relapsed refractory extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma: meta-analysis of individual patient data.

Introduction: Extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma (ENKTCL), a non-Hodgkin lymphoma, is known for its destructive local impact on nasal structures and systemic induction of inflammatory cytokines. Concurrent treatment with radiation and nonanthracycline- based chemotherapy has improved survival rates in patients with localized disease stages. However, survival outcomes vary significantly in advanced-stage and relapsed or refractory (R/R) cases.

Mesenchymal stem cells preconditioned with a TLR5 agonist enhanced immunoregulatory effect through M2 macrophage polarization in a murine graft-versus-host disease model.

Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a common complication following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and can be life-threatening. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), adult stem cells with immunomodulatory properties, have been used as therapeutic agents in a variety of ways and have demonstrated efficacy against acute GVHD (aGVHD); however, variability in MSC pro- and anti-inflammatory properties and the limitation that they only exhibit immunosuppressive effects at high levels of inflammation have prevented their widespread clinical use. The outcomes of GVHD treated with MSCs in the clinic have been variable, and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear.

Comparative analysis of reduced toxicity conditioning regimens between fludarabine plus melphalan and fludarabine plus busulfex in adult patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Reduced-toxicity conditioning (RTC) regimens aim to mitigate regimen-related toxicity while maintaining anti-leukemic efficacy in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). We assessed outcomes of RTC regimens utilizing melphalan versus intravenous busulfan combined with fludarabine in adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) patients. A retrospective analysis was conducted with 149 consecutive adult ALL patients (median age 51, range 18-60) in remission undergoing allo-HSCT.

TLR5 agonist in combination with anti-PD-1 treatment enhances anti-tumor effect through M1/M2 macrophage polarization shift and CD8 T cell priming.

Immune checkpoint inhibitors have revolutionized anti-tumor therapy, notably improving treatment responses in various tumors. However, many patients remain non-responsive and do not experience benefits. Given that Toll-like receptors (TLRs) can counteract tumor immune tolerance by stimulating both innate and adaptive immune responses, TLR agonists are being explored as potential immune adjuvants for cancer treatment.

Reduced toxicity (FluBu3) versus myeloablative (BuCy) conditioning in acute myeloid leukemia patients who received first allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in measurable residual disease-negative CR1.

In the present study, reduced toxicity (FluBu3) and myeloablative (BuCy) conditioning were compared in patients with AML who received first allogeneic HSCT in MRD-negative CR1. The study included 124 adult patients who underwent HSCT from an HLA-matched (8/8) sibling, unrelated, or 1-locus mismatched (7/8) unrelated donor (MMUD). The median age was 45 years and intermediate cytogenetics comprised majority (71.