Analysis of chromatin accessibility associated with azacitidine response in higher-risk myelodysplastic neoplasms.

Azacitidine, used in the treatment of higher-risk myelodysplastic neoplasms, is a DNA methyltransferase inhibitor that modifies epigenetic regulatory programs. The efficacy of azacitidine varies among patients, with approximately 50% of patients failing to respond. However, whether epigenomic factors affect responses to azacitidine has not been investigated.

Objectively measured physical function predicts mortality in older adults with acute myeloid leukemia treated by lower-intensity therapy: A prospective cohort study.

Introduction: In older adults with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) treated with intensive chemotherapy, the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) and the short form of the Geriatric Depression Scale (SGDS-K) predict survival outcomes. However, their role in lower-intensity therapy remains unclear. We evaluated their prognostic role in older adults with AML treated with hypomethylating agents (HMA) with or without venetoclax (VEN).

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.

Serial next-generation sequencing for detecting germline predisposition in acute myeloid leukemia.

Not available.

Impact of transplant conditioning, NPM1 mutations, and measurable residual disease in FLT3-ITD acute myeloid leukemia.

We conducted a post-hoc analysis of data from BMT CTN 1506 (MORPHO), a randomized trial of gilteritinib versus placebo as post-transplantation maintenance for patients with FLT3-ITD-mutated acute myeloid leukemia (AML) undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT), focusing the interactions between conditioning regimen intensity, measurable residual disease (MRD), and NPM1 co-mutation status reported from diagnosis. Comparing FLT3-ITD MRD before and after conditioning, there was no difference between myeloablative conditioning (MAC) and reduced intensity conditioning (RIC) in eradication or reduction of FLT3-ITD MRD. For participants who were FLT3-ITD MRD-negative pre-HCT, there was no difference in the cumulative incidence of relapse during follow-up between those receiving MAC versus RIC.

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.

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.

Battery-type CuCoO/CoS nanograss arrays as a binder-free advanced electrode material for high-performance supercapacitors.

This study uses a facile one-step hydrothermal method to successfully synthesize hierarchical dandelion flower-like CuCoO/CoS structures on Ni foam. The composite exhibits a unique dandelion flower-like architecture comprising interconnected nanograss arrays (NGAs), resulting in a significantly higher surface area than individual CuCoO and CoS electrodes. Electrochemical characterization reveals that the CuCoO/CoS electrode exhibits superior electrochemical performance, demonstrating battery-type behavior with well-defined redox peaks in cyclic voltammetry and distinct plateaus in galvanostatic charge-discharge curves.

Impact of hematopoietic cell transplantation and quizartinib in newly diagnosed patients with acute myeloid leukemia and FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3-internal tandem duplications in the QuANTUM-First trial.

QuANTUM-First (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02668653) was a randomized phase III trial in patients with newly diagnosed FLT3-internal tandem duplication (ITD)-positive acute myeloid leukemia (AML) treated with quizartinib or placebo plus standard induction and consolidation chemotherapy and/or allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT), followed by single-agent maintenance therapy. We evaluated the impact of allo-HCT performed in first complete remission (CR1) or composite CR1 (CRc1) on overall survival (OS), considering treatment randomization.

Measurable residual disease and posttransplantation gilteritinib maintenance for patients with FLT3-ITD-mutated AML.

BMT CTN (Blood and Marrow Transplant Clinical Trials Network) 1506 ("MORPHO") was a randomized study of gilteritinib compared with placebo as maintenance therapy after hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) for patients with FLT3-ITD-mutated acute myeloid leukemia (AML). A key secondary end point was to determine the impact on survival of before and/or after HCT measurable residual disease (MRD), as determined using a highly sensitive assay for FLT3-ITD mutations. Generally, gilteritinib maintenance therapy was associated with improved relapse-free survival (RFS) for participants with detectable peri-HCT MRD, whereas no benefit was evident for those lacking detectable MRD.

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.

Incidence and outcomes of subsequent malignancy after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in adult patients with severe aplastic anemia.

Purpose: This study investigated the occurrence of subsequent malignancies (SM) in adult patients with severe aplastic anemia (SAA) after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) to address the lack of large-scale, long-term data on this complication.

Methods: A retrospective cohort analysis of 376 adult patients with SAA who underwent allo-HSCT between 2002 and 2021 at a single center was conducted. The incidence, risk factors, and survival impact of SM were also examined.

Characterization of the Bone Marrow Lymphoid Microenvironment and Discovery of Prognostic Immune-Related Factors in Acute Myeloid Leukemia.

Given the limited comprehensive data on the bone marrow (BM) immune environment in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), we analyzed the distribution and phenotype of T cell subsets, including γδ T cells, and their immune checkpoint (IC) ligands on blasts. We performed multiparametric flow cytometry with BM samples taken from 89 AML patients at the time of diagnosis, remission, and relapse/refractory status after chemotherapy and 13 healthy controls (HCs) to identify immune-related risk factors. Compared to the HCs, the T cells of the AML patients exhibited exhausted features including higher TIGIT levels and similar levels of PD-1 and TIM-3.

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.

A phase 1/2 study of gilteritinib in combination with chemotherapy in newly diagnosed patients with AML in Asia.

Objective: This interim analysis of a phase 1/2, open-label, single-arm study assessed the safety, efficacy, and pharmacokinetics of gilteritinib plus chemotherapy in adults with newly diagnosed FLT3 mutation-positive acute myeloid leukemia.

Methods: In sequential phase 1 and 2 studies, induction and consolidation therapy with gilteritinib 120 mg/day plus chemotherapy (induction: idarubicin/cytarabine once daily; consolidation: cytarabine twice daily) was followed by maintenance gilteritinib 120 mg/day monotherapy. Endpoints included maximum tolerated dose (MTD), recommended expansion dose (RED), and dose-limiting toxicity (phase 1), and complete remission (CR) rate following induction therapy (primary endpoint), overall survival (OS), safety, and pharmacokinetics (phase 2).

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.

The Impact of Histologic Portal T-Cell Density on the Clinical Outcomes in Hepatic Graft-versus-Host Disease and Autoimmune Liver Diseases.

Hepatic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) significantly impacts morbidity and mortality among allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients. However, the relationship between clinical and immunopathological phenotypes and their influence on clinical outcomes in hepatic GVHD is not well understood. In this study, we aimed to study the implications of portal T-cell infiltration on the clinical outcomes in hepatic GHVD and its similarities to autoimmune liver disease.

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.

Impact of an antimicrobial stewardship programme on antibiotic utilization and resistance burden in patients with acute leukaemia: an 11-year longitudinal cohort study using interrupted time-series analysis.

Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR), driven by inappropriate and overuse of antibiotics, poses a significant threat, especially to patients with acute leukaemia.

Objectives: To evaluate the impact of antimicrobial stewardship programmes (ASPs) on antibiotic use and analyse temporal changes in bloodstream infections (BSI) caused by AMR organisms.

Methods: We performed a retrospective, interventional, longitudinal cohort study spanning an 11-year period.

Analysis of retinal and choroidal microvascular changes using optical coherence tomography and optical coherence tomography angiography in patients with acute leukemia.

Purpose: Although leukemic retinopathy accounts for 80% of ocular complications in acute leukemia, its pathogenesis remains unclear. To evaluate changes in retinal and choroicapillaris and structural parameters in patients with acute leukemia, we analyzed the correlation between vascular perfusion metrics and laboratory parameters and assessed the changes after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT).

Methods: Herein, 104 eyes of 52 patients aged 18 and above with acute leukemia were enrolled.

Validation of the 2022 European LeukemiaNet risk stratification for acute myeloid leukemia.

This study aimed to validate the 2022 European LeukemiaNet (ELN) risk stratification for acute myeloid leukemia (AML). A total of 624 newly diagnosed AML patients from 1998 to 2014 were included in the analysis. Genetic profiling was conducted using targeted deep sequencing of 45 genes based on recurrent driver mutations.