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Summary:The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation with a reduced-intensity regimen (RIST) in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) or myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). In all, 36 patients (median age 55 years) underwent RIST from an HLA-matched related donor between September 1999 and December 2002. The diagnoses included AML (n=14), leukemia evolving from MDS (n=10), and MDS (refractory anemia with excess blasts n=6, refractory anemia n=6). The RIST regimen consisted of purine analog (cladribine or fludarabine)/busulfan, with or without antithymocyte globulin. The regimen was well tolerated, and 34 patients achieved durable engraftment and most achieved remission after RIST. A total of 17 patients developed grade II-IV acute GVHD, and 27 developed chronic GVHD. Eight patients relapsed, and five of them received antithymocyte globulin (ATG) as part of the preparative regimen. A total of 12 patients died (four disease progression, six transplantation-related complications, and two others). Estimated 1-year disease-free survival (DFS) in low- and high-risk groups was 85 and 64%, respectively. We conclude that RIST can be performed safely in elderly patients with myeloid malignancies, and has therapeutic potential for those who fail conventional chemotherapy. In view of the significant association between GVHD or ATG and DFS, defined management of GVHD following RIST should become a major target of clinical research.Bone Marrow Transplantation (2004) 33, 891-900. doi:10.1038/sj.bmt.1704477 Published online 29 March 2004 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 67-year-old man with AML, who had a 21-year history of psoriasis without remission, received a reduced-intensity transplantation from an HLA-identical sibling. The preparative regimen consisted of busulfan and fludarabine. Graft-versus-host-disease (GVHD) prophylaxis was cyclosporine and methotrexate. Psoriasis was completely resolved on day 18. The subsequent clinical course was uneventful until day 42, when psoriasis recurred at the same sites as before RIST. Peripheral blood examined on day 63 showed mixed chimerism with 54% recipient type. Cyclosporine was rapidly tapered off over the next 2 weeks. On day 90, 100% donor-type chimerism was confirmed. Subsequently, psoriasis improved simultaneously with the occurrence of mucositis and rash as a manifestation of GVHD. Scattered erythematous patches of psoriasis disappeared again by day 105. We initiated 0.5?mg/kg prednisolone on day 119, and resumed cyclosporine on day 133. At 7 months after RIST, he still suffers from chronic GVHD, but his psoriasis remains in remission for the first time in 21 years. The anti-psoriasis effect of the conditioning is mild and transient, while the graft-versus-autoimmunity effect, related to the induction of complete donor-type chimerism and GVHD, is more profound and persisting. A graft-versus-autoimmunity effect lies in the delicate balance between alloimmunity and immunosuppressant used for GVHD prophylaxis/treatment.Bone Marrow Transplantation (2003) 32, 439-442. doi:10.1038/sj.bmt.1704146 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary:The possible advantage of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) is a graft-versus-lymphoma effect. We explored the feasibility and efficacy of allo-HSCT with reduced-intensity (RI) regimens in advanced malignant lymphoma (ML). A total of 20 patients with indolent (n=9) or aggressive lymphoma (n=11) received allo-HSCT with an RI regimen (RIST). The preparative regimen consisted of a combination of purine analog and alkylating agent with or without antithymocyte globulin. A total of 11 patients had chemorefractory disease, seven had chemosensitive relapsed disease and two had residual disease. All of the patients received G-CSF-mobilized blood stem cells from HLA-matched siblings. Of the 20 patients, 19 achieved engraftment with acceptable regimen-related toxicities. Seven patients developed grade II-IV acute GVHD and 15 developed chronic GVHD. Of the 15 patients with evaluable disease, 12 achieved a complete response. One died of invasive fusariosis, four subsequently died of GVHD complicated with fungal infection and one died of progressive disease. With a median follow-up of 358 days, the Kaplan-Meier estimates for 1-year overall and progression-free survival were both 70%. The high response rate with low relapse observed in this study suggests that RIST may be an effective alternative curative treatment for patients with advanced ML.Bone Marrow Transplantation (2003) 32, 131-137. doi:10.1038/sj.bmt.1704118 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a case study that examined the false-positive results of Aspergillus enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in a patient with chronic graft-versus -host disease after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation. Description on the patient; Findings of the case study.