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The impact of the use of antithymocyte globulin (ATG) following a total body irradiation (TBI)-based myeloablative conditioning regimen has been poorly explored. We retrospectively analyzed 724 patients who underwent a first allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) following a TBI-based conditioning regimen for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and compared the outcomes of 251 (35%) patients who received ATG (ATG group) with 473 (65%) patients who did not (non-ATG group). Median follow-up of surviving patients was 59 months (interquartile range, 28-83). The cumulative incidence of grade II-IV acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) for non-ATG and ATG groups in the first 100 days was 33% vs 24%, respectively (P = .0098). The 2-year cumulative incidence of chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) was reduced significantly in the ATG group in comparison with the non-ATG group (46% vs 34%, P = .003). Using multivariate analysis, in vivo T-cell depletion (ATG group) was independently associated with a decreased incidence of grade II-IV aGVHD (hazard ratio [HR], 0.28; P < .001), grade III-IV aGVHD (HR, 0.21; P < .001), cGVHD (HR, 0.63; P = .02), and nonrelapse mortality (NRM) (HR, 0.54; P = .02). Relapse risk, overall survival, and leukemia-free survival were similar between the 2 groups. Our results suggest that the addition of ATG to TBI-based myeloablative conditioning for allo-HCT in AML patients results in a significant reduction in aGVHD and cGVHD, translating into a significant reduction in NRM without increasing the relapse rate. ispartof: BLOOD ADVANCES vol:3 issue:13 pages:1950-1960 ispartof: location:United States status: published

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Administration of virus-specific T cells (VSTs) is a viable antiviral treatment strategy after allogeneic HSCT, even if conventional therapies fail. Third-party donors are often chosen for the generation of the VST product. The eligibility of the donor has to be tested in a rigorous donor screening procedure, since the isolation technology only targets pre-existing VSTs. MATERIALS AND METHODS In a period of 3 years, we performed 32 VST treatments for 28 patients. Targeting four different viruses, 284 healthy individuals underwent 417 donor screening procedures. VSTs were counted by flow cytometry detecting interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) producing T cells. Generation of the VSTs was performed from leukapheresis products in a fully automated and closed system using magnetic cell separation. RESULTS The mean circulating VST frequencies ranged from 0·006% to 0·328%. The average yield of viable VSTs in the product was 1·83·106 cells, while the average VST dose calculated for the patient's body weight was 4·63·104 /kg. The mean purity - percentage of VSTs within the T cells - of all T-cell products was 62·9%. Correlation was identified between the frequency of the VSTs in the peripheral blood of the donor and the VST numbers of the end product; the strongest correlation was seen for CMV. CONCLUSION This paper focuses on the T-cell donors, highlighting some key points on the donor selection process. Based on the findings in connection with the CMV therapies, peripheral VST seems to be the best predictor of the VST content of the final product administered to the patient.

BackgroundRecognition of HLA-C2 group alleles on recipient cells by activating killer immunoglobulin like receptors, KIR2DS1 on donor natural killer cells may lead to increased graft-versus-leukemia effect or immunomodulation in patients treated by allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) influencing disease free and overall survival (OS).ObjectiveIn the present study, 314 consecutive, allo-HSCT recipient and donor pairs were included with retrospective donor KIR-genotyping and clinical parameters analyzes.ResultsAfter a median follow-up of 23.6 months, recipients with HLA-C2 group allele (rC2) showed improved (p = 0.046) OS if transplanted with KIR2DS1 positive donors (d2DS1) compared to those without one or both of this genetic attribute. Within the myeloablative conditioning (MAC) subgroup (n = 227), rC2 homozygous+d2DS1 patients (n = 14) showed a 5 years OS of 93% followed by rC2 heterozygous+d2DS1 patients (n = 48, 65%) compared to rC2 and/or d2DS1 negatives (47%, p = 0.018). Multivariate analyses indicated rC2+d2DS1 positivity as an independent predictor of OS (HR:0.47, 0.26-0.86, p = 0.014) besides donor type, presence of CMV-reactivation or chemoresistant disease. Among MAC-treated patients, the combined rC2+d2DS1 presence was associated with a markedly decreased cumulative incidence of transplant related mortality (p = 0.0045).ConclusionThe combination of rC2+d2DS1 may be a favorable genetic constellation in allo-HSCT with MAC potentially reducing transplant related mortality.

Item does not contain fulltext It has been shown recently that donor and/or recipient cytomegalovirus (CMV) seropositivity is associated with a significant overall survival (OS) decline in acute leukemia patients who underwent allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). We now analyzed the prognostic impact of the donor/recipient CMV serostatus in 6968 patients with chronic hematological malignancies who underwent allo-HSCT. Donor and/or recipient CMV seropositivity was associated with a significantly reduced 2-year progression-free survival (PFS, 50% vs. 52%, p = 0.03) and OS (62% vs. 65%, p = 0.01). Multivariate Cox regression analyses showed an independent negative prognostic impact of donor and/or recipient CMV seropositivity on PFS (HR, 1.1; 95% CI, 1.0-1.2; p = 0.03), OS (HR, 1.1; 95% CI, 1.0-1.2; p = 0.003), and non-relapse mortality (HR, 1.2; 95% CI, 1.0-1.3; p = 0.02). OS decline was strongest for CMV-seropositive recipients with a CMV-seronegative donor (HR, 1.2; 95% CI, 1.1-1.3), followed by CMV-seropositive patients with a CMV-seropositive donor (HR, 1.1; 95% CI, 1.0-1.2). Conversely, OS did not differ significantly between CMV-seronegative recipients allografted from a CMV-seropositive donor (HR, 1.0; 95% CI, 0.9-1.2) and patients with donor/recipient CMV seronegativity (p = 0.001 for the four groups together). Non-relapse mortality was also significantly (p = 0.01) higher for CMV-seropositive patients with a CMV-seronegative graft (HR, 1.2; 95% CI, 1.1-1.4) than for CMV-seropositive patients with a CMV-seropositive graft (HR, 1.1; 95% CI, 0.9-1.2) or CMV-seronegative recipients with a CMV-seropositive graft (HR, 1.0; 95% CI, 0.8-1.2). Donor and/or recipient CMV seropositivity still results in an OS decline in patients with chronic hematological malignancies who have undergone allo-HSCT. However, this OS decline seems to be lower than that described for acute leukemia patients previously.

Background The best preparative regimen for the growing number of older acute myeloid leukemia (AML) or myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) from matched related (MRD) or unrelated donors (MUD) remains undefined. A large randomized phase III trial (MC-FludT.14/L study: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00822393) recently demonstrated that myeloablative intravenous (IV) treosulfan (10 g/m² IV on days -4 to -2) in combination with fludarabine (TreoFlu) improves outcome in older and/or comorbid patients with AML in complete remission (CR) or MDS compared with the reference reduced intensity busulfan (0.8 mg/kg IV in 6-hour intervals on days -4 and -3) and fludarabine (30 mg/m² IV on days -6 to -2 in each study arm) regimen. The beneficial effect of the TreoFlu regimen resulted from a significantly reduced non-relapse mortality (NRM) and translated to improved event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) (Beelen DW et al The Lancet Haematology, 2019). These results raised the question, how this new regimen compares to broadly applied myeloablative regimens, namely busulfan (0.8 mg/kg IV in 6-hour intervals over 4 days) plus cyclophosphamide (120 mg/kg IV over 2 days) (BuCy) or melphalan (140 mg/m² IV over 1 day or 2 days) plus fludarabine (MelFlu) in older AML and MDS patients. To address this question, we performed a comparative analysis of MC-FludT.14/L study patients treated with the TreoFlu regimen and similar patients of the European Blood and Marrow Transplantation Society (EBMT) registry, who underwent HCT from MRD or MUD after the BuCy or MelFlu regimen between 2010 and 2016. Patients and Methods Inclusion criteria were essentially the same as for the MC-FludT.14/L-study (patient age 50 to 70 years [yrs], primary or secondary AML in CR or MDS, Karnofsky-index ≥ 60%, MRD or MUD, 1st HCT). The study objectives were to compare OS, relapse incidence (RI), and NRM at 2 yrs after HCT between the TreoFlu regimen and the BuCy or MelFlu regimen. A total of 1493 EBMT registry patients (median age 58 yrs, AML: n=1135 [76%], MDS: n=358 [24%]) were identified for the comparison with the 252 MC-FludT.14/L patients (median age 61 yrs, AML: n=174 [69%], MDS: n=78 [31%]). A 1:1 matching method based on propensity scores (PS) with 14 patient-, donor-, and disease-characteristics was used to reduce confounding due to differences between regimens and was performed separately for AML and MDS patients. With the exception of comparison between the TreoFlu and BuCy regimen in AML patients, a significantly higher proportion of patients in the TreoFlu regimen subsets had a HCT-comorbidity index > 2 compared to patient subsets treated with the BuCy or MelFlu regimen. Results For patients with AML, the 2-yrs OS estimate was significantly higher after the TreoFlu compared with the BuCy regimen (76.4%, 95%-confidence interval [95%-CI]: 66.8% - 85.9% vs 49.2%, 95%-CI: 36.4% - 62.1%, p Conclusion In older AML and MDS patients, the new TreoFlu regimen compares favorable to the broadly applied myeloablative BuCy and MelFlu regimens. The substantially lower 2-yrs NRM estimate supports its superior tolerability in this patient population. This large retrospective comparative analysis provides a basis for properly designed randomized trials of the new toxicity reduced myeloablative TreoFlu regimen in comparison with other myeloablative regimens in this target population. Table Disclosures Beelen: Medac GmbH Wedel Germany: Consultancy, Honoraria. Stoelzel:Neovii: Other: Travel funding; Shire: Consultancy, Other: Travel funding; JAZZ Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy. Dreger:MSD: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: Sponsoring of Symposia; Neovii, Riemser: Research Funding; AbbVie, Gilead, Novartis, Riemser, Roche: Speakers Bureau; AbbVie, AstraZeneca, Gilead, Janssen, Novartis, Riemser, Roche: Consultancy.

BACKGROUND: Brivanib is a selective inhibitor of vascular endothelial growth factor and fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signalling. We performed a phase II randomised discontinuation trial of brivanib in 7 tumour types (soft-tissue sarcomas [STS], ovarian cancer, breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, non-small-cell lung cancer [NSCLC], gastric/esophageal cancer and transitional cell carcinoma [TCC]). PATIENTS AND METHODS: During a 12-week open-label lead-in period, patients received brivanib 800 mg daily and were evaluated for FGF2 status by immunohistochemistry. Patients with stable disease at week 12 were randomised to brivanib or placebo. A study steering committee evaluated week 12 response to determine if enrolment in a tumour type would continue. The primary objective was progression-free survival (PFS) for brivanib versus placebo in patients with FGF2-positive tumours. RESULTS: A total of 595 patients were treated, and stable disease was observed at the week 12 randomisation point in all tumour types. Closure decisions were made for breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, NSCLC, gastric cancer and TCC. Criteria for expansion were met for STS and ovarian cancer. In 53 randomised patients with STS and FGF2-positive tumours, the median PFS was 2.8 months for brivanib and 1.4 months for placebo (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.58, p = 0.08). For all randomised patients with sarcomas, the median PFS was 2.8 months (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.4-4.0) for those treated with brivanib compared with 1.4 months (95% CI: 1.3-1.6) for placebo (HR = 0.64, 95% CI: 0.38-1.07; p = 0.09). In the 36 randomised patients with ovarian cancer and FGF2-positive tumours, the median PFS was 4.0 (95% CI: 2.6-4.2) months for brivanib and 2.0 months (95% CI: 1.2-2.7) for placebo (HR: 0.56, 95% CI: 0.26-1.22). For all randomised patients with ovarian cancer, the median PFS in those randomised to brivanib was 4.0 months (95% CI: 2.6-4.2) and was 2.0 months (95% CI: 1.2-2.7) in those randomised to placebo (HR = 0.54, 95% CI: 0.25-1.17; p = 0.11). CONCLUSION: Brivanib demonstrated activity in STS and ovarian cancer with an acceptable safety profile. FGF2 expression, as defined in the protocol, is not a predictive biomarker of the efficacy of brivanib.

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) is a potentially curative therapeutic option for malignant hematopoietic diseases. Cytokines including transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1) play a pivotal role in immune reconstruction, and the development of graft versus host disease (GvHD) or infections. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of TGFB1 gene -1347CT variant in the outcome of HSCT in a cohort of 409 adult recipient-donor pairs. TGFB1 variant was analysed from genomic DNA with LightCycler hybridisation probe method. In case of myeloablative conditioning, donor TGFB1 genotype correlated with overall survival (60-month OS for CC: 62.1 ± 4.8%; CT: 46.8 ± 4.8%; TT: 35.6 ± 9.3%; p = 0.032), which was independent of age, donor type and GvHD prophylaxis in multivariate analysis (HR:2.35, 95%CI:1.35-4.10, p = 0.003). The cumulative incidence of acute GvHD grade III-IV [CC:10%; CT:17%; TT:24%], and non-relapse mortality was higher in TT-carriers (24-month NRM: CC:24%; CT:26%; TT:46%, p = 0.035). We did not find any association between recipient TGFB1 -1347CT polymorphism and HSCT outcome. Our results suggest that donor TGFB1 -1347CT may exert an adverse influence on the outcome of myeloablative conditioning transplantation.

Several genetic polymorphisms have been implicated to affect the outcome of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). The role of cytokines in acute graft-versus-host disease (aGvHD) is well established and many of the involved cytokines signal through the Janus kinase (JAK) pathways. In this study, we assessed the association of recipient and donor JAK2 46/1 haplotypes and allo-HSCT outcome in a cohort of 124 acute myeloid leukemia patients. Both, recipient and donor 46/1 haplotypes significantly affected aGvHD grades II-IV development (p = 0.006 and p = 0.031, respectively), furthermore the influence of the haplotypes seemed to be additive. In multivariate analyses the recipient haplotype remained independently related (p = 0.012) to aGvHD, while the donor not (p = 0.08). We observed significantly less relapses among haplotype carriers (p = 0.004), but overall survival did not differ (p = 0.732). Our findings suggest that recipient and donor JAK2 46/1 haplotypes might be involved in the regulation of aGvHD.

In the early 21st century the global financial crisis changed the economic position of many states, including the EU, which is only slowly recovering, and the quickly emerging economies of Asia. Several factors in global transportation have driven countries to fi nd alternative transport links and methods, including between Europe and Asia. Since 2010 government of Hungary has shift ed the focus of Hungarian foreign policy towards "the East", which can be perceived as an interest-based real policy. The above factors and Hungary's landlocked position gave a renewed impetus to the so-called Eurasian land bridge issue, which intends to connect Central and Eastern Europe and East Asia on land. As the authors argue, after comparing foreign strategies of CEE countries, "eastern opening" of Hungary is not a unique move in the region, neither is the renewed interest in rail land bridges. However, aft er examining all the possible land routes towards East Asia, the authors agree with those who see these routes as unsustainable in the short run. On the other hand, the moves of Chinese private and state-owned companies in Southeast Europe and CEE, the "New Silk Road" concept of the Chinese diplomacy and expansion of the Suez Canal may foresee the establishment of micro land-bridges from SEE ports via Hungary towards Western Europe, significantly shortening the routes and avoiding congested northwestern ports. In this regard Hungary may play an important role on these alternative routes providing economic and geopolitical benefits.

Background: The germline telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) rs2736100_C variant was identified as a susceptibility factor for a variety of solid tumors and recently for myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN). Methods: LightCycler melting curve analysis was applied to detect risk alleles of TERT rs2736100_C and Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) rs12343867_C tagging 46/1 haplotype in 584 BCR-ABL1–negative MPN, 308 acute, and 86 chronic myeloid leukemia (AML and CML) patients and 400 healthy individuals. Results: TERT rs2736100_C showed an increased allele frequency in BCR-ABL1–negative MPN patients compared with controls (62.7%±2.8% vs. 48.8%±3.5%, P < 0.0001) regardless of molecular background or disease type, but not in CML or AML. Combined TERT and JAK2 hetero- or homozygosity conferred even higher risk for classic MPN. Common complications (thrombosis, myelofibrosis, or leukemia) were not associated with the TERT variant; however, adverse survival was noted in TERT variant carrier polycythemia vera patients. MPN patients with the TERT CC genotype had a higher probability (44.4%) to die from solid tumors compared with TERT AC/AA individuals (5.3%; P = 0.004). TERT rs2736100_C carriers had increased risk of solid tumors independently from cytoreductive treatment [3.08 (1.03–9.26), P = 0.045]. Conclusions: TERT rs2736100_C polymorphism predisposes to the development of BCR-ABL1–negative MPN with the co-occurrence of solid tumors, especially with the usage of cytoreductive treatment. Impact: The high frequency of TERT variant in the classic MPN population highlights the importance of the avoidance of long-term cytoreductive treatment in MPN patients. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 25(1); 98–104. ©2015 AACR.

Primary CNS PTLD is an extremely rare complication after allogeneic HSCT. At our centre, an 11-year-old patient developed nausea, vomiting, and diplopy on day +82 following HSCT. On brain MRI, multiple white matter lesions were seen. Histology showed a diffuse large B-cell lymphoma with high load of EBV in tissue. Despite stopping immunosuppression, treatment with EBV-specific cytotoxic T cells, systemic rituximab, HD-MTX, and intrathecal chemotherapy, progression was observed. With a combination of HD-MTX and cytarabine, only a partial response could be achieved. Having all conventional modalities not only failed but resulted in significant toxicity, a salvage monotherapy with biweekly nivolumab has been instituted. The starting dose was 1.1 mg/kg, later escalated to 2.2 mg/kg. After 8 months of nivolumab therapy, PET-CT showed complete metabolic remission. Subsequently, the patient has been switched to a maintenance dosage of 1.1 mg/kg. No cytopenias, graft failure, GvHD, or any other alloimmune complications were seen during nivolumab therapy. In conclusion, nivolumab may be considered as an effective and safe option for CNS PTLD therapy when all other modalities have failed.

Since 2014, hundred thousands of migrants from the Middle East have arrived at the Hungarian–Serbian and Hungarian–Croatian borders. This paper discusses the unique phenomenon of what role the political debate about Islam, the construction of the temporary border barrier protecting the Hungarian national borders, played in the competitive communication of the national-radical Jobbik party and the centre-right governing parties Fidesz-KDNP which typically emphasize their Christian character. Furthermore, this essay follows up the elements of political campaign related to the international migration, Islam and the referendum on relocation quota between the end of 2014 and November 2016.

Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (alloHCT) with myeloablative conditioning based on total body irradiation (TBI) is widely used for the treatment of adults with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). TBI is most frequently administered in combination with either cyclophosphamide (Cy/TBI) or etoposide (Vp/TBI). The goal of this study was to retrospectively compare these two regimens. Adult patients with Ph-negative ALL treated with alloHCT in first or second complete remission who received Cy/TBI (n = 1346) or Vp/TBI (n = 152) conditioning were included in the analysis. In a univariate analysis, as compared to Cy/TBI, the use of Vp/TBI was associated with reduced incidence of relapse (17% vs. 30% at 5 years, P = .007), increased rate of leukemia-free survival (60% vs. 50%, P = .04), and improved "graft versus host disease (GVHD) and relapse-free survival" (GRFS, 43% vs. 33%, P = .04). No significant effect could be observed in terms of the incidence of nonrelapse mortality or acute or chronic GVHD. In a multivariate model, the use of Vp/TBI was associated with reduced risk of relapse (HR = 0.62, P = .04) while the effect on other study end-points was not significant. In conclusion, conditioning regimen based on Vp combined with TBI appears more effective for disease control than the combination of Cy with TBI for adult patients with Ph-negative ALL treated with alloHCT.

This study sought to identify novel CD8

Background Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HSCT). Previous studies have shown that anti- thymocyte globulin (ATG) reduce the incidence of acute and or chronic GVHD after reduced intensity and chemotherapy based myeloablative conditioning regimen pre-HSCT. The impact of the use of ATG following TBI based myeloablative conditioning regimen has been poorly explored. Recent prospective, double-blind phase III study of ATG vs placebo in patients (pts) with MDS or AML following myeloablative conditioning report inferior progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in the ATG arm, especially in the TBI cohort. However, this study includes only small and quite heterogeneous sub-populations within the TBI group. We therefore assessed the effect of ATG in a large homogenous cohort of AML pts undergoing HSCT with TBI and reported to the ALWP of the EBMT. Methods The study included 724 AML pts that underwent HSCT during the years 2008-2016 from a matched sibling (n=412) or 9-10 unrelated donor (n=312), following TBI (>8Gy) based conditioning regimen. All disease statuses were included (CR1=489, CR2=148; refractor=87). Graft source was PB in the majority of pts (n=579, 80%). 251 pts received ATG while 473 did not. Median follow up was 58.8 (28-83) months. The disease and transplant characteristics were similar in both groups except for type of donors, unrelated donor HSCT received ATG in 89% vs 19% in sibling donor HSCT (p Results In univariate analysis, day 100 incidence of acute GVHD II-IV and III-VI was 24.1% vs 33% (p Conclusions The addition of ATG to TBI based conditioning regimen followed by HSCT for AML results in significant reduction of acute and chronic GVHD, translating into a significant reduction in TRM without increasing relapse rate, and a similar LFS or OS.

Transplantation-associated thrombotic microangiopathy (TA-TMA) is a serious complication of allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) with high mortality rate. We retrospectively studied the frequency, clinical and genetic associations and prognostic effect of TA-TMA, in a total of 425 consecutive adult patients, who underwent allo-HSCT for a malignant haematological condition between 2007 and 2013 at our single centre. TA-TMA developed in 19% of the patients. Unrelated donor type (P

Introduction: Mutations in Janus kinase 2, calreticulin and thrombopoietin receptor genes have been identified in the genetic background of Philadelphia chromosome negative, “classic” myeloproliferative neoplasms. Aim: The aim of the authors was to identify driver mutations in a large myeloproliferative cohort of 949 patients. Method: A complex array of molecular techniques (qualitative and quantitative allele-specific polymerase chain reactions, fragment analyzes, high resolution melting and Sanger sequencing) was applied. Results: All 354 patients with polycythemia vera carried Janus kinase 2 mutations (V617F 98.6%, exon 12: 1.4%). In essential thrombocythemia (n = 468), the frequency of V617F was 61.3% (n = 287), that of calreticulin 25.2% (n = 118), and that of thrombopoietin receptor mutations 2.1% (n = 10), while 11.3% (n = 53) were triple-negative. Similar distribution was observed in primary myelofibrosis (n = 127): 58.3% (n = 74) V617F, 23.6% (n = 30) calreticulin, 6.3% (n = 8) thrombopoietin receptor mutation positive and 11.8% (n = 15) triple-negative. Conclusions: The recent discovery of calreticulin gene mutations led to definite molecular diagnostics in around 90% of clonal myeloproliferative cases. Orv. Hetil., 2014, 155(52), 2074–2081.

T-cell lymphoma is a poor prognostic hematological malignancy. The generally used - not sufficiently effective - induction chemotherapy should be improved with consolidative autologous hemopoetic stem cell transplantation. The authors describe the role, place and effectiveness of transplantation in this disorder. One hundred thirty three autologous stem cell transplantations were performed in the last 22 years in Hungary. Detailed results are available from the last 6 years. In this period 43 transplantations were carried out in 4 Hungarian centers. Carmustine-etoposide-cytosine arabinoside-melphalan (BEAM) conditioning regimen was used in 95%. The transplantation was done mainly in complete remission (84%), 1 year after transplantation 65% of patients were still in complete remission. Eleven patients died, 82% of them have progressive disease. Brentuximab vedotin has already proved the effectiveness, several other chemoterapeutics, monoclonal antibodies, kinase inhibitors are under investigation. In certain cases allogeneic stem cell transplantation has real indication among therapeutic options. Orv Hetil. 2017; 158(41): 1615-1619.

Patients with Acute Myelogenous Leukemia have a better outcome if reaching molecular remission. We compared the outcome of 373 patients autografted and 335 patients allografted with a 10/10 compatible unrelated donor in first molecular remission. Patients were stratified using the ELN European Leukemia Net classification. ELN favorable group: (234 auto and 70 unrelated transplants). By univariate analysis, in the auto group, the Non Relapse Mortality (NRM) was lower (3.7% versus 19%; P

More than two decades after the Dayton peace agreement, Bosnia and Herzegovina is still stuck in an ethnically based struggle over territorial power. The former warring parties, and their economic and political elite, have succeeded in remaining in power during peacetime, and continue to influence the everyday life of the State, which is, to great extent organized along ethno-territorial lines of the institutional framework that was written in Dayton. In this paper we examined the system and logic of regional development as a consequence of this agreement, focusing on the development of transportation in the different ethno-territorial areas. We argue that because this field is delegated to the entities and thus to their ethnic elites, a large part of the development plans, policies and activities serve only the ethnic-based objectives of each entity, increasing the cohesion at their level instead of national cohesion. In this post conflict society, regional development is also used to control space and increase the territorial integration of the entities. Plus de deux décennies après l'accord de paix de Dayton, la Bosnie-Herzégovine est toujours engluée dans une lutte pour le pouvoir territorial fondée sur l'ethnicité. Les anciens belligérants, ainsi que leurs élites économiques et politiques, ont réussi à se maintenir au pouvoir en temps de paix et continuent d'influencer la vie quotidienne de l'État, largement organisée selon les grandes lignes ethno-territoriales du cadre institutionnel élaboré à Dayton.Dans cet article, nous examinons le fonctionnement du développement régional résultant de cet accord en nous focalisant sur le développement des transports dans les différentes zones ethno-territoriales. Nous en concluons que, considérant que ce domaine est délégué aux entités et par conséquent à leurs élites ethniques, une part considérable des plans et des politiques de développement sert uniquement les objectifs basés sur l'ethnie dans chaque entité, ce qui accroît la cohésion à leur niveau plutôt qu'au niveau de l'État. Dans cette société post-conflit, le développement régional est également utilisé à des fins de contrôle de l'espace et d'intégration territoriale des différentes entités.

The publication summarizes the 2548 stem cell transplantations performed in the period of 1993-2015 in Szent Laszló Hospital, Budapest and provides a detailed discussion of the 425 allogeneic transplantations during 2007-2013.The analysis explains the major steps of the evolution of allogeneic stem cell transplantation and compares the results of the unique Hungarian allogeneic center.The significant shift in the transplantation indications from chronic myeloid leukemia to myelodysplastic syndromes and the rising age of the recipients are in line with world wide tendencies. The latter one is the consequence of the introduction and improvement of the concept of reduced intensity conditioning regimens, originally arising from the idea of Endre Kelemen. The most limiting factor, the donor availability seems to be resolved with the use of a new immunomodulating regimen, the application of posttransplantation cyclophosphamide, which allows the transplantation through HLA barriers with haploidentical family donors with comparable results to the HLA matched volunteer unrelated donors. The above mentioned tendencies result the wider use of allogeneic stem cell transplantation less dependent from recipient age, comorbidities and even donor availability.The publication highlights the need of expanding the stem cell transplantation budget and the involvement of new centers in Hungary in allogeneic of stem cell transplantation. Orv. Hetil., 2017, 158(8), 291-297.

Recently, an increasing number of patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia with a poor Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) score are considered for allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HCT). Nevertheless, there is paucity of available data about outcome of this fragile population. We report here the results of a retrospective study designed to evaluate outcome of ALL patients undergoing allo-HCT with KPS score ≤80%. The analysis included ALL patients aged ≥18 years, undergoing allo-HCT in first remission between 2000 and 2018, with a KPS score of 50% to 80% at the time of transplant. Patients who received manipulated grafts or had incomplete data about cytogenetics were excluded. Conditioning intensity was defined according to EBMT definitions (Aoudjhane M. et al, Leukemia 2005; 19: pp. 2304-2312). A total of 1,010 patients were identified. Median age at transplant was 43 years (18-76 years). Median year of transplant was 2011. The KPS score was =80% in 83% of the patients and On multivariate analysis, transplant from 10/10 UD was associated with higher incidence of aGVHD (HR 1.8, p In conclusion, allo-HCT is feasible in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in first remission and KPS score ≤80%, with acceptable NRM and survival rates. Transplant from a sibling donor was associated with reduced risk of NRM and aGVHD as compared to matched unrelated donor. Interestingly, despite the poor KPS score of the patients included in the analysis, a MAC protocol was associated with similar NRM, lower relapse and better LFS and GRFS as compared to RIC in the selected population. Finally, administration of ATG was associated with reduced acute and chronic GVHD rates. Disclosures Labopin: Jazz Pharmaceuticals: Honoraria. Socie:Alexion: Consultancy. Kröger:JAZZ: Honoraria; Medac: Honoraria; Neovii: Honoraria, Research Funding; Novartis: Honoraria, Research Funding; Riemser: Research Funding; Sanofi-Aventis: Research Funding; Celgene: Honoraria, Research Funding; DKMS: Research Funding. Mohty:Jazz Pharmaceuticals: Honoraria, Research Funding.

Introduction Although many new drugs became available to treat multiple myeloma (MM), high-dose chemotherapy with auto-HCT remains the gold standard. Further intensification to improve disease control has been assessed in several trials. However, no clear consensus has emerged. Further evidence is therefore required to guide clinicians in choosing between single auto, tandem auto and auto-allo approaches. Materials and Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of MM patients (20-65 years) undergoing their first auto-HCT in EBMT centres (2002-2015). Our primary end-points were Progression-Free Survival (PFS) and Overall Survival (OS). We used 3 different statistical methods to avoid time bias and to account for time-dependent effects. We defined tandem transplants (auto-auto2 or auto-allo) given within 9 months in absence of progression. Single- and tandem-transplant groups were compared by a landmark analysis (1). In addition, two different dynamic prediction models (2, 3) were applied to predict long-term outcomes in all patients according to the treatment actually received while avoiding the loss of information that occurs in landmark analysis. The models incorporated a horizon time of 5 years for OS and PFS during the first 3 years following auto1. Since the effects of tandem transplants vary over time, these were split into "Recent", the first 100 days following the 2nd transplant, and "Past" for the longer term (2, 3), respectively. Age, disease status and calendar year of transplant at auto1 were also analysed. Furthermore, the third model incorporated the long-term time-varying effect of auto-allo or auto-auto2 and possible associated interactions with patients' characteristics. Results A total of 24,936 patients who received an auto as first transplant were included; 3,683 of these patients proceeded to an elective tandem auto and 878 to an auto-allo transplant. The median age of the entire cohort was 57.0 years (range 18.1.-65.0). 18% were in complete remission (CR) at first auto. The Tandem auto-allo group was younger (51.7 years). Both tandem groups (auto-auto and auto-allo) had fewer patients in CR at first auto (9% and 8%, respectively). There was no difference in CR rates at second transplant in the tandem groups (18% and 19%, respectively). In the tandem auto-allo group, 72% had HLA identical sibling donors and 25% matched unrelated donors. Reduced intensity conditioning was performed in 85% of the allogeneic transplants. The median follow-up of the entire cohort was 66.3 months. At 60 months following first auto, the PFS was 24.8% and OS 63.1%. All three statistical methods found that younger age and being in CR at first transplant were associated with superior PFS and OS. The long term results of the different transplant strategies were as follows: Landmark analysis at 4 months resulted in a reduction in the number of transplants analysed. Auto-allo only had an advantage in terms of very long term PFS (figure 1) and not for OS (not shown).Dynamic prediction (table 1, curves not shown) revealed that the tandem groups were superior regarding PFS in comparison to single auto (auto-allo and auto-auto: HR 0.56 and 0.85, both p Summary We here present a very large cohort of patients who have undergone auto and allo transplantation as first-line treatment for MM. Younger age and being in CR at first transplant were consistently found to be positive prognostic factors for PFS and OS. Tandem auto-allo was superior to single and tandem auto for long-term PFS. However, this PFS advantage only translated into a minor OS benefit for tandem auto-allo even when analysis was restricted to patients who were not in CR at the time of the first auto-HCT. Disclosures Schönland: Janssen: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Prothena: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Takeda: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Medac: Other: Travel Grant. Blaise:Pierre Fabre medicaments: Honoraria; Sanofi: Honoraria; Jazz Pharmaceuticals: Honoraria; Molmed: Consultancy, Honoraria. Chevallier:Jazz Pharmaceuticals: Honoraria; Daiichi Sankyo: Honoraria; Incyte: Consultancy, Honoraria. Mayer:AOP Orphan Pharmaceuticals AG: Research Funding. Gribben:Abbvie: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Acerta/Astra Zeneca: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Janssen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding. Stelljes:MDS: Consultancy; Pfizer: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Novartis: Honoraria; Amgen: Honoraria; Jazz Pharmaceuticals: Honoraria. Bloor:Abvie, Gilead, Novartis, Autolus, Celgene, etc: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: Educational grant. Beksac:Celgene: Speakers Bureau; Janssen: Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Amgen: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Takeda: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau. Hayden:Amgen: Honoraria; Alnylam: Honoraria. Kröger:Celgene: Honoraria, Research Funding; DKMS: Research Funding; JAZZ: Honoraria; Medac: Honoraria; Neovii: Honoraria, Research Funding; Novartis: Honoraria, Research Funding; Riemser: Research Funding; Sanofi-Aventis: Research Funding.

Introduction The use of autologous haematopoietic cell transplantation (auto-HCT) in the treatment of myeloma (MM) has greatly increased over the last twenty-five years. There are, however, few large datasets detailing the overall trends in transplant use, patient selection, induction regimen, choice of mobilisation regimen, stem cell yield, response to transplant and survival. We performed a retrospective analysis of all patients who underwent first auto-HCT for MM in EBMT centres between 1993 and 2017 and analysed these trends over consecutive five-year cohorts: (1) 1993-1997, (2) 1998-2002, (3) 2003-2007, (4) 2008-2012 and (5) 2013-2017. Methods Data on patients with MM who underwent a first auto-HCT at EBMT centres between 1993 and 2017 were obtained from the EBMT registry. Med-A forms consist of registration and follow-up forms. More detailed information in captured in Med-B forms. Results A total of 103,032 patients in 568 centres in 54 countries were included in this analysis. The number of transplants increased seven-fold between the first and fifth cohorts: (1) 5,246, (2) 12,554, (3) 21,153, (4) 28,390 and (5) 35,689. The gender breakdown has been consistent over time: 58% Male, 42% Female. Over these years, the median patient age at transplant has increased significantly, as follows: (1) 54, (2) 57, (3) 58, (4) 59, and (5) 61 years. The percentage of patients >65 years at transplant has also increased: (1) 3%, (2) 9%, (3) 14%, (4) 14%, and (5) 22%. Between 1993 and 1997, IgG, IgA and Light Chain (LC) MM constituted 58%, 22% and 16%, respectively. The corresponding percentages between 2013 and 2017 were 52%, 18% and 27%, respectively. Data on the choice of first induction regimen was available in 19,882 (21%) cases (Med-B forms) though only cohorts 4 (2008-2012) and 5 (2013-2017) had specific data in more than 80% of cases. The trends in the percentage use of these regimens in the two cohorts since 2008 are as follows: VTD: 11% to 32%; VCD: 5% to 20%; CTD 15% to 10%; VD: 19% to 7%; PAD 5% to 4%; VRD 2% to 3%; VAD: 8% to 3%. The CR rates pre-ASCT have improved: (1) 16% (2) 14% (3) 13% (4) 20% and (5) 21%; >PR rates pre-ASCT also reveal deeper responses over time: (1) 65%, (2) 68%, (3) 70%, (4) 72%, and (5) 73%. Stem cell mobilisation regimen data was available in 19,882 (19%) cases. In these centres, the use of cyclophosphamide has steadily increased: (1) 31%, (2) 54%, (3) 63%, (4) 64%, and (5) 65%. Conversely, the use of single agent G-CSF has declined: (1) 69%, (2) 45%, (3) 36%, (4) 31%, and (5) 28%. G-CSF + Plerixafor was used in 3.5% of cases from 2008-2012 and 5% in 2013-2017. The median number of stem cells collected (CD34+cells x 10^6/kg) has gradually increased: (1) 5.1, (2) 5.2, (3) 6.3, (4) 6.6, and (5) 6.5, though the median cell dose infused has remained relatively constant: (1) 3.6, (2) 4.1, (3) 4.0, (4) 3.8, and (5) 3.8. Almost all (99%) patients received peripheral blood (PB) stem cells. The number of months from diagnosis to auto-HCT has been stable since 1998: (1) 8.9, (2) 7.7, (3) 7.4, (4) 7.4, and (5) 7.3. Finally, three-year overall survival (OS) post-transplant has risen from 65% to 81% and Progression-Free Survival (PFS) from 41% to 46% (Figure 1). Conclusions This very large dataset shows consistently increasing numbers of auto-HCT for MM in Europe over the last 25 years. Although it is still sometimes stated that 65 years is the upper age limit for auto-HCT in Europe, 22% of auto-HCT recipients in the most recent cohort were older. Analysis of MM subtypes shows an increasing rate of auto-HCT for patients with LC MM, possibly facilitated by the deeper responses which are now being achieved, overall CR rates having risen from 16% to 21% and >PR rates from 65% to 73%. Most patients (59%) in the most recent cohort (2013-2017) received bortezomib-based triplet induction regimens: VTD: 32%; VCD: 20%; PAD 4%; VRD 3%. Data from a subset of centres confirm the use of cyclophosphamide-based stem cell mobilisation in two-thirds; only 5% used G-CSF + Plerixafor. The median stem cell yield has increased by a quarter. As the median cell dose infused remains unchanged, this most likely reflects increasing rates of storage for subsequent transplants. Finally, serial cohort analysis reveals rising rates of OS and PFS over the 25 years, reflecting the deeper responses achieved pre-transplant and the increasing availability of novel agents, whether in the setting of consolidation or maintenance. Figure 1 Disclosures Hayden: Alnylam: Honoraria; Amgen: Honoraria. Goldschmidt:MSD: Research Funding; Janssen: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; John-Hopkins University: Research Funding; Sanofi: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Molecular Partners: Research Funding; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Chugai: Honoraria, Research Funding; Novartis: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Adaptive Biotechnology: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Janssen: Consultancy, Research Funding; Dietmar-Hopp-Stiftung: Research Funding; John-Hopkins University: Research Funding; Amgen: Consultancy, Research Funding; Celgene: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Takeda: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Mundipharma: Research Funding. Blaise:Pierre Fabre medicaments: Honoraria; Molmed: Consultancy, Honoraria; Sanofi: Honoraria; Jazz Pharmaceuticals: Honoraria. Byrne:Ariad/Incyte: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau. Hulin:celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria; Janssen, AbbVie, Celgene, Amgen: Honoraria. Benjamin:Gilead: Honoraria; Takeda: Honoraria; Novartis: Honoraria; Amgen: Honoraria; Eusapharm: Consultancy; Servier: Research Funding; Allogene: Research Funding; Pfizer: Research Funding. Cook:Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Karyopharm: Consultancy, Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Sanofi: Consultancy, Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Takeda: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Janssen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau. Gribben:Acerta/Astra Zeneca: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Abbvie: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Janssen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding. Mayer:AOP Orphan Pharmaceuticals AG: Research Funding. Beksac:Celgene: Consultancy; Amgen: Consultancy; Janssen&Janssen: Consultancy; Takeda: Consultancy. Schönland:Janssen: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Prothena: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Takeda: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Medac: Other: Travel Grant.

Primarily due to recent advances of detection techniques, microchimerism (the proportion of minor variant population is below 1%) has recently gained increasing attention in the field of transplantation. Availability of polymorphic markers, such as deletion insertion or single nucleotide polymorphisms along with a vast array of high sensitivity detection techniques, allow the accurate detection of small quantities of donor- or recipient-related materials. This diagnostic information can improve monitoring of allograft injuries in solid organ transplantations (SOT) as well as facilitate early detection of relapse in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). In the present review, genetic marker and detection platform options applicable for microchimerism detection are discussed. Furthermore, current results of relevant clinical studies in the context of microchimerism and SOT or allo-HSCT respectively are also summarized.

Assessment of measurable residual disease (MRD) is rapidly transforming the therapeutic and prognostic landscape of a wide range of hematological malignancies. Its prognostic value in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) has been established and MRD measured at the end of induction is increasingly used to guide further therapy. Although MRD detectable immediately before allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is known to be associated with poor outcomes, it is unclear if or to what extent this differs with different types of conditioning. Therefore, in this retrospective multicenter study we explored if MRD detectable before allogeneic HCT for ALL is associated with different outcomes in recipients of myeloablative TBI-based versus chemotherapy-based conditioning. We analyzed outcomes of 2780 patients (median age 38 years, range 18-72) who underwent first HCT in complete remission between 2000 and 2017 using sibling or unrelated 9/10 or 10/10 matched donors. In 1816 of these patients no disease was detectable before transplantation and in 964 patients MRD was detectable (MRD positivity). Conditioning was TBI-based in 2122 (76%) transplants. In the whole cohort MRD positivity was a significant independent factor for lower overall survival (OS) and leukemia-free survival (LFS), and for higher relapse incidence (RI), with respective hazard ratios (HR, 95% confidence intervals) of 1.19 (1.02-1.39), 1.26 (1.1-1.44), 1.51 (1.26-1.8). TBI was associated with a better OS, LFS and RI with HR of 0.75 (0.62-0.90), 0.70 (0.60-0.82) and 0.60 (0.49-0.74), respectively. No significant interaction was found between MRD status and conditioning. When investigating the impact of MRD separately in the TBI and chemotherapy-based conditioning cohorts by multivariate analysis, we found MRD positivity to be associated with lower OS (HR 1.26, 1.05-1.51) and LFS (HR 1.3,1.1-1.53), and higher RI (HR 1.53, 1.23-1.9) in the TBI group, and with higher RI (HR 1.58, 1.13-2.21) in the chemotherapy group. There was no significant association between MRD and other outcomes in this last cohort. TBI based conditioning was associated with improved OS, LFS, and RI in both MRD negative and MRD positive patients (figure). In this large study we confirmed that patients who are MRD negative prior to HCT achieve superior outcomes. This is particularly apparent if TBI conditioning is used. All patients with ALL irrespective of MRD status benefit from TBI based conditioning in myeloablative setting.

Background Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT) remains a challenge in elderly and comorbid AML and MDS patients. This patient population is at increased risk for non-relapse mortality (NRM) when treated with standard myeloablative conditioning and was selected to compare a newly developed treosulfan-based with a well-established reduced intensity busulfan-based preparative regimen in a prospective randomized clinical phase III trial. Methods Adult patients with AML in remission or MDS scheduled for HCT from matched related or unrelated donors, aged ≥50 years or with a comorbidity index (HCT-CI) of >2 were enrolled by a central stratified randomization procedure. Treatment arms consisted of intravenous (IV) treosulfan (10 g/m²/day [d-4 to d-2]) or IV busulfan (3.2 mg/kg/day [d-4 to d-3]), both combined with IV fludarabine (30 mg/m²/day [d-6 to d-2]). The primary objective was to compare event-free survival (EFS) at two years with relapse/progression of disease, graft failure, or death reported as events. Secondary endpoints were safety evaluation (according to CTCAE v4.03), engraftment, chimerism, overall survival (OS), relapse/progression incidence (RI), NRM and acute or chronic GvHD. After a previously conducted confirmatory interim analysis (based on 476 patients), which resulted in early termination of patient accrual due to significant non-inferiority of treosulfan treatment with improved EFS, NRM and OS (Beelen et al., ASH 2017), results of the final analysis of all 570 randomized patients including post surveillance data are provided here. Results Median age of the 551 patients (352 AML; 199 MDS) included in the full analysis set (268 treosulfan; 283 busulfan) was 60 years (range: 31, 70). Frequencies of early adverse events (d-6 to d+28) and incidences of acute and chronic GvHD were largely comparable between the two regimens, while extensive chronic GvHD was numerically in favor of treosulfan (19.7% vs. 26.7%; p=0.0750). Primary neutrophil recovery at day +28 was comparable, while the rate of complete donor-type chimerism (day +28) was higher after treosulfan (93.2% vs. 83.3%; p Conclusions Final evaluation of this phase III trial substantiates the previous confirmatory analysis resulting in significantly improved survival after treosulfan-based conditioning. Due to the reduction of NRM a major clinical benefit of the new treosulfan conditioning regimen was demonstrated in the selected AML/MDS patient population.

Objectives A host of medical, socio-demographic, and psychological factors that affect bone marrow transplantation (BMT) patients' quality of life (QOL) have been identified, but due to the methodological diversity of the studies, the findings have been contradictory. The aim of this study was to examine the influence of somatic status, social characteristics, and psychological symptoms on QOL in BMT patients. Methods The study had a cross-sectional design. QOL was evaluated using the Hungarian version of the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy–Bone Marrow Transplant (FACT-BMT) scale. Anxiety and depression were assessed using Spielberger's State and Trait Anxiety Inventory (SSTAI) and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). A questionnaire designed for the study was used to record socio-demographic variables. Results One hundred and twenty-one patients formed the study sample. Patients' QOL was better in our sample than in another study with similar mean time after BMT. BDI scores indicated mild depression; SSTAI scores corresponded with healthy population levels. QOL was strongly influenced by psychological symptoms (depression P

Introduction:Clostridium difficile is the leading cause of antibiotic associated infectious nosocomial diarrhoea. Limited number of new pharmaceutical products have been developed and registered in the past decades for the treatment of Clostridium difficile infection. The available scientific evidence is limited and hardly comparable. Aim: To analyse the clinical efficacy and safety of metronidazole, vancomycin and fidaxomicin in the therapy of Clostridium difficile infection. Methods: Systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature data. Results: Meta-analysis of literature data showed no significant difference between these antibiotics in clinical cure endpoint (odss ratios: fidaxomicin vs. vancomycin 1.19; vancomycin vs. metronidazol 1.69 and fidaxomicin vs. metronidazol 2.00). However, fidaxomicin therapy was significantly more effective than vancomicin and metronidazol in endpoints of recurrence and global cure (odds ratios: fidaxomicin vs. vancomycin 0.47; vancomycin vs. metronidazol 0.91 és fidaxomicin vs. metronidazol 0.43). There was no significant difference between fidaxomicin, vancomycin and metronidazole in safety endpoints. Conclusions: Each antibiotic similarly improved clinical cure. Fidaxomicin was the most effective therapeutic alternative in lowering the rate of recurrent Clostridium difficile infections. Orv. Hetil., 2013, 154, 890–899.

Background: Additional chromosome abnormalities (ACAs), mutations of the BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase domain (TKD) and BCR-ABL splice variants may cause resistance to first- and second-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) and Philadelphia-positive (Ph+) acute lymphoid leukemia (ALL). Methods: Karyotyping and BCR-ABL TKD mutation screening were performed in 71 imatinib-resistant CML patients and 6 Ph+ ALL patients. A total of 56 out of these 77 patients received second-generation TKI. Results: ACAs were present in 30 of 65 imatinib-resistant patients (46%). In 27 of 74 imatinib-resistant patients (36%), 15 different BCR-ABL TKD mutations were detected. Mutations were found in 25% of chronic-phase patients (12/47), 33% of accelerated-phase patients (5/15), 71% of blast crisis CML patients (5/7) and 100% of ALL patients. In nilotinib-resistant patients, Y253H, T315I and F359I/V mutations were detected; in dasatinib-resistant patients, L248M, E279K and T315I mutations were detected. T315I was found more frequently in patients on dasatinib than on imatinib therapy. The presence of ACAs predicted shorter survival during first- and second-generation TKI therapy, while TKD mutations only influenced survival during second-generation TKI therapy. Conclusion: For patients with TKI resistance, mutation and ACA screening may play a role in identifying patients with poorer prognosis.

Introduction Current consensus identifies translocations t(4;14), t(14;16), t(14;20), and del(17/17p) as high-risk cytogenetics in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM). However, evidence on outcome of specific abnormalities according to types of transplant as first-line treatment is limited. We analyzed NDMM patients with del(17) and/or t(4;14) reported to the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT) registry undergoing either upfront single autologous (auto), tandem autologous (auto-auto) or tandem autologous/reduced-intensity allogeneic (auto-allo) stem cell transplantation. Methods Upfront transplantation was defined as first autologous transplant within 12 months from MM diagnosis and tandem transplant was defined as a second transplant (autologous or allogeneic) within 6 months from first transplant. Survival and cumulative incidence were calculated from date of first transplant (95% confidence interval) and analyses were performed using a landmark approach of patients who were alive and relapse-free by month 6. End points were progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), relapse and non-relapse mortality (NRM). Results Patients. Within the EBMT registry, 498 NDMM patients with del(17) (n=224), t(4;14) (n=229) or both (n=45) could be analyzed between 2000-2015. First-line auto was received by 337, auto-auto by 99 and auto-allo by 62 patients. Frequencies of del(17)/t(4;14)/or both were 39/51/10% in auto, 58/36/6% in auto-auto, and 55/35/10% in auto-allo (p=0.01). Median age was 60 years in auto and auto-auto, and 52 years in auto-allo (p Posttransplant outcome and cytogenetics. The median follow-up of all patients was 57 months (55 months for auto, 57 months for auto-auto, and 64 months for auto-allo). 5-year PFS according to transplant was 18% (12-23) for auto, 32% (22-43) for auto-auto, and 32% (19-45) for auto-allo (p=0.11) and 5-year OS was 47% (41-54) for auto, 51% (40-63) for auto-auto, and 65% (51-78) for auto-allo (p=0.28). Relapse incidence was 82% (77-87) for auto, 63% (53-74) for auto-auto, and 58% (44-72) for auto-allo (p=0.002) while NRM was 1%, 4%, and 10%. PFS and OS according to cytogenetics was 24% and 58% for del(17), 22% and 42% for t(4;14), and 19% and 55% for presence of both. When stratified according to cytogenetics and transplant, PFS in del(17) was 21% (12-29) for auto, 26% (13-39) for auto-auto, and 30% (13-47) for auto-allo (p=0.78) while OS was 56% (45-67) for auto, 56% (41-70) for auto-auto, and 67% (50-84) for auto-allo (p=0.74). Relapse incidence and NRM were 79% and 1% for auto, 70% and 4% for auto-auto, and 64% and 6% for auto-allo. Single autologous transplant showed significantly worse PFS in t(4;14) resulting in 15% (8-22) compared with 45% (26-63) for auto-auto, and 39% (16-61) for auto-allo (p=0.05). OS was 39% (30-48) for auto, 37% (13-60) for auto-auto, and 63% (38-88) for auto-allo. Relapse incidence was also significantly higher in auto showing 84% (77-91) in comparison with 49% (30-67) for auto-auto and 52% (29-75) for auto-allo (p=0.004). Multivariable analysis. A Cox regression was fitted to compare types of transplant after adjusting for cytogenetics, sex, age, ISS, and remission status. Subsequently, auto-auto (hazard ratio, 0.66) and auto-allo (hazard ratio, 0.58) were associated with better PFS while auto-allo appeared to result in better OS (hazard ratio, 0.71) in comparison with single autologous transplant. Both auto-auto and auto-allo were significantly associated with lower incidence of relapse after fitting a Fine and Gray model (p Conclusion In NDMM patients undergoing upfront transplantation, PFS and relapse incidence were improved in patients specifically with del(17) and t(4;14) receiving tandem autologous or autologous/reduced-intensity allogeneic transplant. Disclosures Leleu: Janssen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Takeda: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Amgen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Roche: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Karyopharm: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Incyte: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Gilead: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Abbvie: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; BMS: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Merck: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Mundipharma: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Kobbe:Amgen: Honoraria, Research Funding; Roche: Honoraria, Research Funding; Celgene: Honoraria, Other: Travel Support, Research Funding. Rambaldi:Novartis: Consultancy; Italfarmaco: Consultancy; Celgene: Consultancy; Roche: Consultancy; Pfizer: Consultancy; Omeros: Consultancy; Amgen Inc.: Consultancy. Garderet:Amgen: Consultancy; Takeda: Consultancy; Celgene: Consultancy. Kroeger:Novartis: Honoraria, Research Funding; Sanofi: Honoraria; Riemser: Honoraria, Research Funding; Celgene: Honoraria, Research Funding; Neovii: Honoraria, Research Funding; JAZZ: Honoraria.

Background: While intensive consolidation therapy with autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) can secure a remission in selected Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) patients with intermediate-risk cytogenetics, a substantial proportion will ultimately relapse. Knowledge of the mutational status of FMS like tyrosine kinase 3 internal tandem duplication (FLT3-ITD) and nucleophosmin (NPM) 1 and their possible combinations could further refine a subset of intermediate cytogenetic risk patients who may benefit from ASCT. However, data are limited. We, therefore, set out to evaluate the impact of FLT3-ITD and NPM1 in a large cohort of patients undergoing ASCT. Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of the Acute Leukemia Working Parity of the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT) registry. We included 405 de-novo AML patients, from 51 European centers, with intermediate-risk cytogenetics (Grimwade et al., Blood 2010) and complete data on FLT3-ITD and NPM1 status, receiving an ASCT at first complete remission (CR1), between 2000-2014. Leukemia free survival (LFS) was the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes were overall survival (OS), transplantation-related mortality (TRM), and relapse incidence (RI). The latter two were considered as competing events. Univariate and multivariable Cox regression models, adjusted for recipient sex, age, Karnofsky performance status, FLT3/NPM1 combinations, days from diagnosis to transplantation, stem cell source -bone marrow or peripheral blood (PB), and use of total-body irradiation-based conditioning. Results: Patients included had a median age of 52 years and received an autograft at median of 5 months from diagnosis. PB-based autograft and non-TBI conditioning were used in the majority of patients (93% and 90%, respectively). FLT3-/NPM1- was the leading molecular combination (50%), followed by FLT3-/NPM1+ (30%), FLT3+/NPM1+ (11%), and FLT3+/NPM1- (9%). Age, time from diagnosis to transplantation, graft source, and use of TBI were similar between the molecular subgroups. The median year of transplantation was earlier in NPM1- patients (FLT3+/NPM1- 2008, FLT3-/NPM1- 2009, FLT3-/NPM1+ 2010, FLT3+/NPM1+ 2011, p Conclusions: In this pioneering analysis of CR1-AML patients, with intermediate risk cytogenetics, receiving an ASCT as post-remission therapy, we show that the molecular subgroups of FLT3-ITD and NPM1 are highly prognostic. In line with previous publications in the allogeneic setting, patients with FLT3-/NPM1+ have promising outcomes, while those with FLT3+/NPM1- do poorly. Testing for the role of additional markers, such as isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH), could further identify populations who may derive the most benefit from ASCT. Figure. Figure. Disclosures Baerlocher: Novartis: Research Funding. Foà:NOVARTIS: Speakers Bureau; ABBVIE: Other: ADVISORY BOARD, Speakers Bureau; CELGENE: Other: ADVISORY BOARD, Speakers Bureau; JANSSEN: Other: ADVISORY BOARD, Speakers Bureau; ROCHE: Other: ADVISORY BOARD, Speakers Bureau; GILEAD: Speakers Bureau; CELTRION: Other: ADVISORY BOARD; AMGEN: Other: ADVISORY BOARD; INCYTE: Other: ADVISORY BOARD. Haenel:Novartis: Honoraria; Amgen: Honoraria; Takeda: Honoraria; Roche: Honoraria. Zuckerman:Cellect Biotherapeutics Ltd: Consultancy. Mohty:MaaT Pharma: Consultancy, Honoraria.

The Hungarian government and the regional development institution system has worked out an own development programme for the improvement of so-called most disadvantageous or MD micro-regions. Micro-regional environmental development has a double role: on the one hand, it should plan activities which in their realisation actively contribute to the solution of environmental problems which are considered a priority on national and regional levels; on the other hand it must be an efficient device for the treatment of local problems which are regarded as most important by the micro-region in question. The Government gives an emphasis to the micro-regions in the worst position for the sake of differentiated utilisation of regional development supports; and it contributes to the realisation of their development programmes to an increased degree.

Mutations in Janus kinase 2, calreticulin and thrombopoietin receptor genes have been identified in the genetic background of Philadelphia chromosome negative, "classic" myeloproliferative neoplasms.The aim of the authors was to identify driver mutations in a large myeloproliferative cohort of 949 patients.A complex array of molecular techniques (qualitative and quantitative allele-specific polymerase chain reactions, fragment analyzes, high resolution melting and Sanger sequencing) was applied.All 354 patients with polycythemia vera carried Janus kinase 2 mutations (V617F 98.6%, exon 12: 1.4%). In essential thrombocythemia (n = 468), the frequency of V617F was 61.3% (n = 287), that of calreticulin 25.2% (n = 118), and that of thrombopoietin receptor mutations 2.1% (n = 10), while 11.3% (n = 53) were triple-negative. Similar distribution was observed in primary myelofibrosis (n = 127): 58.3% (n = 74) V617F, 23.6% (n = 30) calreticulin, 6.3% (n = 8) thrombopoietin receptor mutation positive and 11.8% (n = 15) triple-negative.The recent discovery of calreticulin gene mutations led to definite molecular diagnostics in around 90% of clonal myeloproliferative cases.Bevezetés: A Philadelphia-kromoszóma negatív, „klasszikus” myeloproliferativ neoplasiák genetikai hátterében a Janus kináz 2, a calreticulin- és a trombopoetinreceptor génmutációit azonosították. Célkitűzés: A kóroki mutáció azonosítása 949, myeloproliferativ neoplasiában szenvedő betegnél. Módszer: A szerzők minőségi és mennyiségi allélspecifikus polimeráz láncreakció, fragmensanalízis, nagy felbontású olvadásigörbe-analízis és Sanger-szekvenálás kombinációit alkalmazták. Eredmények: 354 polycytaemia verában szenvedő beteg 98,6%-a (n = 349) hordozta a Janus kináz 2 gén V617F mutációját, 1,4%-uk (n = 5) pedig a 12. exon mutációit. Esszenciális thrombocythaemiában (n = 468) a betegek 61,3%-ánál (n = 287) V617F-, 25,2%-ánál (n = 118) calreticulin- és 2,1%-ánál (n = 10) trombopoetinreceptor-génmutációt találtak, míg a betegek 11,3%-a (n = 53) a fenti mutációk egyikét sem hordozta (triplán negatívak). Hasonló eloszlást tapasztaltak primer myelofibrosisban (n = 127): 58,3% (n = 74) V617F-, 23,6% (n = 30) calreticulin-, 6,3% (n = 8) trombopoetinreceptor mutáció pozitív, 11,8% (n = 15) triplán negatív. Következtetések: A calreticulingént érintő, nemrégiben felfedezett mutációk révén a Philadelphia kromoszóma negatív, „klasszikus” myeloproliferativ neoplasiában szenvedő betegek közel 90%-ánál határozható meg a betegséget okozó genetikai eltérés. Orv. Hetil., 2014, 155(52), 2074–2081.

Somatic insertions/deletions in the calreticulin gene have recently been discovered to be causative alterations in myeloproliferative neoplasms. A combination of qualitative and quantitative allele-specific polymerase chain reaction, fragment-sizing, high resolution melting and Sanger-sequencing was applied for the detection of three driver mutations (in Janus kinase 2, calreticulin and myeloproliferative leukemia virus oncogene genes) in 289 cases of essential thrombocythemia and 99 cases of primary myelofibrosis. In essential thrombocythemia, 154 (53%) Janus kinase 2 V617F, 96 (33%) calreticulin, 9 (3%) myeloproliferative leukemia virus oncogene gene mutation-positive and 30 triple-negative (11%) cases were identified, while in primary myelofibrosis 56 (57%) Janus kinase 2 V617F, 25 (25%) calreticulin, 7 (7%) myeloproliferative leukemia virus oncogene gene mutation-positive and 11 (11%) triple-negative cases were identified. Patients positive for the calreticulin mutation were younger and had higher platelet counts compared to Janus kinase 2 mutation-positive counterparts. Calreticulin mutation-positive patients with essential thrombocythemia showed a lower risk of developing venous thrombosis, but no difference in overall survival. Calreticulin mutation-positive patients with primary myelofibrosis had a better overall survival compared to that of the Janus kinase 2 mutation-positive (P=0.04) or triple-negative cases (P=0.01). Type 2 calreticulin mutation occurred more frequently in essential thrombocythemia than in primary myelofibrosis (P=0.049). In essential thrombocythemia, the calreticulin mutational load was higher than the Janus kinase 2 mutational load (P

INTRODUCTION: Biosimilar versions of filgrastim [recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (rhG-CSF)] are now widely available. To date, biosimilar rhG-CSF has demonstrated a comparable quality, safety and efficacy profile to the originator product (filgrastim [Neupogen((R))], Amgen Inc., CA, USA) in the prevention and management of neutropenia. Biosimilar rhG-CSFs have also been used to induce peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) mobilization in patients undergoing autologous stem cell transplantation (AHSCT). The authors have examined the effectiveness of a biosimilar rhG-CSF (Zarzio((R)), Sandoz Biopharmaceuticals, Holzkirchen, Germany) in two retrospective studies across two medical centers in Hungary. METHODS: In Study 1, 70 patients with hematological malignancies scheduled to undergo AHSCT received chemotherapy followed by biosimilar rhG-CSF (2 x 5 mug) for facilitating neutrophil, leukocyte, and platelet engraftment. In study 2, 40 additional patients with lymphoid malignancies and planned AHSCT received chemotherapy followed by biosimilar rhG-CSF for PBSC mobilization. The effectiveness of treatment was assessed by the average yield of cluster of differentiation (CD) 34+ cells and the number of leukaphereses required. RESULTS: In Study 1 (patients undergoing AHSCT), the median age was 56 years and most patients were male (60%). The conditioning regimens were mainly high-dose melphalan (n = 41) and carmustine (BiCNU((R)), Bristol-Myers Squibb, NJ, USA), etoposide, cytarabine and melphalan BEAM (n = 21). Median times to absolute neutrophil and leukocyte engraftment were 9 (range 8-11 days) and 10 (8-12) days, respectively. Median time to platelet engraftment was 10.5 days (7-19 days). In Study 2, the patients' median age was 54 years and the majority (57.5%) were female. The median time interval between day 1 of mobilizing chemotherapy and first leukapheresis was 12 (9-27) days. In the autologous PBSC grafts, the median number of CD34+ cells harvested was 5.2 x 10(6)/kg (2.22-57.07 x 10(6)/kg). The median yield of CD34+ cells per leukapheresis product was 2.47 x 10(6)/kg. In total, 58 leukaphereses were performed in 40 successfully harvested patients. CONCLUSIONS: In line with previous studies with originator rhG-CSF, the findings of this study indicate that biosimilar rhG-CSF following AHSCT is effective and generally well tolerated in the engraftment setting. In addition, biosimilar rhG-CSF is comparable to the originator rhG-CSF in terms of kinetics of PBSC mobilization and yield of CD34+ cells. In conclusion, the authors have demonstrated that the use of biosimilar rhG-CSF is effective and safe in autologous PBSC mobilization and engraftment after AHSCT.

Here we have described a successful HLA-identical living allogeneic kidney transplantation after bone marrow transplantation in a patient with end-stag liver disease caused by multiple myeloma (MM). Our case is unique, because this combined transplantation is rarely possible and because of our unique immunosuppressive and management strategies. A 45-year-old man with ESRD MM and κ light-chain nephropathy was diagnosed. Cytostatic treatment resulted in partial remission, so autologous peripheral stem cell transplantation (SCT) was performed leading to a complete remission; however the patient remained anuric. The patient's HLA-identical brother offered to be a donor of peripheral stem cells for collection and cryopreservation. Kidney transplantation was performed with a combination of tacrolimus sirolimuns, and methylprednisolone. With a well-functioning kidney graft, allogeneic SCT was performed in the incipient relapse phase of MM, after total body irradiation. Severe oropharyngeal infections, diarrhea, sepsis, and renal failure. Fearing acute renal rejection, we administered steroid bolus. He experienced therapy with gradual restoration of kidney function. Then, steroid-responsive acute graft-versus-host disease (grade II, predominantly bowel) was diagnosed on the background of diarrhea, which returned once. Later he experienced a left subclavian vein thrombosis at the site of a central venous catheter and sepsis. Having recovered from these events, the patient enjoys good health, with stable kidney function and normal protein excretion. After the steroid was stopped, a bone marrow biopsy revealed full-donor type normocellular hemopoiesis. Because of the chimerism, we gradually discontinued the immunosuppression including, sirolimus and finally tacrolimus, since with minimal trough levels there were no complications. Bone marrow biopsy showed a complete remission. In MM with ESRD HLA-identical combined kidney and bone marrow transplantation from a living donor may offer not only complete remission and good renal function, but also good health without immunosuppression.

Internal tandem duplications (ITDs) of the fms-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) gene occur in about 25% of patients with adult acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The aim of our study was to investigate the frequency of FLT3-ITD mutations followed by a detailed analysis of the mutational load and size of ITD insertions in a cohort consisting of 324 patients younger than 60 years old and treated with curative intention. FLT3-ITD alone did not influence overall survival (OS) or disease-free survival (DFS). We observed worse OS and DFS for patients with high mutational load indicative for loss of the FLT3 wild type allele (p = 0.010, p = 0.038, respectively). In multivariate analyses, patients with FLT3-ITD(48-60bp) showed worse OS and DFS compared to other groups (FLT3-ITD(neg), FLT3-ITD (48b), FLT3-ITD (60bp); p = 0.014, p = 0.019, respectively). Our novel observation suggested that not only high FLT3-ITD load, but also medium-sized ITD insertions (48-60 bp) represented an adverse prognostic subgroup of patients with AML.

C. difficile causes 25 percent of the antibiotic associated infectious nosocomial diarrhoeas. C. difficile infection is a high-priority problem of public health in each country. The available literature of C. difficile infection's epidemiology and disease burden is limited.Review of the epidemiology, including seasonality and the risk of recurrences, of the disease burden and of the therapy of C. difficile infection.Review of the international and Hungarian literature in MEDLINE database using PubMed up to and including 20th of March, 2012.The incidence of nosocomial C. difficile associated diarrhoea is 4.1/10 000 patient day. The seasonality of C. difficile infection is unproved. 20 percent of the patients have recurrence after metronidazole or vancomycin treatment, and each recurrence increases the chance of a further one. The cost of C. difficile infection is between 130 and 500 thousand HUF (430 € and 1665 €) in Hungary.The importance of C. difficile infection in public health and the associated disease burden are significant. The available data in Hungary are limited, further studies in epidemiology and health economics are required.Bevezetés: A Clostridium difficile az antibiotikum-használattal összefüggő hasmenések 25%-át okozza. A Clostridium difficile-fertőzés prioritásként kezelt népegészségügyi probléma valamennyi országban. A fertőzés epidemiológiájáról, betegségterhéről viszonylag kevés szakirodalmi adat áll rendelkezésre. Célkitűzés: A Clostridium difficile-fertőzés epidemiológiájának, ezen belül szezonalitásának és az egymást követő fertőzések rizikójának, valamint betegségterhének és terápiájának áttekintése. Módszer: A nemzetközi és hazai szakirodalom áttekintése a MEDLINE adatbázisban a PubMed-en keresztül, 2012. március 20-ával bezárólag. Eredmények: A nosocomialis Clostridium difficile-fertőzés incidenciája 4,1/10 000 ápolási nap. A fertőzés szezonalitásának kérdése felmerült, de nem bizonyított. A betegek 20%-ában fordul elő rekurrencia metronidazol- vagy vankomicinterápia után, minden egyes rekurrencia után a következő rekurrencia rizikója növekvő. A CDI költsége hazánkban 130–500 ezer Ft/kórházi eset. Következtetések: A Clostridium difficile-fertőzés népegészségügyi súlya és betegségterhe jelentős. Hazánkban a rendelkezésre álló adatok korlátozottak, mind az epidemiológia, mind az egészség-gazdaságtan terén további kutatások szükségesek. Orv. Hetil., 2013, 154, 1188–1193.

Clostridium difficile is the leading cause of antibiotic associated infectious nosocomial diarrhoea. Limited number of new pharmaceutical products have been developed and registered in the past decades for the treatment of Clostridium difficile infection. The available scientific evidence is limited and hardly comparable.To analyse the clinical efficacy and safety of metronidazole, vancomycin and fidaxomicin in the therapy of Clostridium difficile infection.Systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature data.Meta-analysis of literature data showed no significant difference between these antibiotics in clinical cure endpoint (odss ratios: fidaxomicin vs. vancomycin 1.19; vancomycin vs. metronidazol 1.69 and fidaxomicin vs. metronidazol 2.00). However, fidaxomicin therapy was significantly more effective than vancomicin and metronidazol in endpoints of recurrence and global cure (odds ratios: fidaxomicin vs. vancomycin 0.47; vancomycin vs. metronidazol 0.91 és fidaxomicin vs. metronidazol 0.43). There was no significant difference between fidaxomicin, vancomycin and metronidazole in safety endpoints.Each antibiotic similarly improved clinical cure. Fidaxomicin was the most effective therapeutic alternative in lowering the rate of recurrent Clostridium difficile infections.Bevezetés: A Clostridium difficile az antibiotikum asszociálta hasmenések leggyakoribb kórokozója, aminek kezelésére az elmúlt évtizedekben kevés új szer került kifejlesztésre, és a tudományos bizonyítékok korlátozott mértékben és nehezen összehasonlítható módon állnak rendelkezésre. Célkitűzés: A Clostridium difficile okozta fertőzés terápiájának hatásossági és biztonságossági végpontjainak elemzése a metronidazol, vancomycin és a fidaxomicin alkalmazása esetén. Módszer: A szakirodalom áttekintése és az eredmények metaanalízise. Eredmények: A metaanalízis szerint a klinikai gyógyulás végpontban nincs szignifikáns különbség a három terápia között (esélyarányok: fidaxomicin vs. vancomycin 1,19, vancomycin vs. metronidazol 1,69 és fidaxomicin vs. metronidazol 2,00). A rekurrencia és a globális gyógyulás végpontokban a fidaxomicin szignifikánsan hatásosabbnak bizonyult, mint a vancomycin és a metronidazol (esélyarányok: fidaxomicin vs. vancomycin 0,47, vancomycin vs. metronidazol 0,91 és fidaxomicin vs. metronidazol 0,43). A biztonságossági végpontokat tekintve nem volt szignifikáns különbség az antibiotikumok között. Következtetések: A klinikai gyógyulás esetében a vizsgált antibiotikumok hatásossága hasonló. A rekurrens fertőzések megakadályozásában jelenleg a fidaxomicin a leghatásosabb terápiás alternatíva. Orv. Hetil., 2013, 154, 890–899.

Cord blood (CB) as a new source for bone marrow transplantation represents advantageous features concerning stem cell and leucocyte compartments and function. We attempted to get more information about the phenotypes and function of CB cells by investigating their cell surface markers and also the production of IL-2, IFN-gamma and IL-6 by mitogen and alloantigen stimulation. The CB cells were characterized by a low proportion of CD3+ T cells, CD4+ T subpopulation, activated T cells and CD3+CD16/CD56+ cytotoxic cells, suggesting reduced graft versus host potential. The significant increase of CD19/CD3 double positive cells and decrease of CD19/HLA-DR double positive mature B cells reflect that immature B cells exist in CB. In the functional studies, a 27- and 5-fold reduction was observed in the production of IFN-gamma by CB cells stimulated with PHA and allogeneic cells, respectively. The production of IL-2 in PHA-stimulated CB cells also showed a 50% determination. Decrease in the production of these cytokines by CB cells is supported by the decline of the proportion of CD3+ T cells. However, an increase was observed in the production of IL-6 by CB cells stimulated with allogeneic cells as compared with the controls. These results suggest a difference in the functional activity of the T helper cell subsets between the CB and peripheral blood and/or differences in the functional maturity of T helper cell subsets and B cells in these compartments.

A radiation-free, non-myeloablative, myelosuppressive protocol, containing dibromomannitol and cytosine arabinoside, that remarkably reduced the frequency of transplant-related complications, such as veno-occlusive liver disease (VOLD), severe mucositis, bacterial sepsis, hemorrhagic cystitis, interstitial pneumonitis, has been applied in 19 CML patients, allotransplanted from identical siblings. Five patients were in accelerated phase. Acute GVHD developed in two patients and chronic GVHD occurred in 66% of patients. Follow-up was 3 to 7 1/2 years. Although only eight patients were under 30 years of age, and only two patients had a history of less than 1 year, the leukemia-free survival was 82%. There were four hematological relapses. The reduction in post-BMT complications has greatly enhanced quality of life. The nurses reported significant reduction of work-load. Savings in eliminating the need for irradiation, parenteral nutrition, and several antibiotics are also remarkable. The remarkable reduction of certain transplant-related complications shows some advantage against busulphan-preconditioning.

The emergence of new antifungal compounds with alternative mechanisms of action and improved tolerability has opened up new therapeutic possibilities for the use of combined antifungal treatment in life-threatening systemic fungal infections. A case report of an 8-year-old allogeneic stem cell transplant recipient who developed a central venous catheter tunnel infection caused by Aspergillus flavus is presented here. In spite of conventional and subsequent liposomal amphotericin B therapy the infection progressed rapidly and the necrosis extended further to the thoracic wall, pleura and the right lung. Combined treatment consisting of liposomal amphotericin B and caspofungin was instituted. After 30 days of dual therapy the deep fungal infection resolved and the extensive soft tissue defect showed scarring. One year post-transplant, the patient is well, with normal bone marrow function and full donor chimerism. Although there is limited clinical data on the effectiveness of echinocandins in pediatric patients with documented invasive fungal infections, this case report shows that combining liposomal amphotericin B with caspofungin could be advantageous.

Intracoronary transfer of autologous bone marrow cells promotes recovery of left ventricular systolic function in patients with acute myocardial infarction. Although the exact mechanisms of stem cell therapy are still intensely debated, the concept of stem cell therapy has already been introduced into the clinical practice--at least as an adjunctive therapy in clinical trials. In this article the authors report their experiences about the first Hungarian phase I. trial in bone marrow stem cell transplantation after acute myocardial infarction. So far, four patients with acute ST elevation myocardial infarction were eligible and recruited into the trial. All patients received purified, autologous bone marrow stem cells into the re-opened infarct related artery via a second catheterisation. The primary end point of the study is ejection fraction, which is measured by cardiac MRI at the beginning and 6 months after recruitment. So far, cell transfer did not increase the risk of adverse clinical events or proarrhythmic effects.

Over recent years the clinical importance of invasive fungal infections has significantly increased. Mucormycosis refers to a rare, life threatening, opportunistic disease caused by filamentous fungi of the order Mucorales. Most frequently mucormycosis occurs in patients with ketoacidotic diabetes and in neutropenic patients with acute leukaemia. This study of fifteen patients was conducted to evaluate the clinical characteristics of invasive mucormycosis, and goal was also to propose for an early diagnosis and management as survival can only be improved by aggressive surgery and antifungal therapy. In a retrospective analysis of the biopsy and autopsy records of the Department of Pathology at Szent László Hospital between 1992-2003 were evaluated fifteen histologically documented cases of mucormycosis. The underlying diseases were hematological malignancy with neutropenia in ten cases, chronic leukaemia with neutropenia, chronic leukaemia with latent diabetes mellitus and diabetes mellitus one case each. Three cases did not belong to any typical risk group. An in vivo diagnosis was made only in four patients with a rhinocerebral manifestation. Radical necrectomy and long-term antifungal therapy cured two of them. Two patients died of a generalised infection despite therapy. None of the systemic infections could be cured. The diagnosis was made post mortem in eleven patients. Selected clinical forms of mucormycosis are illustrated with short case reports.

A non-myeloablative conditioning protocol containing dibromomannitol (DBM/cytosine arabinoside/cyclophosphamide) has been applied to 36 chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients followed by bone marrow transplantation (BMT) from sibling donors. Risk factors include: accelerated phase (10 patients), older age (17 patients over >40 years) and long interval between diagnosis and BMT (27 months on average). Severe mucositis did not occur. Venoocclusive liver disease was absent. Infectious complications were rare. Although grade II–IV acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) was present in 9 (25%) cases, there were only 2 serious (III–IV) ones. Chronic GVHD occurred in 25 (69%) cases, preceded by acute GVHD in 9 of the 25 affected patients. Early hematological relapse, 7–29 weeks after BMT, developed in 6 patients (17.6%). No relapse was noted in the completely chimeric patients, however molecular genetic residual disease was observed in 6 patients, in most of them after transient short-term mixed chimeric state. Overall actual survival rate is 83.3% for the 36 cases, and leukemia-free survival is 72.2% for the 34 engrafted patients.