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Infections are still a major reason of morbidity and one of the most common causes of death after hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). Antimicrobial prophylaxis plays a crucial role in decreasing non-relapse mortality after HCT. The objective of this guideline paper is presentation of current recommendations of antimicrobial prophylaxis for children and adults after hematopoietic cell transplantation, prepared in cooperation of Polish scientific hematological societies. Recommendations were prepared by the working group and finally approved by all 23 Polish transplant centers for children and adults. Existing ECIL (European Conference on Infections in Leukemia) and EBMT (European Society of Blood and Marrow Transplantation) guidelines, as well as results of survey performed among all Polish transplant centers, were the background material for working group. Recommendations are presented in sections dedicated to antibacterial prophylaxis, antifungal prophylaxis, antiviral prophylaxis, as well as prophylaxis of toxoplasmosis and infections with Pneumocystis jiroveci. Recommendations on principles of vaccination against COVID-19 are provided based on the state of knowledge in September 2021. A section on guidelines of environmental prophylaxis is also presented.

High-dose chemotherapy with autologous stem-cell transplantation (ASCT) remains the standard of care in multiple myeloma (MM) patients. This retrospective study aimed to assess the impact of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and other complete blood count (CBC)-based predictors on PFS and OS of transplant-eligible MM patients. The CBC-based biomarkers were evaluated in a single-center cohort of 176 MM patients at three time points: at the diagnosis, the time of ASCT, and +100 d after ASCT. Univariable and multivariable Cox's regression analyses and Kaplan-Meier estimate were used in statistical analysis. NLR at ASCT (HR 1.15, 95% CI: 1.05-1.26) and hemoglobin at ASCT (HR 0.80, 95% CI: 0.68-0.94) were independent factors influencing PFS. In the model for OS, the only statistically significant factors were NLR at ASCT (HR 1.15, 95% CI: 1.04-1.27), bortezomib administration prior to ASCT (HR 0.52, 95% CI: 0.33-0.83) and age at diagnosis (HR 1.03, 95% CI: 1.00-1.06). NLR at ASCT is an independent predictive factor in MM patients undergoing ASCT.

The classification of myeloid neoplasms and acute leukemias was last updated in 2016 within a collaboration between the World Health Organization (WHO), the Society for Hematopathology, and the European Association for Haematopathology. This collaboration was primarily based on input from a clinical advisory committees (CACs) composed of pathologists, hematologists, oncologists, geneticists, and bioinformaticians from around the world. The recent advances in our understanding of the biology of hematologic malignancies, the experience with the use of the 2016 WHO classification in clinical practice, and the results of clinical trials have indicated the need for further revising and updating the classification. As a continuation of this CAC-based process, the authors, a group with expertise in the clinical, pathologic, and genetic aspects of these disorders, developed the International Consensus Classification (ICC) of myeloid neoplasms and acute leukemias. Using a multiparameter approach, the main objective of the consensus process was the definition of real disease entities, including the introduction of new entities and refined criteria for existing diagnostic categories, based on accumulated data. The ICC is aimed at facilitating diagnosis and prognostication of these neoplasms, improving treatment of affected patients, and allowing the design of innovative clinical trials.

Several methodologies that rely on the detection of immunophenotypic or molecular abnormalities of the neoplastic cells are now available to quantify measurable (“minimal”) residual disease (MRD) in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Although the perfect MRD test does not (yet) exist, the strong association between MRD and adverse patient outcomes has provided the impetus to use measures of MRD as biomarker in the routine care of AML patients and during clinical trials. MRD test results may inform the selection of postremission therapy in some patients but evidence supporting the use of MRD as predictive biomarker is still limited. Several retrospective studies have shown that conversion from undetectable to detectable MRD or increasing MRD over time is associated with overt disease recurrence, and MRD testing may therefore be valuable as a monitoring biomarker for early detection of relapse. Interpreting serial MRD data is complex, with open questions regarding the optimal timing and frequency of testing, as well as the identification of test-specific thresholds to define relapse. Importantly, it is unknown whether intervening at the time of MRD detection, rather than at overt disease recurrence, improves outcomes. Finally, using MRD as a surrogate efficacy-response biomarker to accelerate drug development/approval has already been accepted by regulatory authorities in other diseases and is of great interest as a potential strategy in AML. While the prognostic value of MRD in AML is well established, data from prospective clinical trials confirming that treatment effects on MRD directly relate to clinical outcomes are needed to further establish the role of MRD as a surrogate endpoint in AML.

Introduction: Calculating accurate blood volume to process is a critical practice in apheresis planning; therefore, researchers try to develop dedicated prediction models. In this analysis, we have attempted to compare three algorithms for two different apheresis collection protocols. Methods: In a retrospective study, we have analyzed 137 apheresis procedures performed on 100 autologous patients. Apheresis procedures were performed with the Spectra Optia apheresis device with two protocols: mononuclear cell collection (MNC) and continuous mononuclear cell collection (cMNC). Three algorithms: a model based on mean collection efficiency (CE2), a linear regression model, and a power regression model were validated by plotting collected CD34 + cell dose versus predicted CD34 + cell dose. Results: All models showed high predictability for MNC procedure, a high correlation of predicted CD34 + yield and actual CD34 + yield ( R 2 = 0.9547; 0.9487; 0.9474 for CE2-based model, linear and power regression model, respectively). In contrast, alteration between models for the cMNC procedure was greater ( R 2 = 0.8049, 0.7970, and 0.8169) with a higher number of overpredictions. Further analysis revealed that for low CD34 + precounts blood volume to process, calculated with the three models, differ significantly up to fivefold times. Conclusions: Utilizing regression models may lead to calculation errors, which can affect undercollection, repetition of apheresis, or even mobilization failure. Contrary to regression models, the model based on mean CE2 gave the most accurate prediction both for MNC and cMNC procedures. Although new prediction algorithms are created, this simple formula remains a reliable tool that promotes careful planning of apheresis, thus improving patient safety.

The number of newly diagnosed haematological malignancies in Polish adults and children is about 9,000 a year, which constitutes about 5.5% of all malignancies in the country. Adult patients with haematological malignancies are diagnosed and treated in 42 institutions in Poland. The scientific and educational support for this activity is provided under the umbrella of the Polish Society of Haematologists and Transfusiologists (PTHiT, Polskie Towarzystwo Hematologow i Transfuzjologow ), the Polish Adult Leukemia Group (PALG), the Polish Lymphoma Research Group (PLRG), the Polish Myeloma Study Group (PMSG), the Polish Myeloma Consortium (PMC), and consultants in haematology. The aim of this position paper is to present the current status and progress in therapy of haematological malignancies in Polish haematology adult centres, focusing on the activity of PALG, PLRG, and PMSG. The achievements of Polish haemato-oncology at the beginning of the third decade of the 21 st century are set out in this paper. Polish haemato-oncology today has an important international position based on contributions to the development of knowledge, international cooperation, and a high quality of patient care. In many instances, clinical trials run by Polish collaborative groups have influenced international standards. Polish haematologists have been the authors of treatment recommendations, and their research has indicated areas for further research.

Background Multiple myeloma (MM) has become a chronic disease in majority of patients, and remission consolidation with autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant (ASCT) remains the backbone of treatment in transplant-eligible patients. Objective The aim of this multicenter cross-sectional nationwide retrospective study was to evaluate the epidemiology, etiology, and outcome of infections in patients with MM undergoing ASCT in 13 Polish transplant centers, carried out on behalf of the Infectious Complications Study Group of the Polish Adult Leukemia Group. Methods A total number of consecutive 1374 patients with MM treated in Polish adult transplant centers from 2012 to 2014 were followed for infectious complications up to day +100 after ASCT in nationwide study. Results Altogether 490 infection episodes in 336 patients (49% male, aged 21-72 years) were reported, including 145 episodes of neutropenic fever (103 patients) and 34 episodes of clinically documented infections (CDIs) (27 patients). Among microbiologically confirmed infections there were 251 episodes of bacterial infections (180 patients), 42 episodes of fungal infections (38 patients), and 18 episodes of viral infections (17 patients). The overall incidence of infections reached 13.1% for bacterial, 3.6% for fungal, and 1.3% for viral infections. There were 16 cases of infection-related deaths after ASCT (1.2%). The mortality risk factors included multidrug-resistant bacteria etiology (odds ratio [OR], 3.5; P = .033), coexistence of bacterial and fungal infection (OR, 6.3; P = .002), and CDI (OR, 5.5; P = .007). Conclusion ASCT in patients with MM was connected with low risk of life-threatening infections. However, multidrug-resistant bacteria bacterial etiology, mixed etiology, and CDI increased the risk of fatal outcome.

Invasive fungal disease (IFD) is one of the most serious complications of therapy in patients with immune suppression. It particularly concerns patients treated for malignant hematological diseases, immune deficiencies, or undergoing hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). Development of IFD can abrogate the effect of previous therapy and contributes to dismal outcome of the underlying disease. The Working Group consisting of members of the Polish Society of Hematology and Blood Transfusion, the Polish Society of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, and the Polish Adult Leukemia Study Group has prepared recommendations for the diagnostic and therapeutic management of IFD in adults and children. This paper presents the current recommendations for patients in immune suppression treated in Polish pediatric and adult hematology and HCT centers, based on the guidelines of the European Conference on Infections in Leukaemia (ECIL) 2015–2019. Levels of diagnosis of IFD (possible, probable, and proven) and antifungal management (prophylaxis, as well as empirical and targeted therapies) are declared according to updated international criteria of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer and the Mycoses Study Group (EORTC/MSG) 2019. Patients with primary diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia, acute myeloblastic leukemia, severe aplastic anemia, chronic granulomatous disease, and severe combined immunodeficiency, as well as patients after allogeneic HCT, are included in the high-risk groups for development of IFD. For these patients, antifungal prophylaxis based on azoles or micafungin is recommended. In empirical therapy, caspofungin or liposomal/lipid formulas of amphotericin B are recommended. The Working Group has discouraged the use of itraconazole in capsules and amphotericin deoxycholate. Detailed guidelines for first- and second-line targeted therapies for invasive candidiasis, aspergillosis, mucormycosis, fusariosis, and scedosporiosis, as well as the principles of the recommended dosing of antifungals, are presented in this paper.

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a highly heterogeneous disease. Mutation with internal tandem duplication of fms-like tyrosine kinase-3 (FLT3-ITD) is one of the two most common driver mu­tations in AML, the presence of which is associated with a poor outcome. Midostaurin (Mido) is a multi-targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor that potently inhibits kinase FLT3, other kinases including platelet-derived growth factor receptors α (PDGFR- α ) and b (PDGFR- β ), tyrosine-protein kinase Src, KIT receptor tyrosine kinase, and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR). Mido is the first targeted therapy to demonstrate improved outcome, and as such it represents a game-changer. The RATIFY study demonstrated significant improvements in overall survival, and in event-free survival, when Mido was added to standard chemotherapy in patients with newly diagnosed FLT3-mutated AML. This paper reviews the current clinical evidence regarding Mido and its use in the induction and treatment of relapsed or refractory disease, and maintenance setting.

The 2010 and 2017 editions of the European LeukemiaNet (ELN) recommendations for diagnosis and management of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in adults are widely recognized among physicians and investigators. There have been major advances in our understanding of AML, including new knowledge about the molecular pathogenesis of AML, leading to an update of the disease classification, technological progress in genomic diagnostics and assessment of measurable residual disease, and the successful development of new therapeutic agents, such as FLT3, IDH1, IDH2, and BCL2 inhibitors. These advances have prompted this update that includes a revised ELN genetic risk classification, revised response criteria, and treatment recommendations.

Context: Mutations in the FLT3 tyrosine kinase and in IDH1/IDH2 (collectively IDHm) co-occur in up to 30% of adults with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). SEL24/MEN1703 is an orally available, first-in-class, dual PIM/FLT3 kinase inhibitor. Preliminary results from the phase 1/2 first-in-human DIAMOND-01 trial (NCT03008187) demonstrated antitumor activity of single-agent SEL24/MEN1703 in adult patients with relapsed/refractory (R/R) IDHm AML, where 3 of 8 IDHm patients responded. Objective: To report the first safety and efficacy results from an additional expansion cohort of the DIAMOND-01 trial in 20 patients with R/R IDHm AML. Design: DIAMOND-01 is a phase 1/2, open-label, multicenter study consisting of 2 parts: dose escalation and cohort expansion, including an additional expansion cohort (IDHm) that is ongoing. Patients: Patients with R/R IDHm AML and no standard therapeutic options were eligible. Intervention(s): Patients received the recommended dose of 125 mg SEL24/MEN1703 orally, once daily for 14 days over a 21-day cycle until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Main Outcome Measure(s): The number and frequency of adverse events (AEs; primary) and overall response rate (ORR; secondary). Results: As of 10 January 2022, 14 patients were enrolled in the IDHm cohort. Seven patients had IDH2, 1 had IDH1/2, and 4 had IDH1 mutations. Two patients had a concomitant FLT3-ITD mutation. Safety data (N=12) showed that grade ≥3 TEAEs (≥10% of patients) were pneumonia (33%) and asthenia (17%), both unrelated to the study drug. Of the 7 patients who completed ≥1 treatment cycle and had ≥1 post-baseline assessment or clear disease progression, ORR was 28.6%; 1 patient achieved a complete response with incomplete blood count recovery at cycle 3 and underwent hematopoietic stem cell transplant, and 1 patient had a partial response at cycle 4 (confirmed at cycle 7 and still on treatment). Among the 7 remaining patients, 3 discontinued before completion of cycle 1 without progression or response, and 4 patients are ongoing and have not yet undergone post-baseline assessments. Conclusions: SEL24/MEN1703 had a manageable safety profile and single-agent activity in adult patients with R/R IDHm AML and may be a feasible therapeutic option in this difficult-to-treat population.

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a heterogeneous, highly malignant neoplasm. Apoptosis is a complex process executed by caspases and suppressed by the inhibitor of apoptosis (IAP) family. Neuronal apoptosis inhibitory protein (NAIP), IAP’s member, may play an exceptional role in the mechanisms of tumors’ resistance to chemotherapy. The aims of the study were to assess the expression of NAIP in leukemic blasts of AML patients using flow cytometry and to evaluate its influence on disease outcome. NAIP expression was found in 106 out of 108 patients. A higher complete response rate was associated with a low expression of NAIP, age < 60 yo, and white blood cell count < 20 G/L (p= 0.009,p= 0.033, andp= 0.076, respectively) in univariate analyses and a low NAIP expression and age < 60 yo (p= 0.025 andp= 0.013, respectively) in multivariate analyses. Longer overall survival (OS) in the univariate analysis was influenced by a low NAIP expression, age < 60 yo, and intensive chemotherapy (p= 0.033,p< 0.001, andp< 0.001, respectively). In the intensively treated group, better OS was observed in patients with age < 60 yo,de novoAML, and a low NAIP expression (p= 0.03,p= 0.024, andp= 0.07, respectively). In multivariate analysis, longer OS was associated with age < 60 yo (p= 0.009) andde novoAML (p= 0.007). In conclusion, we suggest that NAIP might play an adverse role in response to chemotherapy.

More than 97% of patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) demonstrate genetic mutations leading to excessive proliferation combined with the evasion of regulated cell death (RCD). The most prominent and well-defined form of RCD is apoptosis, which serves as a defense mechanism against the emergence of cancer cells. Apoptosis is regulated in part by the BCL-2 family of pro- and anti-apoptotic proteins, whose balance can significantly determine cell survival. Apoptosis evasion plays a key role in tumorigenesis and drug resistance, and thus in the development and progression of AML. Research on the structural and biochemical aspects of apoptosis proteins and their regulators offers promise for new classes of targeted therapies and strategies for therapeutic intervention. This review provides a comprehensive overview of current AML treatment options related to the mechanism of apoptosis, particularly its mitochondrial pathway, and other promising concepts such as neddylation. It pays particular attention to clinically-relevant aspects of current and future AML treatment approaches, highlighting the molecular basis of individual therapies.

Mutations in isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 and 2 (IDH1/2) genes occur in about 20% patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), leading to DNA hypermethylation and epigenetic deregulation. We assessed the prognostic significance of IDH1/2 mutations (IDH1/2+) in 398 AML patients with normal karyotype (NK-AML), treated with daunorubicine + cytarabine (DA), DA + cladribine (DAC), or DA + fludarabine. IDH2 mutation was an independent favorable prognostic factor for 4-year overall survival (OS) in total NK-AML population (p = 0.03, censoring at allotransplant). We next evaluated the effect of addition of cladribine to induction regimen on the patients’ outcome according to IDH1/2 mutation status. In DAC group, 4-year OS was increased in IDH2+ patients, compared to IDH-wild type group (54% vs 33%; p = 0.0087, censoring at allotransplant), while no difference was observed for DA-treated subjects. In multivariate analysis, DAC independently improved the survival of IDH2+ patients (HR = 0.6 [0.37–0.93]; p = 0.024; censored at transplant), indicating that this group specifically benefits from cladribine-containing therapy. In AML cells with R140Q or R172K IDH2 mutations, cladribine restrained mutations-related DNA hypermethylation. Altogether, DAC regimen produces better outcomes in IDH2+ NK-AML patients than DA, and this likely results from the hypomethylating activity of cladribine. Our observations warrant further investigations of induction protocols combining cladribine with IDH1/2 inhibitors in IDH2-mutant.

7024 Background: Mutations in the FLT3 tyrosine kinase are the most frequent ones that occur in adults with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and can co-occur with mutations in IDH1 or IDH2 (collectively IDHm) in up to 30% of cases. SEL24/MEN1703 is an orally available, dual PIM/FLT3 kinase inhibitor. Preliminary results from the phase 1/2 first-in-human DIAMOND-01 trial (NCT03008187) evaluating single-agent SEL24/MEN1703 showed activity in adults with relapsed/refractory (R/R) IDHm AML, where 3/8 IDHm patients (pts) responded. Here we report the first safety and efficacy results from an additional expansion cohort of the DIAMOND-01 trial in 20 pts with R/R IDHm AML. Methods: Pts with IDHm R/R AML and no standard therapeutic options were eligible. The recommended dose of 125 mg SEL24/MEN1703 was given orally, once daily for 14 days over a 21-day cycle until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. The primary endpoint was safety; adverse events (AEs) were graded according to NCI-CTCAE v4.03. The secondary endpoint was anti-leukemic activity including overall response rates (ORR). Results: As of 10 Jan 2022, 14 pts were enrolled in the IDHm cohort. Median age was 68 years (range 37-79). Four pts had AML secondary to myelodysplastic syndrome and 7 pts had intermediate cytogenetic risk. The median number of prior lines was 2 (range 1-3). Seven pts had IDH2, 1 had IDH1/2, and 4 had IDH1 mutations. Concomitant mutations in FLT3/ITD were detected in 2 pts. Median duration of treatment was 2 cycles (range 1-8). Safety data (N = 12) showed that serious treatment-emergent AEs (TEAEs; ≥5%) were pneumonia (33%), and skin infection and gastroenteritis clostridial (8% each). These were all unrelated to study drug. Drug-related TEAEs were liver injury, overdose, and hyponatremia (8% each). The drug-related liver injury occurred in a pt who was concomitantly receiving other drugs with known hepatotoxic potential. Grade ≥3 TEAEs (≥10%) were pneumonia (33%) and asthenia (17%), both unrelated to study drug. No differentiation syndrome was observed. Of the 7 pts who completed ≥1 treatment cycle and had ≥1 post-baseline assessment or clear disease progression, ORR was 28.6%; 1 pt achieved CRi at cycle (C) 3 and underwent hematopoietic stem cell transplant, 1 pt had PR at C4 (confirmed at C7 and still on treatment), 4 had disease progression, 1 discontinued for AE not drug-related. Among the 7 remaining pts, 3 discontinued before completion of C1 without progression or response, while 4 pts were ongoing and have not yet had any post-baseline assessment. Conclusions: Preliminary results in the IDHm cohort confirm that SEL24/MEN1703, a first in class, orally available, dual PIM/FLT3 inhibitor, has a manageable safety profile and single-agent activity in pts with R/R IDHm AML. Updated results will be presented at the congress. Clinical trial information: NCT03008187.

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a heterogeneous clonal stem cell malignancy. Several subgroups of AML have been identified based on multiple genomic and proteomic aberrations; these demonstrate different clinical features, response to treatment and prognosis. Rearrangements in the platelet-derived growth factor receptor β (PDGFRβ) gene result in greater constitutive enzymatic activity (tyrosine kinase) and deregulation of haematopoiesis, similarly to BCR-ABL1 in chronic myeloidleukemia (CML). PDGFRβ gene rearrangements are infrequent entities, which are mostly diagnosed in patients presenting with atypical CML, chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML), myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative disorders (MDS/MPN) or juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML). PDGFRβ-positive AML is extremely rare, accounting for well below 1% of all cases. In this article, we present the case of a 31-year-old woman with AML and abnormal karyotype with PDGFRβ rearrangement, who was treated with intensive chemotherapy combined with low-dose imatinib. Complete remission (CR) was achieved and imatinib was used as maintenance treatment. The patient remains in CR with disease-free survival (DFS) of 41 months.

Decitabine (5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine) is a hypomethylating agent used in the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Decitabine inhibits DNA methyltransferases, causing DNA hypomethylation, and limiting the transcription of tumor suppressor genes, leading to gene silencing. Decitabine is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with newly diagnosed de novo or secondary AML who are not eligible for standard induction chemotherapy. The initial authorization in 2012 was based on the results of the open-label, randomized, multicenter phase 3 DACO-016 trial, and supported by data from the supportive phase 2 open-label DACO-017 trial. Compared with standard care, decitabine significantly improved overall survival, event-free survival, progression-free survival, and response rate. Decitabine was generally well tolerated, offering a valuable treatment option in patients with AML irrespective of age, especially for patients achieving a complete response. Several observational “real-life” studies confirmed these results. In contrast to standard chemotherapy, the presence of adverse-risk karyotypes or TP53 mutations does not negatively impact sensitivity to hypomethylating therapy albeit with lower durability. Data suggest a potential positive effect of decitabine in patients with monosomal karyotype-positive AML. For the time being, decitabine is an appropriate option as monotherapy for patients with AML who are unfit to receive more intensive combination therapies, but emerging data suggest that decitabine-based doublet or triplet combinations may be future treatment options for patients with AML.

Measurable residual disease (MRD) is an important biomarker in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) that is used for prognostic, predictive, monitoring, and efficacy-response assessments. The European LeukemiaNet (ELN) MRD Working Party evaluated standardization and harmonization of MRD in an ongoing manner and has updated the 2018 ELN MRD recommendations based on significant developments in the field. New and revised recommendations were established during in-person and online meetings, and a 2-stage Delphi poll was conducted to optimize consensus. All recommendations are graded by levels of evidence and agreement. Major changes include technical specifications for next-generation sequencing-based MRD testing and integrative assessments of MRD irrespective of technology. Other topics include use of MRD as a prognostic and surrogate end point for drug testing; selection of the technique, material, and appropriate time points for MRD assessment; and clinical implications of MRD assessment. In addition to technical recommendations for flow- and molecular-MRD analysis, we provide MRD thresholds and define MRD response, and detail how MRD results should be reported and combined if several techniques are used. MRD assessment in AML is complex and clinically relevant, and standardized approaches to application, interpretation, technical conduct, and reporting are of critical importance.