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Aim. To determine predictors for decision-making on a differential approach to choosing glucocorticosteroids (GCS) for children and adolescents with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Subjects and methods. The analysis covered 1064 primary patients aged to 1 to 18 years with ALL who had been registered at the clinics of Russia and Belorussia in April 2002 to November 2006. Before induction therapy, the patients were randomized into a dexamethasone (DEXA) 6 mg/m2 group (n=539) and a methylprednisolone (MePRED) 60 mg/m2 one (n=525). Results. The entire group showed no statistically significant differences in survival rates between the patients receiving DEXA or MePRED. However, an analysis of age groups revealed the benefits of DEXA in children younger than 14 years (the event-free survival (EFS) was 76±2 and 71±2%, respectively (p=0.048); the overall survival (OS) was 81±2 and 77±2%, respectively (р=0.046); therapy-induced mortality was 6.4% (DEXA) and11.1% (MePRED) (р=0.014); the rate of isolated extramedullary relapses was 1.5% (DEXA) and 4.4% (MePRED) ( р=0.009). At the same time, EFS and OS in 14-to-18-year-old adolescents were statistically significantly higher than in those who used MePRED (EFS, 65±6 and 52±6%, respectively (р=0.087); OS, 72±6 and 61±6%, respectively; (р=0.17). Conclusion. The findings suggest that it is possible that the choice of a GCS for ALL therapy must be also based on a patient’s age. There is a need for further studies of this matter in prospective randomized multicenter trials in children and adolescents.

Aim. To evaluate the efficiency of the original ALL-MB-2002 protocol within the multicenter study of treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in children. Subjects and methods. A total of 1873 primary patients with ALL aged 1 to 18 years, of whom 1544 patients were enrolled in this study, were notified at 36 clinics of Russia and Belarus from April 15, 2002, to January 1, 2008. Results. With the median observation of 4.12 years, 7-year event-free survival (EFS) was 73±13%; overall survival (OS) 78±2%; relapse-free survival 82±1%. The rates of EFS and OS were equal and amounted to 76±2 and 80±2% in the standard-risk group (SRG) and intermediate-risk group (ImRG), respectively. In the high-risk group (HRG) patients, EFS and OS were as high as 30±6 and 37±6%, respectively. The frequency of relapses with central nervous system lesion was as much as 4.7% in all the patients, 6-year cumulative risk for isolated neurorecurrences being 2.5% in the SRG patients. Adolescents, patients with the baseline leukocytosis (more than 100109/l), and those with a splenic size of over 4 cm or more from the costal arch margin had substantially worse survival rates. A poor early response to therapy (on induction days 8 and 15) was also associated with its lower efficiency. Conclusion. Despite a considerable rise in the number of centers and a slight increase in the intensity of therapy, the results of the new ALL-MB-2002 protocol are as minimum equivalents obtained in the use of the previous ALL-MB-91 protocol. A significant improvement in the overall results of therapy and a reduction in the cumulative risk for isolated neurorecurrences were noted in the ImRG patients.

Проанализирована значимость прогностических факторов эффективности терапии у детей с острым лимфобластным лейкозом (ОЛЛ), получающих терапию по протоколу ALL-MB-2002, в зависимости от группы риска. В исследование были включены 1544 первичных больных ОЛЛ в возрасте от 1 года до 18 лет, получавших лечение в 36 клиниках России и Беларуси в период с 15 апреля 2002 г. до 1 января 2008 г. Из 1544 больных, включенных в анализ, пациенты группы стандартного риска (SRG) составили 69,2 %, промежуточного риска (ImRG) — 24,5 % и 6,3 % пациентов были отнесены к группе высокого риска. Анализ, проведенный у пациентов SRG, продемонстрировал резкие различия в выживаемости между отдельными подгруппами больных. Выявлены достоверные различия в показателях выживаемости пациентов в зависимости от возраста (старше и младше 10 лет), инициального лейкоцитоза (более и менее 30 × 10 9 /л), инициального пальпаторного увеличения селезенки (более и менее 4 см из-под края реберной дуги) и параметров раннего ответа на терапию (8-й и 15-й день). При ретроспективном определении больных, относящихся к SRG, с использованием новых критериев (инициальный лейкоцитоз

Protocol AML-MM-2000 treatment results of unfavorable prognostic group in children with primary acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in Russia and Belarus are presented. 105 children at the age from 2 weeks till 18 years (a median age — 10.8 years) are included in the study. In 91 patients (86.7%) hematological remission have reached, from them 34 patients (37.4%) are in the first continuous complete remission (CCR). 6-years overall survival (OS), event-free survival (EFS) and relapse-free survival (RFS) rate for all group of patients was 0.35 ±} 0.05; 0.32 ±} 0.04 and 0.43 ±} 0.05, respectively. Survival analysis of children with different cytogenetic anomalies has allowed to define two prognostic groups of patients: the intermediate prognosis, including patients with normal kariotype and t(9;11) which EFS and RFS rate was 40—50%, and unfavorable prognosis with EFS and RFS rate less than 40%. The efficiency analysis of three postremission therapy type (allogeneic and autological hematopoietic stem cells transplantation (HSCT) and chemotherapy (HT)) in intermediate and unfavorable prognostis groups was carried out. High efficiency of related HLA-identical HSCT in patients both intermediate and unfavorable prognostis groups have been shown. Autological HSCT is possible in intermediate prognosis patients with absence of HLA-identical siblings and in unfavorable prognosis patients with absence of HLA-identical unrelated donor.

The paper presents the results of a multicenter randomized study of two-dose COLI-ASP regimens in therapy of consolidation of standard risk-group (SRG) children and adolescents with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) treated by the ALL-MB-2002 protocol. The principal aim of the study was to elucidate whether the dose of COLI-ASP might be reduced without losing the efficiency of therapy. The analysis covered primary ALL patients notified at 36 clinics of Russia and Belarus, enrolled for the study in the period of May 1, 2002, to October 10, 2006. Out of 819 patients to be examined, 414 received COLI-ASP in a dose of 10,000 U/m2 (a control group), and 405 children took it in a dose of 5,000 U/m2 (a study group). No statistically significant differences were found between the patients in gender, age, baseline leukocytosis, and spleen size. The study showed no statistically and clinically significant differences in event-free, overall, and relapse-free survival (EFS, OS, and RFS, respectively) and relapse rates with the use of two-dose COLI-ASP regimens. However, in the control group, the death rate in remission was twice greater than that in the study group (p = 0.02). Detailed analysis of the outcomes of therapy in some subgroups revealed no differences between the control and study groups. The Cox multiple regression analysis has indicated that the factors influencing EFS and RFS are the baseline sizes of the spleen, baseline leukocytosis, age, and a response to treatment in the period of induction, rather than the dose of E. coli asparaginase. The authors have also found that among the SRG patients, there is a subgroup of patients without risk factors, in whom the reduction in the COLI-ASP dose may substantially increase survival rates, by lowering toxicity and mortality in remission.

Prognosis of patients with acute myeloid leukemia receiving intensive chemotherapy is defined as kariotyping anomalies, and mutations of genes responsible for surviving and self-maintenance leukemic cells. In the giving work incidence of mutation involving genes FLT3, c-KIT, NPM1 having prognostic value in adults is analysed. Kynase domain FLT3 mutation in 18 from 83 patients (21.6%) was detected. 2 from 18 patients (11%) achieved complete remission, 5 from 18 patients (27.7%) with FLT3 mutations were refractory to therapy, two patients died from treatment complications, 9 from 18 (50%) relapsed. Only 2 patients (11%) are alive in continuous complete remission. с-KIT mutations detected in 14.2% (2/14 patients), and NPM1 mutations represented allelic polymorphism. Thus, kynase domain FLT3 mutation are prognostic unfavorable.

Comparative pharmacoeconomic analysis of treatment according to ALL-MB-2002 protocol between two groups of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) (n=53) depending on use of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) aiming to infectious complications preventing was conducted. It is shown, that actual protocol cost in group of children treating with IVIG in 1,5 times low (р

220 children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) treated according to ALL-MB-2002 protocol are included in the study. Minimal residual disease (MRD) estimated in bone marrow by three-color flow cytometry on day 15 (n=99), day 36 (n=107) and before the maintenance therapy (n=60). Day 36 positive MRD level (≥0.01%) as one of unfavorable factors statistically significant worsening of relapse-free survival was revealed (log-rank test; р

Introduction. Liver cirrhosis (LC) is the final stage in the progression of chronic diffuse diseases. As common, late stages of LC do not respond to conservative treatment methods, so liver transplantation is the most effective method at this stage. Widespread use of transplantation in clinical practice is due to serious obstacles: a shortage of donor organs, transplant rejection, complications during the operation and the postoperative period, as well as the high cost of such an intervention. We consider bone marrow stem cell transplantation as a potential treatment for liver cirrhosis and additional clinical trials for efficacy and safety.The aim of the study was to assess the efficacy and safety of intraparenchymal transplantation of autologous MSCs from the bone marrow for the treatment of patients with cirrhosis of the liver caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV-LC).Materials and methods. A pilot open-label non-randomized prospective study with the inclusion of 6 patients with HCV-LP. Autologous MSCs were transplanted intraparenchymally into the liver tissue at the rate of 1x106/kg body weight — 1 ml at 5 points.Results. By 6 months after transplantation, there has been a decrease in the level of bilirubin (from 36,4 μmol/L to 27 μmol/L, p=0.03), MELD scores (from 11,5 to 8, p=0.035), and an increase in platelet levels by 3 months (from 83x109 / l to 124,6x109/l, p=0,031) and 6 months (up to 119,5x109/l, p=0,031). By 6 months after transplantation, there has been no statistically significant result in changing on points on the Child-Pugh scale (p=0,181), cytolysis indicators (maintaining elevated levels of ALT (p=0,062) and AST (p=0,844)), replicative activity of the virus (рreservation of HCV RNA in the blood) (p=0,219 ). Moreover, introduction of MSCs by 6 months after transplantation did not lead to resolution of liver cirrhosis and inflammatory infiltration according to light microscopy data, as well as to resolution of sinusoidal capillarization (p=0,586) and PCI transdifferentiation into myofibroblasts (p>0,99) according to immunohistochemical studies. None of the procedures after the transplantation had an increase in body temperature, an increase in laboratory parameters, or changes in vital functions. One patient was admitted to hospital after 6 months. after MSC transplantation, deep vein thrombosis of the right leg was diagnosed.Conclusion. The positive effect of MSCs on the improvement of liver function was noted. There was no effect on the replicative activity of the virus. The continuing activity of the inflammatory process was observed. The used MSC transplantation technique is a safe procedure for patients with HCV-LC severity classes A and B and can be applied in clinical practice.

Objective of the study . Analysis of the treatment outcomes of patients with MLL rearrangements in the Republic of Belarus within protocols AML-MM-2000 and AML-MM-2006.Materials and methods . The study included 151 patients with newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia (AML) who were treated according to protocol AML-MM-2000 and AML-MM-2006. 11q23 abnormalities were detected in 40 (26.5 %) out of 151 patients.Results . The performed analysis of the survival outcomes of patients with 11q23 depending on the protocol showed that the probability of 5-year event-free survival (EFS) was significantly better (p = 0.0110) in children receiving treatment under protocol AML-MM-2006 (86 ± 13 %) compared with that of the patients included in protocol AML-MM-2000 (23 ± 12 %). Using protocol AML-MM-2006 allowed reducing the cumulative incidence of relapse (CIR) in this cohort from 46.2 ± 15.1 to 14.3 ± 14.3 % (p = 0.1609). EFS probability in recipients of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (alloHSCT) was 100 %, whereas in the group without alloHSCT – 31 ± 12 %, p = 0.0359. The treatment outcomes of patients with t(1;11) are comparable to those with CBF leukemia. The risk of relapse in patients with t(10;11) is higher than in the rest of the 11q23 cohort (62.5 ± 19.2 % versus 21.9 ± 7.5 %; p = 0.0136). CIR in patients with t(9;11) decreased from 42.8 % in protocol AML-MM-2000 to 15.4 % in protocol AML-MM-2006 (p = 0.1411).Conclusion . For the described cohort of patients alloHSCT is the best option for post-remission therapy. The worst prognosis is determined in patients with t(10;11), whereas the presence of t(1;11) is a favorable prognostic factor. Using the arm with cladribine showed to be effective in patients with t(9;11). To obtain reliable outcomes, we consider it reasonable to continue the study with the use of cladribine in patients with t(9;11).

Introduction. The importance of the HCV-infection is determined by the wide spread, progressive course, the formation of liver cirrhosis (LC) and hepatocellular carcinoma. The mechanisms of the effect of the virus on hepatic cells, the processes of fibrogenesis and fibrolysis, mechanisms of the reverse development of the LC remain unexplored. There is no effective pathogenetic therapy. The aim of the study — determination of the effectiveness and safety of intrahepatic transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) in chronic HCV-infection at the stage оf LC. Methods. A patient with HCV-LC who has a secondary hemorrhagic vaculities who underwent autologous MSC transplantation into the liver tissue. The liver biopsy specimens were studied in dynamics by light and electronic microscopy and by immunohistochemistry. Results. The transplantation and posttransplantation period proceeded without complications. After the introduction of MSC the features of the formed micronodular LC remained. In some parts of the samples, the septa looked thin, sometimes perforated, indicating a resorption in this place of fibrous tissue. There was a decrease in the degree of transdifferentiation of stellate cells into myofibroblasts, a decrease in the number of fibroblasts and fibroblasts, there were no immune reactions in the form of deposition of amorphous and fibrous masses of moderate electron density along the sinusoidal capillaries that were significantly expressed in the primary biopsy. These changes were combined with the appearance of hepatocyte heterogeneity in the density of the cytoplasmic matrix, the state and quantity of organelles and inclusions, and the structural improvement of intracellular organelles. Conclusion. Autologous transplantation of mesenchymal bone marrow stem cells reduces the degree of destructive changes in hepatocytes, the severity of fibrosis and contributes to the improvement of the morpho-functional state of the liver, and therefore, it can be recommended as an important component of medical interventions.

Background and Purpose: Children with acute myeloid leukemia and relapses of leukemia are at high risk of developing fungal infections and need antifungal prophylaxis. This study aimed to compare the efficacy and toxicity of two different dosage regimens of voriconazole (VRC) during prophylactic administration in children with malignancy and neutropenia., Materials and Methods: This prospective study was conducted at the Belarusian Research Center for Pediatric Oncology, Hematology, and Immunology from May 2017 to December 2019. The present study included 21 Caucasian patients with malignant hematological diseases (20 patients with acute myeloid leukemia and relapses of leukemia and 1 patient with Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma) aged 2-18 years. All patients were randomly divided into two groups that received different dosage regimens of VRCZ prophylaxis. Patients in the "high-dose" group received VRCZ at a dose of 9 mg/kg twice a day PO, or 8 mg/kg twice a day IV without a loading dose (children of 2-11 and adolescents and of 12-14 years old with <50 kg weight body), or a dose of 4 mg/kg twice a day PO or IV (adolescents of 12-14 years old with ≥50 kg body weight and all adolescents over 14 years old). Patients in the "low-dose" group received VRCZ at a dose of 4 mg/kg twice a day, PO or IV, without a loading dose (children of 2-11 and adolescents of 12-14 years old with <50 kg body weight), or at a dose of 3 mg/kg twice a day, PO or IV (adolescents of 12-14 years old with ≥ 50 kg body weight and all adolescents over 14 years old). When neutropenia recurred (after the next chemotherapy block), the patients were re-randomized and prophylaxis was resumed in the absence of fungal infection. Therefore, some patients (n=12, 57%) entered the study several times (maximum four times, after each chemotherapy block). In total, 21 patients experienced 40 episodes of VRCZ prophylaxis., Results: In the high-dose group (n=20 episodes of prophylaxis), invasive fungal infections (IFI) signs were recorded in one (5%) case. In the low-dose group (n=20 episodes), IFI signs were observed in six (30%) cases ( P =0.0375). The residual serum concentration was significantly higher in patients who received high doses of VRCZ ( P <0.0001). Most patients with IFI (n=6, 86%) had a mean value (i.e., <0.74 μg/ml) of the residual serum concentration of the medication. Median of the first signs of fungal infection was 22 days from the start of prophylaxis. The dosage was the only highly significant factor that affected the metabolism of VRCZ., Conclusion: The likelihood of IFI was significantly lower in children who prophylactically received VRCZ in high doses ( P =0.0375) and had ≥ 0.74 μg/ml residual serum concentration of the medication ( P =0.0258). Residual serum concentration of VRCZ reached a plateau by day sixth of the treatment. In children, the dosage was the only highly significant factor affecting the metabolism of VRCZ., (Copyright: © 2020, Published by Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences on behalf of Iranian Society of Medical Mycology and Invasive Fungi Research Center.)