Adult Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Research Articles

Allogeneic stem cell transplantation for sickle cell disease.

As the safety and availability of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) have improved, this procedure is becoming a viable option for nonmalignant conditions such as sickle cell disease (SCD). There are very few treatment options available for SCD, and even with optimal care SCD patients still suffer from a myriad of comorbidities to multiple organ systems and have a decreased life span. In this review, we will summarize results from trials of HSCT for children or adults with SCD using a variety of graft sources as well as conditioning and graft-versus-host disease prophylaxis regimens, and discuss the unique challenges that arise in these patients. AlloHSCT for SCD has been performed on small numbers of patients at multiple centers around the world using several different transplant platforms, and early outcomes are encouraging. Overall survival is excellent, although graft failure remains a challenge. As alloHSCT becomes safer and more widely available, the procedure should be considered for patients with severe disease phenotypes in whom the potential benefits of transplantation outweigh the complications from the disease. AlloHSCT has been shown to reverse or at least halt the progression of end-organ damage secondary to SCD. More research is needed to understand the mechanisms underlying graft failure in SCD recipients, as well as to understand the biopsychosocial underpinnings of persistent pain in the posttransplant period to maximize the benefit from the transplant procedure.

The Potential of Mesenchymal Stromal Cells as Treatment for Severe Steroid-Refractory Acute Graft-Versus-Host Disease: A Critical Review of the Literature.

Acute graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) is a major complication after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation which causes high morbidity and mortality among patients who do not respond to steroid treatment. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have immune modulatory abilities and earned their place in the treatment of GvHD after a pediatric patient remarkably recovered from steroid-refractory acute GvHD with MSC salvage therapy. Large, prospective clinical trials evaluating the potency of MSCs have however not been published. To evaluate the therapeutic potential of MSCs in the treatment of steroid-refractory acute GvHD, we conducted a systematic literature search. We included all studies that focused on MSC treatment of adult allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation recipients with grades III to IV steroid-refractory acute GvHD and were transparent about their methods and patient selection criteria. From a total of 255 articles, 9 articles met the quality criteria for this study. The proportion of patients achieving complete resolution of all symptoms (complete response, CR) varied between 8% and 83%. Four of the 9 studies reported CR rates above 50%. The GvHD grade at the time of treatment was identified as a predictor of clinical response. Interestingly, complete response but not partial response to MSCs was associated with overall survival. No serious side effects of MSC therapy were reported. MSC treatment does improve the outcome in steroid-refractory acute GvHD patients but well-designed, prospective randomized clinical trials are needed to confirm the potential of MSCs as salvage therapy for steroid-refractory GvHD and to identify those patients that will benefit most.

A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial of Adjuvanted Versus Nonadjuvanted Influenza Vaccine in Adult Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Recipients

A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial of Adjuvanted Versus Nonadjuvanted Influenza Vaccine in Adult Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Recipients

Strength training to enhance early recovery after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

190 Background: Intensive cancer treatment followed by hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT) results in moderate to severe fatigue and physical inactivity leading to diminished functional ability. Methods: This study compared strength training to enhance early recovery (STEER) (n = 33) to attentional control with health education (n = 34) in adult HCT patients on primary outcomes (physical activity and fatigue) and secondary outcome (functional ability) in a single-blind randomized clinical trial. Subjects were randomly stratified by type of transplant (allogeneic or autologous) and age (≤ 60 years of age or > 60 years of age). STEER consisted of a comprehensive program of progressive resistance introduced during hospitalization and continued for six weeks following hospital discharge. Attention control with health education subjects received structured weekly health education post hospitalization. Variables were assessed prior to HCT hospital admission and six weeks following hospital discharge. Using the two-sided alpha level of 0.05, a final sample size of 66 (n = 33 per arm) was planned with 80% statistical power. Data were analyzed using split-plot ANOVAs. Results: Interactions effects were noted for fatigue, p = .04, ηp 2 = .06. The STEER group reported more fatigue at baseline and less fatigue following strength training compared to the health education group. Time, p < .001, ηp 2 = .16, and group effects, p = .05, ηp 2 = .05, were observed for physical activity. Physical activity decreased from baseline to six weeks post hospitalization. The STEER group was more physically active. Group effects were observed for two functional tests (15-foot timed walk, p = .04, ηp 2 = .06; and, timed up and go test, p = .03, ηp 2 = .07). The STEER group completed both tests faster. The timed stair climb, p = .03. ηp 2 = .07, and timed up and go tests, p = .05, ηp 2 = .06, interaction effects. The STEER group completed both tests faster following completion of strength training. Conclusions: Strength training enhances early recovery following HCT with moderate effect sizes. Strength training significantly reduced fatigue while improving physical activity and functional ability six weeks following hospital discharge.

A Prospective Study of Alemtuzumab as a Second-Line Agent for Steroid-Refractory Acute Graft-versus-Host Disease in Pediatric and Young Adult Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

We describe a single-center prospective study of alemtuzumab as a second-line agent for steroid-refractory (SR) acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) in pediatric and young adult allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients. Alemtuzumab was administered for grades II to IV aGVHD if patients did not improve within 5 days or worsened within 48 hours after corticosteroids. Interim analyses of alemtuzumab levels and response were performed after every 5 patients enrolled, resulting in 3 dosing cohorts, as follows: (1) .2 mg/kg alemtuzumab subcutaneously on days 1 to 5 (maximum of 31 mg over 5 days) and .2 mg/kg/dose (not exceeding 10 mg/dose) on days 15, 22, and 29; (2) .2 mg/kg alemtuzumab subcutaneously on days 1 to 5 (maximum of 43 mg over 5 days) and .2 mg/kg/dose on day 7, 10, 15, 22, and 29; and (3) .2 mg/kg subcutaneously on days 1 to 5 and .2 mg/kg/dose on day 7, 10, 15, and 22. Alemtuzumab levels were assessed before starting alemtuzumab and at days 1, 3, 6, 10, and 14 and weekly until day 99, where day 1 was the day of first alemtuzumab dose. Fifteen patients (median age, 10 years; range, 1.4 to 27) received alemtuzumab for grades II (6%), III (74%), and IV (20%) SR-aGVHD. The overall response rate was 67%, with complete response (CR) in 40%, partial response (PR) in 27%, and no response in 33%. The median day 6 alemtuzumab level was 2.79 µg/mL (interquartile range, 1.34 to 4.89) in patients with CR compared with .62 µg/mL (interquartile range, .25 to 1.45) in patients with PR + no response (P < .05). Ninety percent (n = 9) of patients with a CR or PR reduced corticosteroid doses within 8 weeks from first alemtuzumab dose. Side effects included fever (26%) and transient thrombocytopenia (53%). Asymptomatic viremias occurred in all patients but invasive viral disease occurred in 2 patients. One patient developed Epstein-Barr virus–post-transplantation lymphoproliferative disorder. Eighty percent (n = 12) of patients were alive at 6 months, of whom 53% (n = 8) were free of GVHD whereas 13% (n = 2) developed chronic GVHD. Alemtuzumab is an effective second-line agent for children and young adults with SR-aGVHD. Higher alemtuzumab levels are associated with CR. A real-time dose adjusted alemtuzumab study is needed to further optimize the dose of alemtuzumab in aGVHD.

P102 Prevalence of anti HLA antibodies in adult hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients

Aim Recent studies have indicated that the presence of HLA donor specific antibodies (DSA) in patients undergoing mismatched hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) represent a considerable risk factor for graft failure. Therefore, the role of pre-existing anti-HLA antibodies in HSCT has drawn increasing attention due to increased number of patients who receive partially HLA mismatched, HLA haploidentical and cord blood HSCT. The aim of this study is to determine the frequency of the presence of anti-HLA antibodies in our adult HSCT program. Method The presence of anti-HLA antibodies before transplantation was determined prospectively in 200 HSCT adult recipients at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, using mixed screen beads in a solid phase assay Results Anti-HLA antibodies were detected in 127/200 of the patients (63%). Among those sensitized, 34/127 (27%) were sensitized to HLA class I only and 13/127 (10%) sensitized to HLA class II only and 80/127 (63%) sensitized to both HLA class I and HLA class II. Conclusion Our result has shown a higher level of HLA sensitization (64%) compared to several published studies that reported up to 40% HLA sensitization. Since our patient pool shows a higher prevalence of HLA sensitization, this further emphasizes the need to accurately identify the presence or absence of DSA; which if present poses a significant risk of delayed or complete graft failure.

Strategies to control human cytomegalovirus infection in adult hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients.

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) represents the major viral complication after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. HCMV infection may be controlled by the reconstituting immune system and remain subclinical or can lead to severe systemic and/or organ disease (mainly pneumonia and gastroenteritis) when immune reconstitution is delayed or impaired. In order to prevent the occurrence of HCMV disease, a prompt diagnosis of HCMV infection is mandatory. The adoption of pre-emptive therapy strategies guided by virological monitoring dramatically reduced the occurrence of HCMV disease. However, late-onset end-organ disease may occur in some patients with apparent immune reconstitution. In the near future, introduction of immunological monitoring and immunotherapies could markedly improve management of HCMV infection.

A Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Study of Maraviroc as Acute Graft-versus-Host Disease Prophylaxis in Pediatric Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplant Recipients with Nonmalignant Diagnoses

Maraviroc is an allosteric small molecule antagonist of chemokine receptor type 5 (CCR5) and has been used in adult allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients to prevent acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and liver. The goal of this study was to establish feasibility and pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles of maraviroc in pediatric HSCT recipients. Children ages 2 to 12 years were enrolled and maraviroc was added to standard GVHD prophylaxis, which included a calcineurin inhibitor and either steroids or mycophenolate mofetil. Maraviroc was started on day -3 and administered at a dose of approximately 300 mg/m2 orally twice daily until day +30 after stem cell infusion. On days 0 and day +10, samples for pharmacokinetic analysis were collected before the dose and 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 12 hours after maraviroc administration. Additional trough concentrations were collected on days +7, 14, and 21. Patients were followed until day +100 for acute GVHD. Functional blockade of CCR5 was assessed in a pharmacodynamic assay by flow cytometry. Thirteen patients, median age of 4 years (range, 2 to 11 years), were prospectively enrolled. Underlying diagnoses included a primary immune deficiency (n = 6), hemoglobinopathy (n = 4), metabolic disorder (n = 1), and bone marrow failure syndrome (n = 2). Patients received either a myeloablative preparative regimen (n = 7) or a reduced-intensity conditioning regimen (n = 6). Cyclosporine and methylprednisolone (n = 7) was the predominant GVHD prophylactic regimen, followed by tacrolimus and mycophenolate mofetil (n = 4) and tacrolimus and steroids (n = 2). Two formulations of maraviroc (150-mg tablets and 20-mg/mL solution) were used on study. Mean (± SD) area under the concentration-time curve from 0 to 12 hours was 4805 ± 3265 hour * ng/mL on day 0 and 5917 ± 4048 hour * ng/mL on day +10. Four patients developed grade 1 or 2 acute skin GVHD before day +100 and were successfully treated. Two patients developed grade 3 acute GI GVHD on days +23 and +24 after HSCT and both had discontinued maraviroc before development of GI GVHD. No adverse effects attributable to maraviroc were observed and administration by enteral tubes was well tolerated by children and accepted by parents. All evaluable patients demonstrated functional CCR5 blockade on day 0. Administration of maraviroc is feasible in most pediatric HSCT recipients with good safety and tolerability profile.

Evaluation of umbilical cord blood CD34+ hematopoietic stem cells expansion with inhibition of TGF-β receptorII in co-culture with bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells.

Umbilical cord blood (UCB) is an important source of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). However, low number of HSCs in UCB has been an obstacle for adult hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. The expansion of HSCs in culture is one approach to overcome this problem. In this study, we investigated the expansion of UCB-HSCs by using human bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) as feeder layer as well as inhibiting the TGF-β signaling pathway through reduction of TGF-βRII expression. CD34(+) cells were isolated from UCB and transfected by SiRNA targeting TGF-βRII mRNA. CD34(+) cells were expanded in four culture media with different conditions, including 1) expansion of CD34(+) cells in serum free medium containing growth factors, 2) expansion of cells transfected with SiRNA targeting TGF-βRII in medium containing growth factors, 3) expansion of cells in presence of growth factors and MSCs, 4) expansion of cells transfected with SiRNA targeting TGF-βRII on MSCs feeder layer in medium containing growth factors. These culture conditions were evaluated for the number of total nucleated cells (TNCs), CD34 surface marker as well as using CFU assay on 8th day after culture. The fold increase in CD34(+) cells, TNCs, and colony numbers (71.8±6.9, 93.2±10.2 and 128±10, respectively) was observed to be highest in fourth culture medium compared to other culture conditions. The difference between number of cells in four culture media in 8th day compared to unexpanded cells (0day) before expansion was statistically significant (P<0.05). The results showed that transfection of CD34(+) cells with SiRNA targeting TGF-βRII and their co-culture with MSCs could considerably increase the number of progenitors. Therefore, this method could be useful for UCB-HSCs expansion.

Peripheral blood stem cell versus bone marrow transplantation: A perspective from the Acute Leukemia Working Party of the European Society forBloodand Marrow Transplantation.

Over the past decade, transplantation of peripheral blood hematopoietic cells has increased and is now the predominant graft source for related or unrelated adult allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. At the same time, increasing numbers of patients are receiving reduced-intensity conditioning (RIC) prior to hematopoietic stem cell infusion. In prior work using smaller patient numbers and limited data, RIC peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) transplantation was shown to be noninferior to RIC bone marrow (BM) transplantation for acute leukemia. A recent, large registry analysis from the Acute Leukemia Working Party of the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation showed that peripheral blood grafts result in superior outcomes compared with BM after RIC regimens for acute leukemia. The T-cell-replete PBSC allografts are associated with significant graft-versus-leukemia (GVL) benefits that are important drivers of improved leukemia-free survival and overall survival. However, an increased risk of chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) after peripheral blood grafts is concerning and long-term follow-up comparing peripheral versus BM grafts after RIC regimens is needed. Further assessment of the long-standing risks should be undertaken in an effort to better understand whether the risk of cGVHD among peripheral blood graft recipients translates into continued GVL effects and long-term remissions and cures or if it results in late morbidity and mortality.

Community Acquired Respiratory Viral Infections (CARV) in Patients with Acute Leukemia and Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant (HSCT) Recipients

CARV infections are significant causes of morbidity and mortality in adult HSCT recipients. In 2008, the FDA approved the use of multiplex PCR assay to detect respiratory viruses. CARV infections have been studied mostly in the HSCT population where lymphopenia has been identified as a risk factor for poor outcomes. These infections have been less well studied in the acute leukemia population. This report, however, encompasses both patient populations.

Veno-Occlusive Disease/Sinusoidal Obstruction Syndrome: Diagnostic Patterns Among United States and European Union Hematologists and Oncologists Managing Patients Receiving Stem Cell Transplantation

Introduction Hepatic veno-occlusive disease, also called sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (VOD/SOS), is an unpredictable, potentially fatal complication of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and high-dose chemotherapy. The VOD/SOS pathologic cascade is initiated by endothelial and hepatocyte damage. VOD/SOS is usually diagnosed using Baltimore criteria (≤21 days post transplant: bilirubin >2 mg/dL, plus 2 or more of hepatomegaly, ascites, and weight gain ≥5%) or modified Seattle criteria (≤20 days post transplant: 2 or more of bilirubin >2 mg/dL, hepatomegaly or right upper quadrant pain, and weight gain >2%). Severe VOD/SOS, usually characterized by multi-organ dysfunction (ie, pulmonary and/or renal dysfunction), may develop in a substantial number of high-risk patients and may be associated with >80% mortality. To understand the diagnostic patterns for VOD/SOS in the United States (US) and European Union (EU), a quantitative online survey was conducted among HSCT specialists. Methods Participating hematology-oncology specialists for pediatric and adult patients had ≥2 years direct involvement in performing HSCT, spent ≥25% of their time in direct patient care, and managed ≥10 HSCT patients (≥10 allogeneic) in the past year. Their facilities were accredited and performed ≥80 adult HSCT procedures in the US (≥50 in the EU) or ≥20 pediatric HSCT procedures (US or EU). In this survey, VOD/SOS severity was rated as early (milder) or severe (with multi-organ dysfunction). On average, the online survey took 30 to 40 minutes to complete. Results Surveys were completed by 100 US physicians (70 adult, 30 pediatric) and 153 EU physicians (122 adult, 31 pediatric; from France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom). Each physician directly managed an average of 179 (US) or 95 (EU) HSCT patients in the past year. In adult patients, the median percentages of patients treated for severe/early VOD/SOS were 7%/7% in the US and 3%/6% in the EU; in pediatric patients, the median percentages were 9%/12% in the US and 5%/10% in the EU. The most commonly used VOD/SOS diagnostic signs and symptoms (Table) were weight gain and bilirubin level. The median level of weight gain to trigger follow-up action (action not specified but could include further diagnostic testing) was 10% in the US and 5% in the EU, for both adult and pediatric patients; the Baltimore and Seattle criteria specify a weight gain of 5% and 2%, respectively. US physicians were less likely than EU physicians to take action at weight gain of ≤5% (Figure): about half as likely for adults (29% vs 56%) and about a fifth as likely for pediatric patients (14% vs 67%). In addition, at ≤5% weight gain, US physicians of pediatric patients were about twice as likely to take action as US physicians of adult patients. The median bilirubin levels at which US physicians initiated action were 3 mg/dL in adults and 4 mg/dL in pediatric patients, compared with 2 mg/dL for EU physicians in both adult and pediatric patients (Figure); the Baltimore and modified Seattle criteria specify a bilirubin level of 2 mg/dL. Conclusions The survey results show that a substantial proportion of US HSCT physicians take follow-up action at weight gain or bilirubin thresholds higher than those in the Baltimore or modified Seattle criteria. Treatment patterns in the EU, particularly among pediatric physicians, appear to be more closely aligned with the diagnostic criteria. The established criteria have limitations; neither set takes into account late onset of VOD/SOS or presentation of edema and weight gain in the absence of other signs and symptoms. As discussed in a recent publication (Mohty M et al. BMT. 2015;50[6]:781-789), elevated bilirubin may be absent in VOD/SOS developing late after HSCT and in children, which prompted the authors to suggest the need for a criteria update. Support: Jazz Pharmaceuticals. Participants received financial remuneration for their survey participation. Disclosures Corn:Jazz Pharmaceuticals: Employment, Equity Ownership. Ogram:Jazz Pharmaceuticals: Employment, Equity Ownership. Doede:Jazz Pharmaceuticals: Employment, Equity Ownership.

Second Cancer Risk and Late Mortality in Adult Australians Receiving Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: A Population-Based Cohort Study

We quantified the risk of second cancer and late mortality in a population-based Australian cohort of 3273 adult (≥15 years) allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients (1992 to 2007). Most recipients received nonradiation-based conditioning and a peripheral blood graft from a matched related donor. Using record linkage with death and cancer registries, 79 second cancers were identified a median of 3.5 years after transplantation. The competing-risk adjusted cumulative incidence of second cancers was 3.35% (95% CI, 2.59 to 4.24) at 10 years, and the cancer risk relative to the matched general population was 2.10 (95% CI, 1.65 to 2.56). We observed an excess risk of melanoma and lip, tongue, esophagus, and soft tissue cancers. Cancer risk relative to the general population was elevated for those transplanted for lymphoma, some leukemia subtypes, and severe aplastic anemia, recipients who developed chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) and irrespective of radiation-based conditioning or stem cell source. In those alive 2 years after transplantation (n = 1463), the cumulative incidence of late mortality was 22.2% (95% CI, 19.7 to 24.9) at 10 years, and the risk of death relative to the matched general population was 13.8 (95% CI, 12.2 to 15.6). In multivariable modeling, risk of late death was reduced for females compared with males and those transplanted for chronic myeloid leukemia compared with acute myeloid leukemia; risk was increased for recipients with discordant sex donors, cGVHD, those undergoing second transplants, and disease relapse. Adults undergoing allogeneic transplantation have unique cancer and mortality risk profiles that continue to warrant prevention and surveillance activities targeted at high-risk subgroups.

Analysis of the shedding of three β-herpesviruses DNA in Polish patients subjected to allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: Six-year follow up

BackgroundInfections with human β-herpesviruses are common worldwide and are still frequent in patients after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Some data suggest that HHV-6 and HHV-7 could take part in CMV reactivation from latency and/or progression of CMV disease in immunosupressed patients. ObjectivesThe aims of this study were: (1) to summarise retrospectively the results of β-herpesviruses DNA detection in a large group of adult allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients; and (2) to find a potential correlation between viruses belonging to this subfamily. Study designAlloHSCT recipients (N=142) were examined in the early post-transplant period (median=89 days). The presence of CMV, HHV-6 and HHV-7 was confirmed through detection and quantification of viral DNA, isolated from 1679 sera samples. ResultsCMV DNA alone was detected in 23.9% of patients, while single HHV-6 and HHV-7 were detected in 14.8% and 9.9% of individuals, respectively. The reactivation of more than one virus was identified in 31% of analysed patients. In cases of concurrent infection, HHV-7 was detected at the same time as HHV-6, and both of them were usually reactivated before CMV. The kinetics of virus reactivation and measured viral load may suggest a potential role of HHV-6 and HHV-7 as co-factors in CMV reactivation. ConclusionsThe observed kinetics of virus reactivation may strongly suggest a potential role of HHV-6 and/or HHV-7 as co-factors of CMV reactivation. The co-infection with these β-herpesviruses could predispose patients after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation to a longer and more severe CMV infection.

Intensive care outcomes in adult hematopoietic stem cell transplantation patients.

Although outcomes of intensive care for patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) have improved in the last two decades, the short-term mortality still remains above 50% among allogeneic HSCT patients. Better selection of HSCT patients for intensive care, and consequently reduction of non-beneficial care, may reduce financial costs and alleviate patient suffering. We reviewed the studies on intensive care outcomes of patients undergoing HSCT published since 2000. The risk factors for intensive care unit (ICU) admission identified in this report were primarily patient and transplant related: HSCT type (autologous vs allogeneic), conditioning intensity, HLA mismatch, and graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). At the same time, most of the factors associated with ICU outcomes reported were related to the patients' functional status upon development of critical illness and interventions in ICU. Among the many possible interventions, the initiation of mechanical ventilation was the most consistently reported factor affecting ICU survival. As a consequence, our current ability to assess the benefit or futility of intensive care is limited. Until better ICU or hospital mortality prediction models are available, based on the available evidence, we recommend practitioners to base their ICU admission decisions on: Patient pre-transplant comorbidities, underlying disease status, GVHD diagnosis/grade, and patients' functional status at the time of critical illness.

A survey of fertility and sexual health following allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation in New South Wales, Australia.

Four hundred and twenty-one adult allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) survivors participated in a cross-sectional study to assess sexual dysfunction and infertility post-transplant. Survey instruments included the Sydney Post-Blood and Marrow Transplant (BMT) Survey, Functional Assessment of Cancer Treatment (FACT) - BMT, the Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scales (DASS 21), the Chronic Graft-versus-Host Disease (cGVHD) Activity Assessment- Patient Self Report (Form B), the Lee cGVHD Symptom Scale and The Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory. Most HSCT survivors reported sexual difficulties (51% of males; 66% of females). Men reported erectile dysfunction (79%) and decreased libido (61·6%) and women reported loss of libido (83%), painful intercourse (73%) and less enjoyment of sex (68%). Women also commonly reported vaginal dryness (73%), vaginal narrowing (34%) and vaginal irritation (26%). Woman had much higher rates of genital cGvHD than men (22% vs. 5%). Age and cGVHD were significantly associated with sexual dysfunction. Few survivors had children following transplant (3·3%). However, for those of reproductive age at HSCT, 22% reported trying to conceive, with 10·3% reporting success. This study is the largest to date exploring sexual function in survivors of allo-HSCT. This data provides the basis for health service reform to better meet the needs of HSCT survivors, including evidence to support counselling and education both pre- and post-transplant.

Randomized Double-Blind Study of the Safety and Immunogenicity of Standard-Dose Trivalent Inactivated Influenza Vaccine versus High-Dose Trivalent Inactivated Influenza Vaccine in Adult Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Patients

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT) survivors are less likely than matched healthy controls to mount a strong immune response to trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine (TIV). High-dose (HD) or standard-dose (SD) TIV were given to adult HCT subjects 18 years or older at least 6 months after transplantation. Subjects were randomized 2:1 to receive either the HD (60 μg hemagglutinin [HA]/strain/dose) or the SD (15 μg HA/strain/dose) TIV. Injection-site and systemic reactions were documented after each vaccination and immune responses were measured before and after each vaccination. A total of 44 subjects were enrolled (25 in year 1 and 19 in year 2), with 15 in the SD group and 29 in the HD group. The median time to vaccination after transplantation was 7.9 months (range, 6 to 106 months), the median age was 50 years (range, 19.6 to 73 years), and 61% were male. No differences in demographic or lab data were noted between groups; however, the HD group had higher median baseline total IgG level (676 versus 469 mg/dL, P = .025). No differences in individual injection-site or systemic reactions were noted between groups; however, more events of any injection-site symptom combined were reported in the HD group. No serious adverse events were attributed to vaccination. After vaccination, the HD group had a higher percentage of individuals with titers ≥1:40 and a higher geometric mean titer (GMT) against the H3N2 strain compared with that of the SD group. HD and SD TIV were found to be safe and well tolerated in adult HCT recipients. However, the HD group had higher frequency of injection-site reactions but the majority of the reactions were mild and resolved. The HD group had a higher percentage of individuals with post-vaccination titer ≥ 1:40 and GMT for H3N2 antigen, indicating better immunogenicity. These data support the need for a phase II immunogenicity trial in HCT recipients.

Veno-Occlusive Disease/Sinusoidal Obstruction Syndrome: Diagnostic Patterns Among United States and European Union Hematologists and Oncologists Managing Patients Receiving Stem Cell Transplantation

IntroductionHepatic veno-occlusive disease, also called sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (VOD/SOS), is an unpredictable, potentially fatal complication of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and high-dose chemotherapy. The VOD/SOS pathologic cascade is initiated by endothelial and hepatocyte damage. VOD/SOS is usually diagnosed using Baltimore criteria (≤21 days post transplant: bilirubin >2 mg/dL, plus 2 or more of hepatomegaly, ascites, and weight gain ≥5%) or modified Seattle criteria (≤20 days post transplant: 2 or more of bilirubin >2 mg/dL, hepatomegaly or right upper quadrant pain, and weight gain >2%). Severe VOD/SOS, usually characterized by multi-organ dysfunction (ie, pulmonary and/or renal dysfunction), may develop in a substantial number of high-risk patients and may be associated with >80% mortality.To understand the diagnostic patterns for VOD/SOS in the United States (US) and European Union (EU), a quantitative online survey was conducted among HSCT specialists.MethodsParticipating hematology-oncology specialists for pediatric and adult patients had ≥2 years direct involvement in performing HSCT, spent ≥25% of their time in direct patient care, and managed ≥10 HSCT patients (≥10 allogeneic) in the past year. Their facilities were accredited and performed ≥80 adult HSCT procedures in the US (≥50 in the EU) or ≥20 pediatric HSCT procedures (US or EU). In this survey, VOD/SOS severity was rated as early (milder) or severe (with multi-organ dysfunction). On average, the online survey took 30 to 40 minutes to complete.ResultsSurveys were completed by 100 US physicians (70 adult, 30 pediatric) and 153 EU physicians (122 adult, 31 pediatric; from France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom). Each physician directly managed an average of 179 (US) or 95 (EU) HSCT patients in the past year. In adult patients, the median percentages of patients treated for severe/early VOD/SOS were 7%/7% in the US and 3%/6% in the EU; in pediatric patients, the median percentages were 9%/12% in the US and 5%/10% in the EU.The most commonly used VOD/SOS diagnostic signs and symptoms (Table) were weight gain and bilirubin level. The median level of weight gain to trigger follow-up action (action not specified but could include further diagnostic testing) was 10% in the US and 5% in the EU, for both adult and pediatric patients; the Baltimore and Seattle criteria specify a weight gain of 5% and 2%, respectively. US physicians were less likely than EU physicians to take action at weight gain of ≤5% (Figure): about half as likely for adults (29% vs 56%) and about a fifth as likely for pediatric patients (14% vs 67%). In addition, at ≤5% weight gain, US physicians of pediatric patients were about twice as likely to take action as US physicians of adult patients. The median bilirubin levels at which US physicians initiated action were 3 mg/dL in adults and 4 mg/dL in pediatric patients, compared with 2 mg/dL for EU physicians in both adult and pediatric patients (Figure); the Baltimore and modified Seattle criteria specify a bilirubin level of 2 mg/dL.ConclusionsThe survey results show that a substantial proportion of US HSCT physicians take follow-up action at weight gain or bilirubin thresholds higher than those in the Baltimore or modified Seattle criteria. Treatment patterns in the EU, particularly among pediatric physicians, appear to be more closely aligned with the diagnostic criteria. The established criteria have limitations; neither set takes into account late onset of VOD/SOS or presentation of edema and weight gain in the absence of other signs and symptoms. As discussed in a recent publication (Mohty M et al. BMT. 2015;50[6]:781-789), elevated bilirubin may be absent in VOD/SOS developing late after HSCT and in children, which prompted the authors to suggest the need for a criteria update.Support: Jazz Pharmaceuticals. Participants received financial remuneration for their survey participation.TableVOD/SOS Assessment Measures Used by PhysiciansBaltimore/Seattle ItemUS(n=95), %EU(n=152), %Weight increaseY5078*Bilirubin increaseY4662*HepatomegalyY3657*AscitesY3649*Ultrasound2747*Liver Doppler2329PainY1629*JaundiceY2528Liver functionY2526Distention/SwellingY2218*P <.05 vs US. [Display omitted] DisclosuresCorn:Jazz Pharmaceuticals: Employment, Equity Ownership. Ogram:Jazz Pharmaceuticals: Employment, Equity Ownership. Doede:Jazz Pharmaceuticals: Employment, Equity Ownership.

Correlation of Pain and Fluoride Concentration in Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Recipients on Voriconazole

Supportive care guidelines recommend antimold prophylaxis in hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients deemed to have high risk for invasive fungal infection, leading to long-term use of voriconazole after allogeneic HSCT in patients who remain immunocompromised. Voriconazole has been associated with periostitis, exostoses, and fluoride excess in patients after solid organ transplantation, HSCT, and leukemia therapy. The aims of this study were to describe the frequency and clinical presentation of patients presenting with pain and fluoride excess among allogeneic HSCT patients taking voriconazole, to identify when a plasma fluoride concentration was measured with respect to voriconazole initiation and onset of pain, and to describe the outcomes of patients with fluoride excess in the setting of HSCT. A retrospective review was conducted of all adult allogeneic HSCT patients receiving voriconazole at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, between January 1, 2009 and July 31, 2012. Of 242 patients included, 32 had plasma fluoride measured to explore the etiology of musculoskeletal pain. In 31 patients with fluoride measurement while on voriconazole, 29 (93.5%) had elevated levels. The median plasma fluoride was 11.1 μmol/L (range, 2.4 to 24.7). The median duration of voriconazole was 163 days (range, 2 to 1327). The median time to fluoride measurement was 128 days after voriconazole initiation (range, 28 to 692). At 1 year after the start of voriconazole after HSCT, 15.3% of patients had developed pain associated with voriconazole use and 35.7% developed pain while on voriconazole after 2 years. Of the patients with an elevated fluoride level, 22 discontinued voriconazole; pain resolved or improved in 15, stabilized in 3, and worsened in 4 patients. Ten patients continued voriconazole; pain resolved or improved in 7, was attributable to alternative causes in 2, and undefined in 1. Serum creatinine, estimated glomerular filtration rate, alkaline phosphatase, and voriconazole concentration did not predict for fluoride excess and associated pain. Periostitis due to fluoride excess is a common adverse effect of voriconazole that should be considered in patients presenting with pain and is often reversible after drug discontinuation. Alternative antifungal agents with a lower risk for fluoride excess should be considered in patients receiving voriconazole who develop fluoride excess and pain.

Prognosis of Allogeneic Haematopoietic Stem Cell Recipients Admitted to the Intensive Care Unit: A Retrospective, Single-Centre Study

Background: Allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a procedure with inherent complications and intensive care may be necessary. We evaluated the short- and long-term outcomes of the HSCT recipients requiring admission to the intensive care unit (ICU). Methods: We retrospectively examined the outcome of 54 adult haematological HSCT recipients admitted to the ICU at the University Hospital Rigshospitalet between January 2007 and March 2012. Results: The overall in-ICU, in-hospital, 6-month and 1-year mortality rates were 46.3, 75.9, 79.6 and 86.5%, respectively. Mechanical ventilation had a statistically significant effect on in-ICU (p = 0.02), 6-month (p = 0.049) and 1-year (p = 0.014) mortality. Renal replacement therapy also had a statistically significant effect on in-hospital (p = 0.038) and 6-month (p = 0.026) mortality. Short ICU admissions, i.e. <10 days, had a statistically significant positive effect on in-hospital, 6-month and 1-year mortality (all p < 0.001). The SAPS II, APACHE II and SOFA scoring systems grossly underestimated the actual in-hospital mortality observed for these patients. Conclusion: The poor prognosis of critically ill HSCT recipients admitted to the ICU was confirmed in our study. Mechanical ventilation, renal replacement therapy and an ICU admission of ≥10 days were each risk factors for mortality in the first year after ICU admission.