British journal of haematology
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Salvage therapy followed by high-dose therapy (HDT) remains a mainstay for patients with relapsed lymphoma, however no optimal regimen has been defined. Here we report on the results of R-DexaBEAM (rituximab, dexamethasone, carmustine, etoposide, cytarabine, melphalan) followed by HDT. Patients aged 18-65 years, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance score 0-2, with relapsed/refractory B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) were eligible. ⋯ Corresponding figures for iNHL were: median PFS 3·7 years and 72% alive after 8 years. The combination of rituximab with DexaBEAM followed by HDT resulted in high response rates and sustained remissions in responders. R-DexaBEAM followed by HDT can be considered a valid salvage option for NHL.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Comparative Study
Thalidomide-prednisone maintenance following autologous stem cell transplant for multiple myeloma: effect on thrombin generation and procoagulant markers in NCIC CTG MY.10.
Venous thromboembolism (VTE) has an increased incidence in patients with multiple myeloma (MM), especially during chemotherapy. Mechanisms including upregulation of procoagulant factors, such as factor VIII, have been postulated. The National Cancer Institute of Canada Clinical Trials Group MY.10 phase III clinical trial compared thalidomide-prednisone to observation for 332 patients with MM post-autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT), with a primary endpoint of overall survival and various secondary endpoints including the incidence of VTE. ⋯ Differences between the time-points included a significant reduction over time in D-dimer, factor VIII and TAT levels in the observation group and sustained elevation of D-dimer, significant increase in factor VIII and reduction in TAT levels in the thalidomide-prednisone group. Eight VTE events were reported in this subset of study patients, all in the thalidomide-prednisone arm, with a trend to increase in D-dimer levels over time in those patients with VTE. This study provides physiological and clinical evidence for an increased risk of VTE associated with thalidomide-prednisone maintenance therapy post-ASCT for MM.
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We present a prospective multicentre cohort of 20 children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) and cerebral sinus venous thrombosis (CSVT). The study covers a period of 5 years and comprises 1038 children treated according to the Nordic Society of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology (NOPHO) ALL 2008 protocol. The cumulative incidence of CSVT was 2%. ⋯ Most CSVTs occurred in the consolidation phase. Nearly all were treated with low molecular weight heparin without bleeding complications. Mortality related to CSVT directly or indirectly was 10%, emphasizing the importance of this complication.
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Pregnancy-related venous thromboembolism (VTE) remains one of the leading causes of maternal mortality and morbidity in the developed world. There is a lack of high-level data surrounding the use of thromboprophylaxis in pregnancy. In the UK, following the publication of the first Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) guideline for VTE prophylaxis during pregnancy and the puerperium in 2004, a fall in maternal deaths secondary to VTE was observed during the subsequent triennium (2006-2008). ⋯ The accurate risk stratification of women in order to allow the targeted provision of thromboprophylaxis is challenging. A number of international guidelines support risk assessment for pregnancy-related VTE and the provision of LMWH for those who are deemed at sufficiently high risk. This review describes the importance of VTE in pregnancy and the puerperium, the part played by different risk factors and the role of thromboprophylaxis in this group of patients.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study
Bosutinib versus imatinib in newly diagnosed chronic-phase chronic myeloid leukaemia: results from the 24-month follow-up of the BELA trial.
Bosutinib is an oral, dual SRC/ABL1 tyrosine kinase inhibitor for resistant/intolerant chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML). We assessed the efficacy and safety of bosutinib 500 mg/d (n = 250) versus imatinib 400 mg/d (n = 252) after >24 months from accrual completion in newly diagnosed chronic phase (CP)-CML (Bosutinib Efficacy and Safety in Newly Diagnosed CML trial [BELA]). Cumulative complete cytogenetic response (CCyR) rates by 24 months were similar (bosutinib, 79%; imatinib, 80%); cumulative major molecular response (MMR) rates were 59% for bosutinib and 49% for imatinib. ⋯ Discontinuations due to adverse events were more common with bosutinib versus imatinib (most commonly alanine aminotransferase elevation: 4% vs. <1%); most occurred within the first 12 months. Cardiovascular adverse events were similar in both arms. Bosutinib continues to demonstrate good efficacy and manageable tolerability in newly diagnosed CP-CML patients.