Haematologica
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Monoclonal antibody IDEC-C2B8 (rituximab) has been shown to be highly effective in the treatment of non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (NHL). The present study was designed to investigate relationships between the efficacy of IDEC-C2B8 and expression of CD20, presence of complement, and effects of differently acting chemotherapeutic agents used in lymphoma treatment (doxorubicin, mitoxantrone, cladribine, bendamustine). ⋯ We conclude that rituximab sensitizes lymphoma cells to the effect of differently acting cytotoxic drugs used in lymphoma treatment, that this effect does not require complement, and that caspase-7 and -8 may represent the main executioner caspases in chemosensitization by rituximab.
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Autologous stem cell transplantation is a therapeutic option for chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients who are not candidates for allogeneic transplant. To reduce the risk of post-autografting disease recurrence, different strategies of stem cell selection have been attempted. The results of using recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (rHuG-CSF) for harvesting hematopoietic progenitors in CML patients treated with interferon-a (IFN) are reported. ⋯ Mobilization of IFN-treated patients using rHuG-CSF is safe and provides a significant proportion of Ph-negative progenitors in CML patients in complete or major cytogenetic response.
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Clinical and pathologic variability of post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLDs), their aggressive behavior and the recognized therapy-related toxicity make management of patients with these disorders difficult. Assessment of first-line treatment and identification of prognostic factors need to be better defined. ⋯ Although rare, PTLDs are a significant cause of mortality in allograft recipients. Therapy tailored on histologic and clinical features of PTLD is feasible and is able to give long-lasting complete responses.