C. Doyen MD

Diagnosis and treatment of AL amyloidosis: Belgian guidelines

SUMMARY

Immunoglobulin light chain (AL) amyloidosis is a rare and serious disease due to the deposition of amyloid fibrils. In the past years, improvements have been made in the diagnosis, treatment and response criteria. Based on an extensive review of the recent literature on AL amyloidosis, we propose practical recommenddations that can be used by Belgian haematologists as a reference for daily practice. Management of other types of amyloidosis will not be covered by this review. Levels of evidence and grades of recommendations are based on previously published methods.¹ We recommend participation in clinical trials to gain knowledge in this evolving field.

(BELG J HEMATOL 2020;11(8):343-56)

Practical management of multiple myeloma: Update 2020

SUMMARY

With the introduction of immunomodulatory drugs, proteasome inhibitors and anti-CD38 monoclonal antibodies, major improvements have been achieved in the treatment and outcome of multiple myeloma (MM). Different treatment combinations are now in use and other therapies are being developed. This rapidly changing therapeutic landscape urges for an update on practical guidelines. Based on an extensive review of the recent literature, we propose recommendations on myeloma management, to be used by haematologists as a reference for daily practice.

(BELG J HEMATOL 2020;11(7):286-304)

Practical management of newly-diagnosed multiple myeloma: 2018 update for transplant eligible patients

With the introduction of immunomodulatory agents and proteasome inhibitors, major improvements have been achieved in the treatment and outcome of multiple myeloma. Different treatment combinations are now in use and newer therapies are being developed. Nevertheless, autologous stem cell transplantation remains the corner stone of therapy for fit, newly-diagnosed multiple myeloma patients. Based on an extensive review of the recent literature, we propose recommendations on myeloma care, to be used by haematologists as a reference for daily practice.

(BELG J HEMATOL 2019;10(3):113–21)

Practical management of newly-diagnosed multiple myeloma: 2018 update for transplant eligible patients

SUMMARY

With the introduction of immunomodulatory agents (IMiDs) and proteasome inhibitors (PIs), major improvements have been achieved in the treatment and outcome of multiple myeloma (MM). Different treatment combinations are now in use and newer therapies are being developed. Nevertheless, autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) remains the corner stone of therapy for fit, newly-diagnosed MM patients. Based on an extensive review of the recent literature, we propose recommendations on myeloma care, to be used by haematologists as a reference for daily practice.

First-line treatment of non-transplant eligible multiple myeloma patients

SUMMARY

Multiple Myeloma (MM) is mainly a disease of the elderly. In 2018 bortezomib-melphalan-prednisone (VMP) and lenalidomide-dexamethasone (Rd) are the established standard of care first-line regimens. Before starting therapy, an accurate evaluation of the frailty of patients is needed which allows physicians to individualize the approach for the individual patient.

Update on therapy of relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma

SUMMARY

The prognosis for multiple myeloma patients has improved substantially over the past decade with the development of more effective chemotherapeutic agents and regimens that possess a high level of anti-tumour activity. However, nearly all multiple myeloma patients ultimately relapse, even those who experience a complete response to initial therapy. Management of relapsed disease remains a critical aspect of multiple myeloma care and an important area of ongoing research. This manuscript from the Belgian Haematology Society multiple myeloma subgroup provides some recommendations on the management of relapsed disease.

(BELG J HEMATOL 2017;8(2):53–65)

Discontinuation of imatinib in Belgian patients with chronic myeloid leukaemia

Summary

This article describes the Belgian register of chronic myeloid leukaemia patients who have stopped their treatment with imatinib in conditions comparable to the French STIM trial results: 44% remained in major molecular response off therapy; relapses appear rapidly after stopping imatinib and are responsive when the treatment is resumed.

(BELG J HEMATOL 2016;7(5):184–6)