Articles

Practical recommendations for the management of late relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma in 2024

BJH - volume 15, issue 6, october 2024

N. Kint MD, PhD, M.C. Vekemans MD, N. Meuleman MD, PhD, J. Caers MD, PhD, C. Doyen MD, J. Depaus MD, R. Callens MD, G. Claes MD, C. Jacquy MD, PhD, A. Kentos MD, PhD, H. Maes MD, F. Offner MD, PhD, A. Salembier MD, R. Schots MD, PhD, K. Theunissen MD, I. Vande Broek MD, PhD, A. Van De Velde MD, PhD, K.L. Wu MD, PhD, M. Delforge MD, PhD

SUMMARY

Despite significant advances in therapeutic modalities, the treatment of relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) is still challenging. In this publication, we aim to provide an update on therapeutic modalities for RRMM in Belgium. First, novel combinations of well-established therapeutic agents will be discussed. Second, T-cell redirection therapies will be addressed. These include bispecific antibodies, both anti-BCMA x CD3 and anti-GPRC5D x CD3, as well as chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy. Third, we discuss novel modalities such as antibody-drug conjugates, selinexor, venetoclax, melflufen and CELMoDs. Finally, a general flowchart regarding overall treatment sequencing will be proposed, providing an integrated treatment recommendation from frontline to relapse.

(BELG J HEMATOL 2024;15(6):225–32)

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Updated BHS guidelines for the treatment of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL): Novelties anno 2024

BJH - volume 15, issue 4, june 2024

J. Brijs MD, M. André MD, PhD, S. Bailly MD, K. Beel MD, PhD, C. Bonnet MD, G. Crochet MD, P. De Paepe MD, PhD, D. Dierickx MD, PhD, C. Jacquy MD, PhD, K. Saevels MD, S. Snauwaert MD, PhD, E. Van den Neste MD, PhD, V. Vergote MD

SUMMARY

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is an aggressive B-cell lymphoma and represents the most common subtype of B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas. The majority of patients (60–70%) can nowadays be cured with first line chemo-immunotherapy (CIT), mostly a combination of rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisone (R-CHOP). The remaining 30–40% of patients with relapsing or refractory (R/R) disease have an unfavourable prognosis. Until recently, these patients could only be cured with platinum-based salvage CIT followed by high-dose chemotherapy and an autologous stem cell transplantation, but with rather disappointing outcomes. However, new and promising treatments for these patients have now found their way into clinical practice, with good response and survival rates and manageable toxicity rates. This article will briefly review the latest advances in the treatment of DLBCL in Belgium, both for newly diagnosed disease and for R/R disease. We will focus on the role of polatuzumab vedotin in first line, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy in second line, tafasitamab-lenalidomide in second line or higher, and bispecific antibodies in third line or higher. New treatment algorithms, both for untreated and for R/R DLBCL, clinically oriented and adapted to the Belgian reimbursement criteria, are also presented.

(BELG J HEMATOL 2024;15(4):147–57)

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Multiple myeloma: Practical recommendations for the management of early relapses 2024

BJH - volume 15, issue 4, june 2024

M.C. Vekemans MD, N. Kint MD, PhD, G. Claes MD, C. Doyen MD, V. Galle MD, C. Jacquy MD, PhD, H. Maes MD, N. Meuleman MD, PhD, O. Rizzo MD, A. Salembier MD, H. Schots MD, PhD, G. Verstraete MD, M. Delforge MD, PhD

SUMMARY

Despite the increasing availability of more effective treatments for newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM) patients that provide longer disease-free periods, almost all patients will experience a relapse. Managing relapse after regimens that have included a proteasome inhibitor (PI), an immunomodulatory drug (IMID), and often an anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody can be challenging, but therapeutic options have greatly increased over the past decades. This review covers the current second-line therapeutic options and provides updated information on novel agents for the treatment of early relapses in MM patients.

(BELG J HEMATOL 2024;15(4):158–64)

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Multiple myeloma: Practical recommendations for front-line therapy 2024

BJH - volume 15, issue 3, may 2024

M.C. Vekemans MD, N. Meuleman MD, PhD, N. Kint MD, PhD, G. Claes MD, C. Doyen MD, V. Galle MD, C. Jacquy MD, PhD, H. Maes MD, O. Rizzo MD, A. Salembier MD, H. Schots MD, PhD, G. Verstraete MD, M. Delforge MD, PhD

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. Different treatment combinations are now in use and quadruplets have been investigated with success. 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 2024;15(3):103–16)

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BHS guidelines on the management of relapsed and refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: Part 2

BJH - volume 14, issue 4, june 2023

U. Douven MD, A. Janssens MD, PhD, G. Crochet MD, S. Bailly MD, C. Bonnet MD, C. Jacquy MD, PhD, F. Offner MD, PhD, S. Snauwaert MD, PhD, E. Van den Neste MD, PhD, M. Vercruyssen MD, D. Dierickx MD, PhD, P. Vandenberghe MD, PhD, V. Vergote MD

SUMMARY

Approximately 30–40% of patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), not otherwise specified (NOS), will relapse or are unable to obtain a complete remission (CR) after frontline treatment. These patients have a poor prognosis and represent a therapeutic challenge. In this article, we reviewed the recent literature to update the practice guidelines of the Belgian Hematology Society (BHS) Lymphoproliferative Disease Committee for the treatment of relapsed or refractory (R/R) DLBCL. In the first part, we will focus on first relapse and the role of CAR T-cell therapy in first and second relapse. In the second part, we will focus on novel treatment options for patients with a second or higher relapse, secondary central nervous system (CNS) relapse and high-grade lymphoma.

(BELG J HEMATOL 2023;14(4):170–7)

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BHS guidelines on the management of relapsed and refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: Part 1

BJH - volume 14, issue 3, may 2023

U. Douven MD, A. Janssens MD, PhD, G. Crochet MD, S. Bailly MD, C. Bonnet MD, C. Jacquy MD, PhD, F. Offner MD, PhD, S. Snauwaert MD, PhD, E. Van den Neste MD, PhD, M. Vercruyssen MD, D. Dierickx MD, PhD, P. Vandenberghe MD, PhD, V. Vergote MD

SUMMARY

Approximately 30–40% of patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), not otherwise specified (NOS), will relapse or are unable to obtain a complete remission (CR) after frontline treatment. These patients have a poor prognosis and represent a therapeutic challenge. In this article, we reviewed the recent literature to update the practice guidelines of the Belgian Hematology Society (BHS) Lymphoproliferative Disease Committee for the treatment of relapsed or refractory (R/R) DLBCL. In the first part, we will focus on first relapse and the role of CAR T-cell therapy in first and second relapse. In the second part, we will focus on novel treatment options for patients with a second or higher relapse, secondary central nervous system (CNS) relapse and high-grade lymphoma.

(BELG J HEMATOL 2023;14(3):114–21)

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Venetoclax-Azacitidine, the new standard of care for AML patients unfit for intensive treatment: A guide for clinical practice

BJH - volume 14, issue 2, march 2023

I. Moors MD, D. Deeren MD, C. Jacquy MD, PhD, A. Jaspers MD, PhD, T. Kerre MD, PhD, V. Havelange MD, PhD, D. Selleslag MD, C. Spilleboudt MD, N. Straetmans MD, PhD, F. Van Obbergh MD, A. De Voeght MD, S. Anguille MD, PhD, A. Schauwvlieghe MD, PhD, N. De Beule MD, PhD, A. De Becker MD, D. Breems MD, PhD

SUMMARY

Acute myeloid leukaemia is an aggressive form of bone marrow cancer with poor prognosis, especially in elderly, unfit patients. The VIALE-A study showed an impressive improvement in complete remission rate and overall survival with the addition of venetoclax, a BCL-2 inhibitor, to azacitidine. This combination therapy is now reimbursed in Belgium for newly diagnosed adult AML patients who are considered unfit for intensive chemotherapy based on age and/or comorbidities. In this article, we provide recommendations on the use of this new combination, as well as on prophylaxis and management of specific side effects.

(BELG J HEMATOL 2023;14(2):59–66)

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