BJH - volume 13, issue 7, november 2022
T. Mercier MD, PhD, S. Fieuws PhD, K. Theunissen MD, M-C. Ngirabacu MD, PhD, N. Straetmans MD, PhD, C. Spilleboudt MD, D. Mazure MD, V. De Wilde MD, PhD, A. De Becker MD, D. Selleslag MD, D. Breems MD, PhD, D. Deeren MD, S. Servais MD, PhD, C. Jacquy MD, PhD, H. Poirel MD, PhD, D. Van Beckhoven MD, K. Blot MD, PhD, A. Janssens MD, PhD, H. Schoemans MD, PhD
In the early weeks of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, little was known about the risk factors of this novel disease in haematology patients. We therefore created a national, multi-center, retrospective study via a national consortium of haematology centres in Belgium to investigate the incidence and clinical characteristics of COVID-19 in haematology patients. By combining these data with data collected through the national public health institute Sciensano and the national Belgian Cancer Registry, we were able to show that haematology patients were at an increased risk of being hospitalised with COVID-19 (1 in 250 haematology patients versus 1 in 2000 in the general population). Furthermore, we found that patients with multiple myeloma and acute leukaemia were overrepresented in these hospitalisations. Mortality at 90 days was 38% during the first wave, compared to 19.3% in the general population. We therefore conclude that haematology patients with COVID-19 are at a significantly higher risk of both hospitalisation and death.
(BELG J HEMATOL 2022;13(7):269–76)
Read moreBJH - volume 13, issue 2, march 2022
A. Wolfromm MD, S. Bailly MD, E. Van den Neste MD, PhD, M. André MD, PhD, K. Saevels MD, H. Antoine-Poirel MD, PhD, T. Tousseyn MD, PhD, V. Van Hende MD, S. Snauwaert MD, PhD, A. Janssens MD, PhD, C. Jacquy MD, PhD, C. Bonnet MD
Peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL) is a heterogeneous group of aggressive diseases associated with poor outcomes. Recent progress in understanding of the biology and pathogenesis based on molecular profiling and next-generation sequencing has led to the introduction of new provisional entities in the World Health Organization (WHO) classification system of 2017 and to the emergence of new drugs.1 Previous Belgian guidelines were published in 2013.2 This review will discuss the diagnosis, work-up and treatment of PTCL including these advances as well as the limitation of the availability of drugs according to the Belgian reimbursement rules.
(BELG J HEMATOL 2022;13(2):65–80)
Read moreBJH - volume 11, issue 8, december 2020
N. Meuleman MD, PhD, M. Vercruyssen MD, M. Cliquennois MD, J. Caers MD, PhD, C. Doyen MD, G. Bries MD, PhD, C. Jacquy MD, PhD, M. Delforge MD, PhD, M.C. Vekemans MD
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)
Read moreBJH - volume 11, issue 2, march 2020
G. Swennen MD, A. Janssens MD, PhD, V. Vergote MD, S. Bailly MD, C. Bonnet MD, E. Van den Neste MD, PhD, M. Maerevoet MD, S. Snauwaert MD, PhD, K. Saevels MD, C. Jacquy MD, PhD
Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma is the most common subtype of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Prognosis of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma has improved dramatically since the introduction of rituximab and about two thirds of patients can be cured with immunochemotherapy. In the last twenty years, it became clear that diffuse large B-cell lymphoma is a very heterogeneous disease and based on the genetic mutation landscapes numerous efforts have been made to develop novel treatment strategies to improve the prognosis of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma further. This article provides an update of diagnosis, current treatment guidelines and novel treatment strategies for newly diagnosed patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in Belgium. It will also focus on treatment of elderly patients and high-grade B-cell lymphoma.
(BELG J HEMATOL 2020;11(2):56–66)
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