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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Epidemiology of COVID-19 infections in haematology patients and prognostic factors for outcome: A national, multicentre retrospective study

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

SUMMARY

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)

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A Belgian consensus protocol for autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation in multiple sclerosis

BJH - volume 9, issue 5, september 2018

A. Van De Velde MD, PhD, B. Willekens , L. Vanopdenbosch MD, O. Deryck , D. Selleslag MD, M. D’Haeseleer , A. De Becker MD, B. Dubois MD, PhD, D. Dierickx MD, PhD, G. Perrotta , V. De Wilde MD, PhD, V. Van Pesch MD, PhD, N. Straetmans MD, PhD, D. Dive MD, Y. Beguin MD, PhD, B. Van Wijmeersch MD, PhD, K. Theunissen MD, T. Kerre MD, PhD, G. Laureys MD, PhD

SUMMARY

Multiple sclerosis is considered to be an immune mediated inflammatory disorder of the central nervous system. It mainly affects young, socioeconomic active patients. Although our armamentarium for this disease has significantly evolved in recent years some patients remain refractory to conventional therapies. In these cases, autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation can be considered as a therapeutic option. Decreasing morbidity, mortality and increasing patient awareness have led to rising inquiry by our patients about this treatment option. With the aim of a standardised protocol and data registration, a Belgian working party on stem cell therapy in multiple sclerosis was established. In this paper, we report the consensus protocol of this working party on autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation in multiple sclerosis.

(BELG J HEMATOL 2018;9(5):167–74)

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P4.05 Utility of next-generation sequencing in clinical practice: 5 cases diagnosed with primary myelofibrosis

BJH - volume 7, issue Abstract Book BHS, january 2016

N. Put MD, PhD, B. Maes MD, PhD, R. Achten , K. Deraedt , K. Theunissen MD, V. Madoe

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O.3 Comparison of 2 nonmyeloablative regimens for allogeneic HCT: a phase II randomized study from the HCT committee of the BHS

BJH - volume 5, issue Abstract Book BHS, january 2014

prof. F. Baron , P. Zachée MD, PhD, J. Maertens MD, PhD, T. Kerre MD, PhD, A. Ory , L. Seidel , C. Graux MD, PhD, P. Lewalle MD, PhD, H. Schouten , K. Theunissen MD, R. Schots MD, PhD, Y. Beguin MD, PhD

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P3.05 Efficacy of azacitidine in Belgian patients: results of a real-life non-interventional, post-marketing survey

BJH - volume 5, issue Abstract Book BHS, january 2014

S. Meers MD, PhD, D. Selleslag MD, Y. Beguin MD, PhD, C. Graux MD, PhD, G. Bries MD, PhD, D. Deeren MD, I. Vrelust MD, P. Pierre , C. Ravoet , K. Theunissen MD, F. Trullemans , L. Noens MD, PhD, P. Mineur MD

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P.67 Comparison of immune reconstitution after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation with FLU-TBI vs. TLI-ATG conditioning

BJH - 2013, issue BHS Abstractbook, january 2013

M. Hannon , S. Humblet-Baron , C. Graux MD, PhD, J. Maertens MD, PhD, T. Kerre MD, PhD, K. Theunissen MD, C. Daulne , E. Willems MD, PhD, L. Belle , M. Binsfeld , A. Gothot MD, PhD, Y. Beguin MD, PhD, prof. F. Baron

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