BJH - volume 14, issue 6, october 2023
M. Beltjens MD, R. Lattenist MD, M. Rousseaux MD, P. Saussoy MD, PhD, X. Poiré MD, PhD, N. Straetmans MD, PhD
We report a patient developing mast cell leukaemia with subsequent multi-organ failure, three years after allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation for myelodysplastic syndrome. Mast cell leukaemia is a very rare condition, accounting for <1% of all mastocytosis. In this article, we will discuss the atypical disease progression and treatment response, and diagnostic challenges.
(BELG J HEMATOL 2023;14(6):255–8)
Read moreBJH - 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
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)
Read moreBJH - 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 11, issue Abstract Book BHS, february 2020
E. Boulet , C. D'Angelo , M-F. Vincent , M. Komuta , P. Hantson , N. Straetmans MD, PhD
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
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)
Read moreBJH - 2018, issue Abstract Book BHS, february 2018
A. Capes , F. Dall’Armellina , Y. Berners , L. Maindiaux , T. Connerotte MD, A. Camboni MD, PhD, P. Saussoy MD, PhD, J-P. Defour PhD, X. Poiré MD, PhD, N. Straetmans MD, PhD, M.C. Vekemans MD
BJH - volume 8, issue Abstract Book BHS, february 2017
J. Devreux , G. Di Prinzio , S. Bailly MD, S. Lefebvre , G. Verstraete MD, K. van Renterghem , A. Charlot , P. Saussoy MD, PhD, J-P. Defour PhD, N. Straetmans MD, PhD, X. Poiré MD, PhD, L. Michaux MD, PhD, M.C. Vekemans MD, V. Havelange MD, PhD