N. Straetmans MD, PhD

Rapidly evolving mast cell leukaemia three years after an allogeneic stem cell transplant for myelodysplasia: A case report

SUMMARY

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)

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

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)

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

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)

P.35 Fatal idiopathic hyperammonemia after induction chemotherapy for acute myeloid leukemia

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

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)

P61 Drug induced neutropenia with myelodysplasia with blast excess

P38 Coexistence of inversion (16) et Bcr-Abl rearrangement in acute myeloid leulemia: a clinical description