Articles

P1.14 Molecular biology vs. Statistics: A patient with concomitantly occurring CLL and MPN

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

B. Heyrman MD, A. De Becker MD, R. Schots MD, PhD

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The emerging role of monoclonal antibodies in the treatment of multiple myeloma

BJH - volume 6, issue 5, december 2015

K. Fostier MD, R. Schots MD, PhD

summary

Monoclonal antibodies have a profound impact on the prognosis and survival of patients with haematological malignancies. In the treatment of multiple myeloma, until recently, results of monoclonal antibodies have been disappointing. The introduction of two novel classes of monoclonal antibodies holds great promise to change this. Daratumumab (and related antibodies) is a monoclonal antibody directed to CD38, an intriguing multifunctional surface protein abundantly expressed on malignant plasma cells and their precursors. Daratumumab displays impressive single agent activity in heavily pretreated multiple myeloma patients and due to its favourable safety profile, this molecule seems to be an excellent accessory companion to known anti-multiple myeloma regimens and also in monotherapy as a maintenance agent. Elotuzumab, to the contrary, is an anti-CS1 monoclonal antibody, which does not show any clinically relevant single agent activity, but when combined with other anti-multiple myeloma drugs appears to greatly enhance their efficacy and can even revert the refractory state to the agents. When these promising results are confirmed in phase III trials, immunotherapy can finally be incorporated in the treatment schedule of newly diagnosed and relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma patients.

(BELG J HEMATOL 2015;6(5):209–15)

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P3.03 Study of immune recovery in a randomized phase II trial of sequential double autologous transplantation with unmanipulated or AC133+ PBSC in patients with multiple myeloma

BJH - volume 6, issue Abstract Book BHS, january 2015

M. Hannon , S. Servais MD, PhD, R. Schots MD, PhD, E. Castermans , L. Seidel , A. Gothot MD, PhD, E. Baudoux MD, O. Giet PhD, N. Wanten , E. Willems MD, PhD, C. Daulne , I. Van Riet PhD, Y. Beguin MD, PhD, prof. F. Baron

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P3.10 Kaposi’s Sarcoma: a rare complication reflecting immune suppression after autologous stem cell transplantation

BJH - volume 6, issue Abstract Book BHS, january 2015

B. Heyrman MD, A. De Becker MD, K. Fostier MD, F. Trullemans , R. Schots MD, PhD

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P3.05 Long-term safety follow-up of a randomized trial of darbepoetin alpha and intravenous iron following autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation

BJH - volume 6, issue Abstract Book BHS, january 2015

A. Jaspers MD, PhD, prof. F. Baron , J. Maertens MD, PhD, B. De Prijck MD, R. Schots MD, PhD, C. Bonnet MD, K. Hafraoui , E. Willems MD, PhD, S. Servais MD, PhD, G. Fillet , Y. Beguin MD, PhD

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P1.18 Monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis with a lymphoma phenotype: characterization and prognosis of a patient cohort

BJH - volume 6, issue Abstract Book BHS, january 2015

S. Vander Meeren , B. Heyrman MD, W. Renmans , K. Jochmans MD, PhD, M. Bakkus PhD, H. De Raeve MD, PhD, R. Schots MD, PhD, M. De Waele

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Update on the initial therapy of multiple myeloma

BJH - volume 5, issue 4, december 2014

M.C. Vekemans MD, K. Beel MD, PhD, J. Caers MD, PhD, N. Meuleman MD, PhD, G. Bries MD, PhD, V. Delrieu MD, H. Demuynck MD, B. De Prijck MD, H. De Samblanx MD, A. Deweweire MD, A. Kentos MD, PhD, P. Mineur MD, F. Offner MD, PhD, I. Vande Broek MD, PhD, A. Vande Velde MD, J. Van Droogenbroeck MD, KL. Wu MD, PhD, C. Doyen MD, R. Schots MD, PhD, M. Delforge MD, PhD

Summary

With the introduction of immunomodulatory drugs and proteasome inhibitors, major improvements have been achieved in the treatment and prognosis of multiple myeloma. Different treatment combinations are now in use and innovative therapies are being developed. This rapidly changing therapeutic landscape calls for an update on the Belgian myeloma guidelines, published in 2010.1 Based on an extensive review of the recent literature, the myeloma study group of the Belgian Hematology Society has revised the consensus recommendations on myeloma care, to be used by haematologists as a reference for daily practice. When applicable, comments with regards to the Belgian reimbursement modalities are included. The full text with appendices can be downloaded from the Belgian Hematology Society website (www.bhs.be) and from the Belgium Journal of Hematology website (www.ariez.com).

(BELG J HEMATOL 2014;5(4):125–36)

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