BJH - volume 9, issue 6, november 2018
P. Heimann MD, PhD, H.A. Poirel MD, PhD
It is now well demonstrated that cytogenetic and molecular testing are valuable tools for the diagnostic, prognostication, and decision of treatment strategy in lymphoproliferative disorders. Here, we will give an overview of the genetic tests that represent current and future clinical assessment tools in the context of lymphoid malignancies. This review has been divided into two distinct but complementary parts. Part I will address the genetic aspects of low grade B-cell lymphomas and will very briefly describe the different technical methods that can be used in routine practice for the clinical management of lymphoid malignancies. Part II will cover aggressive B- and T/NK-cell lymphomas as well as Hodgkin lymphoma and will be published subsequently.
(BELG J HEMATOL 2018;9(6):225–36)
Read moreBJH - volume 9, issue 6, november 2018
V. Van Hende MD, G. Verhoef MD, PhD, S. Snauwaert MD, PhD, V. De Wilde MD, PhD, B. De Prijck MD, A. Janssens MD, PhD, M. André MD, PhD
Hodgkin’s lymphoma (HL) is a rare B cell malignant neoplasm affecting approximately 300 new patients in Belgium annually. This disease represents approximately 11% of all lymphomas and comprises two discrete disease entities: classical HL and nodular lymphocyte-predominant HL. In recent years, treatment of HL patients has changed tremendously due to the use of interim PET-CT scan and the appearance of new molecules. In this article, the diagnosis, staging, treatment and long-term follow-up of patients with classical HL are discussed.
(BELG J HEMATOL 2018;9(6):214–24)
Read moreBJH - volume 9, issue 3, june 2018
M. de Vicq de Cumptich MD, C. Springael MD, PhD, J. Somja MD, PhD, C. Bonnet MD, P. Heimann MD, PhD, U. Sass MD, A. Janssens MD, PhD, D. Bron MD, PhD
Primary cutaneous lymphomas are a heterogeneous group of diseases with indolent or aggressive behaviour, skin-limited or systemic extension, from T or B cell origin. The optimal management requires the multi-disciplinary approach with dermatologists, hemato-oncologists, pathologists and molecular biologists. The objective of this review is to harmonise the work-up and the treatment of these different entities of cutaneous T or B cell lymphoma in Belgium, according to the availability of the drugs and specialised treatment such as extracorporeal photopherisis or total skin electron beam therapy.
(BELG J HEMATOL 2018;9(3):86–100)
Read moreBJH - volume 9, issue 3, june 2018
A. Janssens MD, PhD, V. Vergote MD, V. Van Hende MD, D. Bron MD, PhD, A. Van Hoof MD, PhD
The Belgian Haematological Society Lymphoproliferative Working Party updated the existing recommendations on best strategies for frontline and subsequent line treatment of small lymphocytic leukaemia/chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, mantle cell lymphoma and Waldenström Macroglobulinemia according to new reimbursements and robust clinical data.
(BELG J HEMATOL 2018;9(3):101–12)
Read moreBJH - volume 8, issue 6, october 2017
V. Delrieu MD, C. Springael MD, PhD, K.L. Wu MD, PhD, G. Verhoef MD, PhD, A. Janssens MD, PhD, On behalf of the BHS Lymphoproliferative Working Party
Hairy cell leukaemia is a rare chronic B-cell lymphoproliferative disorder characterised by a long natural course with, in most of cases, an excellent response to a single course of purine analogue monochemotherapy. Making the right diagnosis, excluding the chemo resistant variant form of hairy cell leukaemia, and making progresses in the treatment of relapsing and/or refractory disease remains challenging up to date. In recent years, exciting results with new agents are emerging and clinical trials are ongoing to optimize the management of hairy cell leukaemia and its variant form.
(BELG J HEMATOL 2017;8(6):222–8)
Read moreBJH - volume 8, issue 3, june 2017
D. Bron MD, PhD, C. Springael MD, PhD, M. Maerevoet MD, M. de Vicq MD, A. Kolivras MD
Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma is a heterogeneous group of T-cell neoplasms presenting in the skin, mycosis fungoides being the most common subtype and Sézary syndrome the leukemic form. Treatment is dependant on stage and responses to previous therapy. Treatments are divided into ‘skin-directed therapies’, which are first-line for early stage diseases, and ‘systemic therapies’ reserved for advanced stages or refractory cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. There are currently no curative therapies for cutaneous T-cell lymphoma and consecutive treatments have to be given in function of the progression of the disease. There is an urgent need for new therapies to treat symptoms, particularly pruritus and pain, and to prolong survival. This paper summarises new drugs available for cutaneous T-cell lymphoma and their mode of action. Most new drugs for cutaneous T-cell lymphoma have response rates between 30% and 50% with response durations being less than a year. New studies looking at combination or maintenance therapies may improve quality of life and disease outcome.
(BELG J HEMATOL 2017;8(3):102–6)
Read moreBJH - volume 8, issue 2, march 2017
M.C. Vekemans MD, K. Beel MD, PhD, J. Caers MD, PhD, N. Meuleman MD, PhD, G. Bries MD, PhD, H. Demuynck MD, B. De Prijck MD, H. De Samblanx MD, A. Deweweire MD, K. Fostier MD, A. Kentos MD, PhD, P. Mineur MD, M. Vaes MD, I. Vande Broek MD, PhD, A. Vande Velde MD, J. Van Droogenbroeck MD, P. Vlummens MD, K.L. Wu MD, PhD, R. Schots MD, PhD, M. Delforge MD, PhD, C. Doyen MD, On behalf of the Multiple Myeloma Study Group of the Belgian Haematology Society (BHS)
The prognosis for multiple myeloma patients has improved substantially over the past decade with the development of more effective chemotherapeutic agents and regimens that possess a high level of anti-tumour activity. However, nearly all multiple myeloma patients ultimately relapse, even those who experience a complete response to initial therapy. Management of relapsed disease remains a critical aspect of multiple myeloma care and an important area of ongoing research. This manuscript from the Belgian Haematology Society multiple myeloma subgroup provides some recommendations on the management of relapsed disease.
(BELG J HEMATOL 2017;8(2):53–65)
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