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We invite you to read the eighth issue of 2024 of the Belgian Journal of Hematology (BJH).
For REVIEW HEMATOLOGY the editorial board has chosen three manuscripts. “Approach to febrile neutropenia in Belgian hospitals” by Y. Vanbiervliet et al. (Department of Haematology, Universitaire ziekenhuizen Leuven, Leuven) is the first one. The initiation of empiric broad-spectrum antibiotics for the management of febrile neutropenia in high-risk haematological patients must be rationalised as prolonged administration leads to toxicity, resistance and is an independent risk factor for GVHD and mortality in allogeneic stem cell transplantation recipients. Clinical trials are ongoing to recommend the optimal duration of empiric broad-spectrum antibiotics.
The second selected topic is “Gene therapy for β-thalassemia and sickle cell disease in Europe and the United States” by N. Elbert (medical writer, Ariez, Zaandam). The article describes the results of the clinical trials on the basis of which these new treatments (exagamglogene autotemcel and lovotibeglogene autotemcel) were authorised for marketing.
The third topic “Teclistamab also effective in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma who previously received antiBCMA therapy” by R. Van der Voort (medical writer, Ariez, Zaandam) informs us on the recent data of cohort C of Majestic-1.
In PHARMACOTHERAPY, G. Vermeersch et al. (Department of Haematology, Universitaire ziekenhuizen Leuven, Leuven) reviewed “Ravulizumab for paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria”. Ravulizumab is a new C5 targeting complement inhibitor with longer half-life time compared to eculizumab. Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic characteristics are highlighted next to efficacy and safety data.
In HEMATOCASE, two interesting case reports were selected. O. Mortelé et al. (Clinical Laboratory, Ziekenhuis aan de Stroom, Antwerp) present “Diagnosis of a T-cell prolymphocytic leukaemia in a 78-year-old asymptomatic patient”. The authors summarise the current diagnostic criteria of this rare leukaemia. E. De Bondt et al. (Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven) present “An unwanted Mediterranean souvenir: Pancytopenia due to visceral leishmaniasis” as the second case report. This case must increase our awareness for visceral Leishmaniasis and other (sub)tropical diseases due to increased traveling and climate change.
J. Blokken (medical writer, Ariez International BV, Ghent) summarises new haematology reimbursements in Belgium at the end of this issue.
Enjoy reading the last issue of 2024. The editorial board wishes you all a happy end of year and a fantastic 2025.
Sincerely,
A. Janssens, MD, PhD
Editor-in-Chief
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