Publications (91)541.44 Total impact
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Article: Unrelated donor allogeneic transplantation after failure of autologous transplantation for acute myeloid leukemia: a study from the cibmtr.
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ABSTRACT: The survival of relapsed acute myeloid leukemia (AML) after autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (Autologous HCT) is very poor. We studied the outcomes of 302 patients who underwent secondary allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (Allo-HCT) from an unrelated donor (URD) using either myeloablative (n=242) or reduced-intensity conditioning regimens (RIC, n=60) reported to CIBMTR. After a median follow-up of 58 months (range 2-160), the probability of treatment-related mortality (TRM) was 44% (95%CI 38-50) at 1-year. The 5-year incidence of relapse and overall survival (OS) was 32% (95%CI 27-38) and 22% (95%CI 18-27), respectively. In multivariate analysis significantly better OS was observed with RIC regimens (Hazard Ratio (HR) 0.51, 95%CI 0.35-0.75, p<0.001), with Karnofsky performance status (KPS) ≥90% (HR 0.62, 95%CI 0.47-0.82, p=0.001) and in CMV-negative recipients (HR 0.64, 95%CI 0.44-0.94, p=0.022). Longer interval (>18 months) from Autologous HCT to URD Allo-HCT was associated with significantly lower Relapse risk (HR 0.19, 95%CI 0.09-0.38, p<0.001) and improved LFS (HR 0.53, 95%CI 0.34-0.84, p=0.006). URD Allo-HCT after Autologous HCT relapse results in 20% long-term leukemia-free survival, with best results with longer interval to secondary URD transplantation, KPS ≥90%, in complete remission, and using RIC regimens. Further efforts to reduce TRM and relapse are still needed.Biology of blood and marrow transplantation: journal of the American Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation 04/2013; · 3.15 Impact Factor -
Article: Hematopoietic transplantation for acute myeloid leukemia with internal tandem duplication of FLT3 gene (FLT3/ITD).
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ABSTRACT: Patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) traditionally classified as having an intermediate cytogenetic risk [mostly cytogenetically normal AML (CN-AML)] really include a significant proportion of cases with a poor outcome. This is based on the molecular findings at diagnosis, mainly the presence of internal tandem duplication in the FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 gene(s) (FLT3/ITD). Optimal postremission therapy for these high-risk molecular cases is not well established; as the prognosis is adverse hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT), mainly allogeneic HCT (allo-HCT), is the most widely accepted strategy. As a rule, patients with FLT3/ITD have a poor outcome with conventional chemotherapy alone. Only patients with an associated nucleophosmin 1 (NPM1) mutation and those with a low mutated-to-wild-type allelic ratio of FLT3/ITD have less unfavorable outcome. Most studies show an advantage of allo-HCT in first complete remission (CR1), with higher 3-5 year disease-free survival and lower relapse risk than with chemotherapy or autologous transplantation (auto-HCT). Regarding allo-HCT proceeding early after reaching CR1 seems to improve survival, rather than after several courses of consolidation chemotherapy. Patients with intermediate-risk cytogenetics AML and FLT3/ITD, especially NPM1-wild cases and those NPM1 mutated with a high allelic ratio, should proceed to allo-HCT if possible early after achieving CR1.Current opinion in oncology 03/2013; 25(2):195-204. · 4.09 Impact Factor -
Article: Impact of hyperferritinemia on the outcome of reduced-intensity conditioning allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation for lymphoid malignancies.
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ABSTRACT: Hyperferritinemia has been associated with adverse outcome after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) with myeloablative conditioning. However, its characteristics and impact on the outcome in the reduced-intensity conditioning (RIC) and in the lymphoid malignancies settings are far from clear. The study includes 201 adult patients undergoing allo-HCT with RIC (allo-RIC) for lymphoid malignancies with a median follow-up for survivors of 52 months (range 3-123). Median serum ferritin level at allo-RIC was 379 ng/ml (range 4-10790). In the multivariate analysis, patients with hyperferritinemia at transplant (>399ng/ml) showed lower 4-year overall survival (HR 1.8 [95%CI 1.2-2.8], p=0.008), higher NRM (HR 1.8 [95%CI 1.1-3.2], p=0.03) and higher infection related mortality (HR 2.3 [95%CI 1.1- 4.8], p=0.02) than patients without hyperferritinemia. Neutrophil and platelet engraftment and 100-days NRM were similar between both groups. The adverse outcome associated with hyperferritinemia seemed higher in patients without major comorbidities and it was not influenced by the elevation of acute phase reactants. Our results indicate that high ferritin levels at HCT are associated with an adverse outcome after allo-RIC in patients with lymphoid malignancies.Biology of blood and marrow transplantation: journal of the American Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation 01/2013; · 3.15 Impact Factor -
Article: The combination of Siromilus plus Tacrolimus improves outcome after reduced-intensity conditioning unrelated donor hematopoietic stem cell transplantation compared with Cyclosporine plus Mycofenolate.
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ABSTRACT: Background. Different graft-versus-host disease prophylaxis have been proposed in the setting of reduced intensity and non-myeloablative allogeneic stem cell transplantation. An alternative combination with Sirolimus and Tacrolimus has recently been tested although comparative studies in front of the classical combination with a Calcineurin-inhibitor and Mycophenolate Mofetil or Methotrexate, are lacking. Design and Methods. We describe the results of a prospective multicenter trial using Sirolimus-Tacrolimus as immunoprophylaxis, and compare this approach with our previous experience using Cyclosporine-Mycophenolate in the unrelated donor transplant setting after reduced-intensity conditioning. Results. Forty-five patients received Cyclosporine-Mycophenolate between 2002 and mid-2007, while the subsequent 50 patients receiving transplants from late-2007 received Sirolimus-Tacrolimus. No significant differences were observed either in terms of hematopoietic recovery or acute graft versus host disease, although gastrointestinal aute graft versus host disease ≥2 was more common in the Cyclosporine-Mycophenolate group (55 vs. 21%, respectively, p=0.003). The 1-year cumulative incidence of chronic graft versus host disease was 50% versus 90% for Sirolimus versus Cyclosporine- based regimen, respectively (p<0.001), while the incidence of the extensive chronic disease was 27% versus 49%, respectively (p=0.043). Two-year non-relapse mortality was 18% versus 38% for patients receiving Sirolimus versus Cyclosporine- based regimen, respectively (p=0.02). The event-free survival and overall survival at 2 years were 53% versus 29% (p=0.028) and 70% versus 45% (p=0.018) among patients receiving Sirolimus versus Cyclosporine- based regimen, respectively. Conclusions. In the setting of reduced intensity transplantation from unrelated donor, promising results can be achieved with the combination of Sirolimus-Tacrolimus, due to a lower risk of chronic Graft versus host disease and non-relapse mortality, which translates into better event-free and overall survival, in comparison with Cyclosporine-Mycophenolate. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as 2007-006416-32 by GEL-TAMO/GETH.Haematologica 10/2012; · 6.42 Impact Factor -
Article: 4th European Conference on Infections in Leukaemia (ECIL-4): Guidelines for Diagnosis and Treatment of Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Parainfluenzavirus, Metapneumovirus, Rhinovirus, and Coronavirus.
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ABSTRACT: Community-acquired respiratory virus (CARV) infections have been recognized as a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with leukemia and those undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Progression to lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) with clinical and radiological signs of pneumonia and respiratory failure appears to depend on the intrinsic virulence of the specific CARV as well as factors specific to the patient, the underlying disease and its treatment. To better define the current state of knowledge of CARVs in leukemia and HSCT patients, and to improve CARV diagnosis and management, a working group of the 4(th) European Conference on Infections in Leukaemia (ECIL-4) 2011 reviewed the literature on CARVs, graded the available quality of evidence and made recommendations according to the IDSA grading system. Due to differences in screening, clinical presentation and therapy for influenza and adenovirus, ECIL-4 recommendations are summarized for CARVs other than influenza and adenovirus.Clinical Infectious Diseases 09/2012; · 9.15 Impact Factor -
Article: Evaluation of prognostic factors among patients with chronic graft-versus-host disease.
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ABSTRACT: Chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) is a major complication after allogeneic stem cell transplantation with an adverse effect on both mortality and morbidity. In 2005, the National Institute of Health proposed new criteria for diagnosis and classification of chronic graft-versus-host disease for clinical trials. New sub-categories were recognized such as late onset acute graft-versus-host disease and overlap syndrome. We evaluated the prognostic impact of the new sub-categories as well as the clinical scoring system proposed by the National Institute of Health in a retrospective, multicenter study of 820 patients undergoing allogeneic stem cell transplantation between 2000 and 2006 at 3 different institutions. Patients were retrospectively categorized according to the National Institute of Health criteria from patients' medical histories. As far as the new sub-categories are concerned, in univariate analysis diagnosis of overlap syndrome adversely affected the outcome. Also, the number of organs involved for a cut-off value of 4 significantly influenced both cGVHD related mortality and survival. In multivariate analysis, in addition to NIH score, platelet count and performance score at the time of cGVHD diagnosis, plus gut involvement, significantly influenced outcome. These 3 variables allowed us to develop a simple score system which identifies 4 subgroups of patients with 84%, 64%, 43% and 0% overall survival at five years after cGVHD diagnosis (score 0: HR=15.96 (95% CI: 6.85-37.17), P<0.001; score 1: HR=5.47 (95% CI: 2.6-11.5), P<0.001; score 2: HR=2.8 (95% CI: 1.32-5.93), P=0.007). In summary, we have identified a powerful and simple tool to discriminate different subgroups of patients in terms of chronic graft-versus-host disease related mortality and survival.Haematologica 02/2012; 97(8):1187-95. · 6.42 Impact Factor -
Article: Allogeneic stem cell transplantation after reduced intensity conditioning in patients with relapsed or refractory Hodgkin's lymphoma. Results of the HDR-ALLO study - a prospective clinical trial by the Grupo Español de Linfomas/Trasplante de Médula Osea (GEL/TAMO) and the Lymphoma Working Party of the European Group for Blood and Marrow Transplantation.
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ABSTRACT: Although Hodgkin's lymphoma is a highly curable disease with modern chemotherapy protocols, some patients are primary refractory or relapse after first-line chemotherapy or even after high-dose therapy and autologous stem cell transplantation. We investigated the potential role of allogeneic stem cell transplantation in this setting. In this phase II study 92 patients with relapsed Hodgkin's lymphoma and an HLA-identical sibling, a matched unrelated donor or a one antigen mismatched, unrelated donor were treated with salvage chemotherapy followed by reduced intensity allogeneic transplantation. Fourteen patients showed refractory disease and died from progressive lymphoma with a median overall survival after trial entry of 10 months (range, 6-17). Seventy-eight patients proceeded to allograft (unrelated donors, n=23). Fifty were allografted in complete or partial remission and 28 in stable disease. Fludarabine (150 mg/m(2) iv) and melphalan (140 mg/m(2) iv) were used as the conditioning regimen. Anti-thymocyte globulin was additionally used as graft-versus-host-disease prophylaxis for recipients of grafts from unrelated donors. The non-relapse mortality rate was 8% at 100 days and 15% at 1 year. Relapse was the major cause of failure. The progression-free survival rate was 47% at 1 year and 18% at 4 years from trial entry. For the allografted population, the progression-free survival rate was 48% at 1 year and 24% at 4 years. Chronic graft-versus-host disease was associated with a lower incidence of relapse. Patients allografted in complete remission had a significantly better outcome. The overall survival rate was 71% at 1 year and 43% at 4 years. Allogeneic stem cell transplantation can result in long-term progression-free survival in heavily pre-treated patients with Hodgkin's lymphoma. The reduced intensity conditioning approach significantly reduced non-relapse mortality; the high relapse rate represents the major remaining challenge in this setting. The HDR-Allo trial was registered in the European Clinical Trials Database (EUDRACT, https://eudract.ema.europa.eu/) with number 02-0036.Haematologica 02/2012; 97(2):310-7. · 6.42 Impact Factor -
Article: Degree of mucositis and duration of neutropenia are the major risk factors for early post-transplant febrile neutropenia and severe bacterial infections after reduced-intensity conditioning.
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ABSTRACT: Whether the intensity of the conditioning regimen affects febrile neutropenia (FN) and severe bacterial infections (SBIs) is not well established. We analyzed the risk factors (RFs) for the development of FN and SBI in the first 100d post-transplant in 195 consecutive adult recipients of a reduced-intensity conditioning allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (RIC-allo). The RIC regimens consisted of fludarabine plus melphalan (62%) or busulphan (38%) (FluMel or FluBu). SBIs include pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and bacteremia. FN occurred in 141 patients (72%), always in the first 30d post-allo-RIC. However, a SBI occurred in only 27 patients (14%) during this early post-transplant period (<day +30), while 29 evaluable patients (15%) developed a SBI in the intermediate post-transplant period (days +31 to +100). In multivariate analysis, RFs for the development of FN included onset of neutropenia before day +5 after allo-RIC (P<0.02) and NCI CTC grade III-IV mucosal damage in the first 10d post-transplantation (P=0.03). RFs identified to SBI by multivariate analysis included corticosteroid therapy before day +100 (P<0.01), mycophenolate mofetil-based graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis (P<0.01), and previous SBI before day +30 (P<0.01). The rate of SBI from day +30 to +100 varied according to the number of RFs; thus, the rate of SBI was 1% in patients without any RF, 17% in patients with one RF, 29% with one RFs, and 53% in those with all three RFs. After an RIC-allo, FN and early SBI occurred mostly in patients with severe mucositis and early-onset neutropenia, while postengraftment high-dose steroid therapy for acute GVHD was the major RF.European Journal Of Haematology 01/2012; 88(1):46-51. · 2.61 Impact Factor -
Article: Pulmonary function testing prior to reduced intensity conditioning allogeneic stem cell transplantation in an unselected patient cohort predicts posttransplantation pulmonary complications and outcome.
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ABSTRACT: Pretransplant pulmonary function tests (PFTs) have been checked mostly in myeloablative allogeneic stem cell transplantation (Allo-SCT). Their value in the setting of reduced intensity conditioning Allo-SCT (Allo-RIC) has been less explored. We retrospectively evaluated the predictive value of PFTs on posttransplant pulmonary complications (PPC) and outcomes in 195 consecutive Allo-RIC patients, based on fludarabine plus busulphan or melphalan. PFT parameters included forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), FEV1/FVC ratio, total lung capacity (TLC), residual volume, and diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCo) corrected for the hemoglobin levels. Pretransplant PFTs abnormalities were observed in 130 patients (66%). The most frequent abnormalities were abnormal DLCO (n = 83, 44%), followed by FEV1/FVC (n = 75, 38%) and FVC (n = 47, 24%). The abnormalities were severe in 25 (13%) patients, moderate in 65 (33%) and mild in 40 patients (21%). Multivariate analysis showed that TLC was significantly associated with PPC, nonrelapse mortality and overall survival (OS), (HR 4.2, 95% CI. 2-8.5; HR 3.8, 95% CI. 1.7-8.5; HR 2.3, 95% CI. 1.3-4.1, respectively, P = 0.01), while abnormal FVC had a negative impact on PPC and OS (HR 1.8, 95% CI. 0.98-3.6, P = 0.06 and HR 1.7, 95% CI. 1.1-2.6, P = 0.008). This study emphasizes the valuable role of PFTs in identifying patients at risk for PPC, NRM, and lower OS in the Allo-RIC setting.American Journal of Hematology 01/2012; 87(1):9-14. · 4.67 Impact Factor -
Article: Outcome of lower-intensity allogeneic transplantation in non-Hodgkin lymphoma after autologous transplantation failure.
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ABSTRACT: We studied the outcome of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation after lower-intensity conditioning regimens (reduced-intensity conditioning and nonmyeloablative) in patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma who relapsed after autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Nonrelapse mortality, lymphoma progression/relapse, progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival were analyzed in 263 patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma. All 263 patients had relapsed after a previous autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and then had undergone allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation from a related (n = 26) or unrelated (n = 237) donor after reduced-intensity conditioning (n = 128) or nonmyeloablative (n = 135) and were reported to the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research between 1996 and 2006. The median follow-up of survivors was 68 months (range, 3-111 months). Three-year nonrelapse mortality was 44% (95% confidence interval [CI], 37%-50%). Lymphoma progression/relapse at 3 years was 35% (95% CI, 29%-41%). Three-year probabilities of PFS and overall survival were 21% (95% CI, 16%-27%) and 32% (95% CI, 27%-38%), respectively. Superior Karnofsky Performance Score, longer interval between transplantations, total body irradiation-based conditioning regimen, and lymphoma remission at transplantation were correlated with improved PFS. Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation after lower-intensity conditioning is associated with significant nonrelapse mortality but can result in long-term PFS. We describe a quantitative risk model based on pretransplantation risk factors to identify those patients likely to benefit from this approach.Biology of blood and marrow transplantation: journal of the American Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation 12/2011; 18(8):1255-64. · 3.15 Impact Factor -
Article: Pneumonia in allogeneic stem cell transplantation recipients: a multicenter prospective study.
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ABSTRACT: Pneumonia is a common cause of mortality after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) but updated and prospective information is partial. The aim of this nationwide prospective study is to determine the current epidemiology, etiology, and outcome of pneumonia in allo-HSCT recipients. From September-2003 to November-2005, 112 episodes in 427 consecutive allo-HSCT recipients were included (incidence 52.2 per 100 allo-HSCT/yr), and 72 of them (64.3%) were microbiologically defined pneumonia. Bacterial pneumonia (44.4%) was more frequent than fungal (29.2%) and viral pneumonia (19.4%). The most frequent microorganisms in each group were: Escherichia coli (n = 7, 8.9%), Streptococcus pneumoniae (n = 4, 5.0%), cytomegalovirus (n = 12, 15.4%), and Aspergillus spp. (n = 12, 15.4%). The development of pneumonia and chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) was associated with increased mortality after allo-HSCT, and the probability of survival was significantly lower in patients that had at least one pneumonia episode (p < 0.01). Pneumonia development in the first 100 d after transplantation, fungal etiology, GVHD, acute respiratory failure, and septic shock were associated with increased mortality after pneumonia. Our results show that pneumonia remains a frequent infectious complication after allo-HSCT, contributing to significant mortality, and provide a large current experience with the incidence, etiology and outcome of pneumonia in these patients.Clinical Transplantation 11/2011; 25(6):E629-38. · 1.67 Impact Factor -
Article: Outcome of pandemic H1N1 infections in hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients.
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ABSTRACT: During 2009, a new strain of A/H1N1 influenza appeared and became pandemic. A prospective study was performed to collect data regarding risk factors and outcome of A/H1N1 in hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients. Only verified pandemic A/H1N1 influenza strains were included: 286 patients were reported, 222 allogeneic and 64 autologous recipients. The median age was 38.3 years and the median time from transplant was 19.4 months. Oseltamivir was administered to 267 patients and 15 patients received zanamivir. One hundred and twenty-five patients (43.7%) were hospitalized. Ninety-three patients (32.5%) developed lower respiratory tract disease. In multivariate analysis, risk factors were age (OR 1.025; 1.01-1.04; P=0.002) and lymphopenia (OR 2.49; 1.33-4.67; P<0.001). Thirty-three patients (11.5%) required mechanical ventilation. Eighteen patients (6.3%) died from A/H1N1 infection or its complications. Neutropenia (P=0.03) and patient age (P=0.04) were significant risk factors for death. The 2009 A/H1N1 influenza pandemic caused severe complications in stem cell transplant recipients.Haematologica 05/2011; 96(8):1231-5. · 6.42 Impact Factor -
Article: Pretransplantation liver function impacts on the outcome of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: a study of 455 patients.
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ABSTRACT: Liver dysfunction is frequent before allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo-SCT). However, its characteristics and impact on transplantation outcomes are uncertain, especially in the reduced-intensity conditioning (RIC) setting. We analyzed 455 patients receiving an allo-SCT in 3 Spanish centers. Pretransplantation aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransaminase (ALT), gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), alkaline phosphatase (AP), total bilirubin, and international normalized ratio were analyzed. Pretransplantation liver function test abnormalities were found in 94 (22%) patients. The most frequent cause of pretransplantation liver dysfunction was isolated elevation of GGT/AP (n = 49, 53%). Patients with high bilirubin levels before allo-SCT showed higher 4-year nonrelapse mortality (4y-NRM) (hazard ratio [HR] 2 [95% confidence interval [CI] 1.1-3.8] P = .02) and patients with high GGT levels showed higher 100-day NRM and lower 4-year overall survival (OS) (HR 3.4 [95% CI 1.8-6.7] P < .001, and HR 2 [95% CI 1.4-3], P = .001), respectively. High levels of transaminases did not influence on survival or mortality. In conclusion, hepatic dysfunction before allo-SCT is frequent and has an impact on transplantation outcomes. The best indicator of liver dysfunction still has to be determined.Biology of blood and marrow transplantation: journal of the American Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation 04/2011; 17(11):1653-61. · 3.15 Impact Factor -
Article: Long-Term Results of Fludarabine/Melphalan as a Reduced-Intensity Conditioning Regimen in Mantle Cell Lymphoma: The GELTAMO Experience.
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ABSTRACT: We herein report the long-term results of an allogeneic reduced-intensity conditioning (allo-RIC) protocol used in 21 consecutive patients (16 males, median age 56 years, 71% in complete remission) diagnosed with mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). The allo-RIC consisted of fludarabine plus melphalan and peripheral blood hematopoietic stem cells (PBSCs) from human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-identical siblings were used in all cases. Median CD34+ infused cells was 5.8 times 10(6)/kg. All patients engrafted promptly. Early toxicity included mild/moderate mucositis (43%), febrile neutropenia (33%) and bacterial infections (19%). With a median follow up of 48 months, four deaths were reported, all due to infections and/or graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), yielding a 3-year cumulative incidence of nonrelapse mortality of 19.5%. Grade III-IV acute GVHD occurred in 15% and chronic GVHD in 78%, being extensive in 39%. The 5-year progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were both 80% (95% CI: 63-97%). Age was the only possible prognostic factor for OS, which was 43% for those aged more than 60 years and 100% for those younger (p < 0.001). Our data confirm that allo-RIC offers a low toxicity profile and a chance for prolonged long-term disease-free survival in MCL, particularly in younger patients.Therapeutic advances in hematology. 02/2011; 2(1):5-10. -
Article: Reducing the risk for transplantation-related mortality after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation: how much progress has been made?
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ABSTRACT: Transplantation-related mortality (TRM) is a major barrier to the success of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). We assessed changes in the incidence of TRM and overall survival from 1985 through 2004 in 5,972 patients younger than age 50 years who received myeloablative conditioning and HCT for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in first complete remission (CR1) or second complete remission (CR2). Among HLA-matched sibling donor transplantation recipients, the relative risks (RRs) for TRM were 0.5 and 0.3 for 2000 to 2004 compared with those for 1985 to 1989 in patients in CR1 and CR2, respectively (P < .001). The RRs for all causes of mortality in the latter period were 0.73 (P = .001) and 0.60 (P = .005) for the CR1 and CR2 groups, respectively. Among unrelated donor transplantation recipients, the RRs for TRM were 0.73 (P = .095) and 0.58 (P < .001) for 2000 to 2004 compared with those in 1990 to 1994 in the CR1 and CR2 groups, respectively. Reductions in mortality were observed in the CR2 group (RR, 0.74; P = .03) but not in the CR1 group. Our results suggest that innovations in transplantation care since the 1980s and 1990s have reduced the risk of TRM in patients undergoing allogeneic HCT for AML and that this reduction has been accompanied by improvements in overall survival.Journal of Clinical Oncology 01/2011; 29(7):805-13. · 18.37 Impact Factor -
Article: Valganciclovir as pre-emptive therapy for cytomegalovirus infection in allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients.
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ABSTRACT: In haematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients, cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection contributes significantly to morbidity and mortality in both the early and late post-transplant period. Ganciclovir (GCV) is the treatment of choice for CMV, but requires intravenous administration, a fact that complicates its long-term use. Oral valganciclovir (VGCV) and intravenous GCV were recently shown to have similar efficacy for pre-emptive CMV treatment in solid organ transplant recipients, but relatively limited data are available in HSCT recipients. The objectives of this study were to compare the efficacy of VGCV versus intravenous GCV or foscarnet (FOS) for pre-emptive therapy of active CMV infection in allogeneic HSCT and to determine the incidence of adverse effects and relapses. This was a 2-year prospective, comparative cohort study in which 237 episodes of pre-emptive therapy for active CMV infection were collected in 166 allogeneic HSCT recipients out of 717 included in the Spanish Network for Research on Infection in Transplantation (RESITRA/REIPI) database. Intravenous GCV was the first-line treatment in 112 episodes, intravenous FOS in 38 episodes, and oral VGCV in 87 episodes. VGCV was used as pre-emptive therapy for active CMV infection in 87 episodes. Excluding episodes considered as relapse, VGCV was as successful (91.4% [74/81]) as GCV (83.7% [87/14]) or FOS (75.8% [25/33]). In the VGCV arm, 7 (8.6%) cases were considered treatment failures: 4 (4.9%) because of adverse events, 1 (1.2%) due to persistent viral activity and 2 (2.5%) based on clinical decision. There were also 6 (7.4%) cases of recurrent infection. No statistically significant differences were found when compared to GCV or FOS. In allogeneic HSCT recipients, VGCV seemed effective and safe in the pre-emptive therapy of active CMV infection.Antiviral therapy 01/2011; 16(7):951-7. · 3.16 Impact Factor -
Article: Allogeneic stem cell transplantation for myelodysplastic syndromes with bone marrow fibrosis.
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ABSTRACT: Bone marrow fibrosis in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome is associated with a poor outcome, but whether the outcome after allogeneic stem cell transplantation is related to the degree of bone marrow fibrosis is unknown. Patients with myelodysplastic syndrome and known bone marrow histology (n=721) who underwent hematopoietic stem cell transplantation were classified according to the degree of bone marrow fibrosis into those without fibrosis (n=483), those with mild or moderate fibrosis (n=199) and those with severe fibrosis (n=39) and analyzed regarding engraftment, treatment-related mortality, relapse and survival. The degree of fibrosis was not associated with disease status or abnormal cytogenetics. The cumulative incidence of engraftment achieved at day +30 in non-fibrotic patients was 93% and was significantly lower in those with mild or moderate fibrosis (89%) and severe fibrosis (75%) (P=0.009). Neutrophil engraftment occurred later in patients with mild or moderate fibrosis and severe fibrosis than in patients without fibrosis (median 17 versus 20 versus 16 days, respectively; P=0.002). The cumulative incidence of relapse at 3 years was significantly higher in patients with severe fibrosis than in those with a lesser degree of fibrosis or no fibrosis (47% versus 28% versus 27%, respectively; P=0.04), resulting in comparable 3-year disease-free survival rates in patients without fibrosis and in those with mild or moderate fibrosis (42% versus 38%, respectively) but a lower disease-free survival rate in those with severe fibrosis (18%; P=0.002). Severe fibrosis remained an independent factor for reduced survival (hazard ratio, 1.9; P=0.006). Among patients with myelodysplastic syndromes, only severe fibrosis affects survival after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation while patients with mild or moderate fibrosis have an outcome comparable to that of patients without bone marrow fibrosis.Haematologica 10/2010; 96(2):291-7. · 6.42 Impact Factor -
Article: Comparable survival after HLA-well-matched unrelated or matched sibling donor transplantation for acute myeloid leukemia in first remission with unfavorable cytogenetics at diagnosis.
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ABSTRACT: We compared the outcomes of unrelated donor (URD, n = 358) with human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-matched sibling donor (MSD, n = 226) transplantations in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in first complete remission (CR1) having unfavorable cytogenetics at diagnosis. Unfavorable cytogenetic abnormalities were: complex (≥ 3 abnormalities), 32%; and noncomplex involving chromosome 7, 25%; chromosome 5, 9%; 11q or MLL rearrangements, 18%; t(6;9), 5%; and other noncomplex, 10%. URDs were HLA-well-matched (n = 254; 71%) or partially-matched (n = 104; 29%). Three-year leukemia-free survival (LFS) for MSD was 42% (95% confidence interval [CI], 35%-48%) compared with 34% (95% CI, 28%-41%) for HLA-well-matched URD and 29% (95% CI, 20%-39%) for partially-matched URD (P = .08). In multivariate analysis, HLA-well-matched URD and MSD yielded similar LFS (relative risk [RR] = 1.1, 95% CI, 0.86-1.40, P = .44) and overall survival (OS; RR = 1.06, 95% CI, 0.83-1.37, P = .63). LFS and OS were significantly inferior for HLA-partially-matched URD recipients, those with prior myelodysplastic syndrome, and those older than 50 years. All cytogenetic cohorts had similar outcomes. Patients with chronic graft-versus-host disease had a significantly lower risk of relapse (RR = 0.68, 95% CI, 0.47-0.99, P = .05). Hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) using HLA-well-matched URD and MSD resulted in similar LFS and OS in AML patients in CR1 with unfavorable cytogenetics. Outcomes of HCT from HLA-partially- matched URD were inferior.Blood 09/2010; 116(11):1839-48. · 9.90 Impact Factor -
Article: Reduced intensity conditioning HLA identical sibling donor allogeneic stem cell transplantation for patients with follicular lymphoma: long-term follow-up from two prospective multicenter trials.
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ABSTRACT: Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is an effective treatment for patients with poor risk lymphoma, at least in part because of the graft-versus-lymphoma effect. Over the past decade, reduced intensity conditioning regimens have been shown to offer results similar to those of conventional high-dose conditioning regimens but with lower toxicity early after transplantation, especially in patients with chemosensitive disease at transplant. The aim of this study was to analyze the long-term outcome of patients with follicular lymphoma who received an HLA identical sibling allogeneic stem cell transplant with a reduced intensity conditioning regimen within prospective trials. The prospective multicenter studies considered included 37 patients with follicular lymphoma who underwent allogeneic stem cell transplantation between 1998 and 2007 with a fludarabine plus melphalan-based reduced intensity conditioning regimen. The median age of the patients was 50 years (range, 34-62 years) and the median follow-up was 52 months (range, 0.6 to 113 months). Most patients (77%) had stage III-IV at diagnosis, and patients had received a median of three lines of therapy before the reduced intensity conditioning allogeneic stem cell transplantation. At the time of transplantation, 14 patients were in complete remission, 16 in partial remission and 7 had refractory or progressive disease after salvage chemotherapy. The 4-year overall survival rates for patients in complete remission, partial remission, or with refractory or progressive disease were 71%, 48% and 29%, respectively (P=0.09), whereas the 4-year cumulative incidences of non-relapse mortality were 26% (95% CI, 11-61), 33% (95% CI, 16-68) and 71% (95% CI, 44-100), respectively. The incidence of relapse for the whole group was only 8% (95% CI, 2-23). We conclude that this strategy of reduced intensity conditioning allogeneic stem cell transplantation may be associated with significant non-relapse mortality in heavily pre-treated patients with follicular lymphoma, but a remarkably low relapse rate. Long-term survival is likely in patients without progressive or refractory disease at the time of transplantation.Haematologica 07/2010; 95(7):1176-82. · 6.42 Impact Factor -
Article: Immune response to the 23-valent polysaccharide pneumococcal vaccine after the 7-valent conjugate vaccine in allogeneic stem cell transplant recipients: results from the EBMT IDWP01 trial.
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ABSTRACT: The current recommendations for active immunization after stem cell transplant (SCT) include 3 doses of 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV7) from 3 months after transplant, followed by a 23-valent polysaccharide pneumococcal vaccine (PPV23). However, until now, the immune response to PPV23 after PCV7 has not been assessed after SCT. In the EBMT IDWP01 trial, 101 patients received 1 dose of PPV23 at 12 or 18 months, both after 3 doses of PCV7. The efficacy of PPV23 was assessed 1 month later and at 24 months after transplant by the pneumococcal serotype 1 and 5 antibody levels. Serotype 1 and 5 are not included in PCV7. Although the geometric mean concentrations were significantly higher 1 month after PPV23, for both antigens, the response rates (> or =0.15 microg/mL), in the range of 68-94%, were not different between groups independent of the assessment date. One PPV23 dose after 3 PCV7 doses, already known to increase the response to PCV7, also extends the serotype coverage given 12 or 18 months after transplant.Vaccine 03/2010; 28(15):2730-4. · 3.77 Impact Factor
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Institutions
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2009–2013
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Autonomous University of Barcelona
Cerdanyola del Vallès, Catalonia, Spain -
Assistance Publique – Hôpitaux de Paris
Paris, Ile-de-France, France
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2001–2013
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Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau
- Hematology Clinic Services
Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
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2012
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Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío
Sevilla, Andalusia, Spain -
Universitätsspital Basel
Basel, BS, Switzerland
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2010
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Université Paris-Est Créteil Val de Marne - Université Paris 12
Créteil, Ile-de-France, France
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2005–2008
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Hospital Clínic de Barcelona
Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain -
Hospital Universitario de Salamanca
Salamanca, Castile and Leon, Spain -
University of Barcelona
Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
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2002
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Hebrew University of Jerusalem
- Department of Pediatrics
Jerusalem, Jerusalem District, Israel -
Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol
Badalona, Catalonia, Spain
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