Publications (53)387.39 Total impact
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Article: Correlation between eight-gene expression profiling and response to therapy of newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients treated with thalidomide-dexamethasone incorporated into double autologous transplantation.
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ABSTRACT: We performed a molecular study aimed at identifying a gene expression profile (GEP) signature predictive of attainment of at least near complete response (CR) to thalidomide-dexamethasone (TD) as induction regimen in preparation for double autologous stem cell transplantation in 112 younger patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma. A GEP supervised analysis was performed on a training set of 32 patients, allowing to identify 157 probe sets differentially expressed in patients with CR versus those failing CR to TD. We then generated an eight-gene GEP signature whose performance was subsequently validated in a training set of 80 patients. A correct prediction of response to TD was found in 71 % of the cases analyzed. The eight genes were downregulated in patients who achieved CR to TD. Comparisons between post-autotransplantation outcomes of the 44 non-CR-predicted patients and of the 36 CR-predicted patients showed that this latter subgroup had a statistically significant benefit in terms of higher rate of CR after autotransplant(s) and longer time to progression, event-free survival, and overall survival. These results can be an important first step to identify at diagnosis those patients who will respond more favourably to a particular treatment strategy.Annals of Hematology 05/2013; · 2.62 Impact Factor -
Article: SIE, SIES, GITMO evidence-based guidelines on novel agents (thalidomide, bortezomib, and lenalidomide) in the treatment of multiple myeloma.
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ABSTRACT: In this project, we produced drug-specific recommendations targeting the use of new agents for multiple myeloma (MM). We used the GRADE (Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) system which separates the judgments on quality of evidence from the judgment about strength of recommendations. We recommended thalidomide and bortezomib in MM patients candidates to autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) (weak positive). We did not recommend novel agents as maintenance therapy after ASCT (weak negative). In patients not candidate to ASCT, thalidomide or bortezomib (strong positive) associated with melphalan and prednisone were recommended. In these patients, no specific course of action could be recommended as for maintenance therapy. In patients who are refractory or relapsing after first-line therapy, we recommended bortezomib and pegylated liposomal doxorubicin, or lenalidomide and dexamethasone combinations (weak positive).Annals of Hematology 04/2012; 91(6):875-88. · 2.62 Impact Factor -
Article: Long-term results of thalidomide and dexamethasone (thal-dex) as therapy of first relapse in multiple myeloma.
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ABSTRACT: Thal-dex (TD) is an effective therapy for advanced MM. We evaluated TD as salvage treatment of MM patients at first relapse. Thal was given at a daily dose of 100 or 200 mg until progression. Dex was administered 160 mg/month. One hundred patients were enrolled. First line therapy included ASCT (72%) and conventional CHT (28%). Fifty-nine percent received a fixed thal dose of 100 mg/day. The most frequent adverse events were constipation (42%), peripheral neuropathy (58%, 5% grade 3), bradycardia (20%), skin rash (11%), and VTE (7%). Discontinuation of thal due to adverse events was recorded in eight patients. On ITT, 46% of patients achieved at least a PR. Median DOR was 28 months, median time to next therapy was 15.5 months. Median OS, TTP, and PFS were 43, 22, and 21 months, respectively. TTP and PFS were significantly longer for patients with at least PR to TD. TD was an effective salvage treatment for MM patients at first relapse, as demonstrated by durable disease control and prolonged OS. TD was well tolerated, as reflected by the long stay on treatment without disease progression (median 25 months) and a low discontinuation rate due to toxicity (8%).Annals of Hematology 09/2011; 91(3):419-26. · 2.62 Impact Factor -
Article: Risk evaluation, prophylaxis, and treatment of tumor lysis syndrome: consensus of an Italian expert panel.
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ABSTRACT: Tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) is a life-threatening complication in patients with hematological disease and/or solid tumors that results from rapid, large-scale tumor necrosis occurring spontaneously, or more commonly, as a result of chemotherapy. TLS is characterized by metabolic and electrolyte imbalances that include hyperuricemia, hyperkalemia, hyperphosphatemia, and hypocalcemia. Identification of risk groups as well as early detection of TLS is crucial for the establishment of appropriate strategies of prophylaxis and treatment. A review of the peer-reviewed literature on TLS between 1990 and 2011 was conducted via a systematic search of the PubMed database using the keywords "TLS" [AND] "management," "risk evaluation," "prophylaxis," and "treatment." An expert opinion-based approach was used to review the national and international recommendations and guidelines on the topic. The PubMed search produced 90 results, all of which were evaluated. These studies, together with a recent international consensus panel provided recommendations for evaluating the risk of TLS and providing prophylaxis. Five algorithms are presented that consider all of the factors when assessing the risk for neoplastic disease in general, and specifically for leukemia and lymphoma. The present report provides clinicians with an easily consultable tool to guide the evidence-based management of this oncohematological emergency.Advances in Therapy 08/2011; 28(8):684-97. · 2.11 Impact Factor -
Article: Risk of progression and survival in multiple myeloma relapsing after therapy with IMiDs and bortezomib: A multicenter international myeloma working group study
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ABSTRACT: Promising new drugs are being evaluated for treatment of multiple myeloma (MM), but their impact should be measured against the expected outcome in patients failing current therapies. However, the natural history of relapsed disease in the current era remains unclear. We studied 286 patients with relapsed MM, who were refractory to bortezomib and were relapsed following, refractory to or ineligible to receive, an IMiD (immunomodulatory drug), had measurable disease, and ECOG PS of 0, 1 or 2. The date patients satisfied the entry criteria was defined as time zero (T0). The median age at diagnosis was 58 years, and time from diagnosis to T0 was 3.3 years. Following T0, 213 (74%) patients had a treatment recorded with one or more regimens (median=1; range 0–8). The first regimen contained bortezomib in 55 (26%) patients and an IMiD in 70 (33%). A minor response or better was seen to at least one therapy after T0 in 94 patients (44%) including partial response in 69 (32%). The median overall survival and event-free survival from T0 were 9 and 5 months, respectively. This study confirms the poor outcome, once patients become refractory to current treatments. The results provide context for interpreting ongoing trials of new drugs.Keywords: multiple myeloma; relapse; natural history; survivalLeukemia 07/2011; 26(1):149-157. · 9.56 Impact Factor -
Article: Primary plasma cell leukemia in the era of new drugs: has something changed?
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ABSTRACT: Primary plasma cell leukemia (PPCL) is a rare and aggressive variant of multiple myeloma. This disease is associated with a very poor prognosis, and unfortunately it has not significantly improved during the last three decades. Autologous stem cell transplantation is generally recommended in eligible patients, but survival in transplanted PPCL patients is significantly lower than that of multiple myeloma. Recent preliminary data indicate that new drugs, in particular lenalidomide and bortezomib, could significantly improve the clinical outcome of PPCL, increasing response rate and duration, as well as survival. In this review we report an updated literature analysis about the current therapeutic scenario of PPCL, with a particular focus on the use of novel agents.Critical reviews in oncology/hematology 06/2011; 82(2):141-9. · 5.27 Impact Factor -
Article: Aspirin, warfarin, or enoxaparin thromboprophylaxis in patients with multiple myeloma treated with thalidomide: a phase III, open-label, randomized trial.
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ABSTRACT: In patients with myeloma, thalidomide significantly improves outcomes but increases the risk of thromboembolic events. In this randomized, open-label, multicenter trial, we compared aspirin (ASA) or fixed low-dose warfarin (WAR) versus low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) for preventing thromboembolism in patients with myeloma treated with thalidomide-based regimens. A total of 667 patients with previously untreated myeloma who received thalidomide-containing regimens and had no clinical indication or contraindication for a specific antiplatelet or anticoagulant therapy were randomly assigned to receive ASA (100 mg/d), WAR (1.25 mg/d), or LMWH (enoxaparin 40 mg/d). A composite primary end point included serious thromboembolic events, acute cardiovascular events, or sudden deaths during the first 6 months of treatment. Of 659 analyzed patients, 43 (6.5%) had serious thromboembolic events, acute cardiovascular events, or sudden death during the first 6 months (6.4% in the ASA group, 8.2% in the WAR group, and 5.0% in the LMWH group). Compared with LMWH, the absolute differences were +1.3% (95% CI, -3.0% to 5.7%; P = .544) in the ASA group and +3.2% (95% CI, -1.5% to 7.8%; P = .183) in the WAR group. The risk of thromboembolism was 1.38 times higher in patients treated with thalidomide without bortezomib. Three major (0.5%) and 10 minor (1.5%) bleeding episodes were recorded. In patients with myeloma treated with thalidomide-based regimens, ASA and WAR showed similar efficacy in reducing serious thromboembolic events, acute cardiovascular events, and sudden deaths compared with LMWH, except in elderly patients where WAR showed less efficacy than LMWH.Journal of Clinical Oncology 01/2011; 29(8):986-93. · 18.37 Impact Factor -
Article: Bortezomib with thalidomide plus dexamethasone compared with thalidomide plus dexamethasone as induction therapy before, and consolidation therapy after, double autologous stem-cell transplantation in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma: a randomised phase 3 study.
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ABSTRACT: Thalidomide plus dexamethasone (TD) is a standard induction therapy for myeloma. We aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of addition of bortezomib to TD (VTD) versus TD alone as induction therapy before, and consolidation therapy after, double autologous stem-cell transplantation in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma. Patients (aged 18-65 years) with previously untreated symptomatic myeloma were enrolled from 73 sites in Italy between May, 2006, and April, 2008, and data collection continued until June 30, 2010. Patients were randomly allocated (1:1 ratio) by a web-based system to receive three 21-day cycles of thalidomide (100 mg daily for the first 14 days and 200 mg daily thereafter) plus dexamethasone (40 mg daily on 8 of the first 12 days, but not consecutively; total of 320 mg per cycle), either alone or with bortezomib (1·3 mg/m(2) on days 1, 4, 8, and 11). The randomisation sequence was computer generated by the study coordinating team and was stratified by disease stage. After double autologous stem-cell transplantation, patients received two 35-day cycles of their assigned drug regimen, VTD or TD, as consolidation therapy. The primary endpoint was the rate of complete or near complete response to induction therapy. Analysis was by intention to treat. Patients and treating physicians were not masked to treatment allocation. This study is still underway but is not recruiting participants, and is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01134484, and with EudraCT, number 2005-003723-39. 480 patients were enrolled and randomly assigned to receive VTD (n=241 patients) or TD (n=239). Six patients withdrew consent before start of treatment, and 236 on VTD and 238 on TD were included in the intention-to-treat analysis. After induction therapy, complete or near complete response was achieved in 73 patients (31%, 95% CI 25·0-36·8) receiving VTD, and 27 (11%, 7·3-15·4) on TD (p<0·0001). Grade 3 or 4 adverse events were recorded in a significantly higher number of patients on VTD (n=132, 56%) than in those on TD (n=79, 33%; p<0·0001), with a higher occurrence of peripheral neuropathy in patients on VTD (n=23, 10%) than in those on TD (n=5, 2%; p=0·0004). Resolution or improvement of severe peripheral neuropathy was recorded in 18 of 23 patients on VTD, and in three of five patients on TD. VTD induction therapy before double autologous stem-cell transplantation significantly improves rate of complete or near complete response, and represents a new standard of care for patients with multiple myeloma who are eligible for transplant. Seràgnoli Institute of Haematology at the University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.The Lancet 12/2010; 376(9758):2075-85. · 38.28 Impact Factor -
Article: Renal impairment in patients with multiple myeloma: a consensus statement on behalf of the International Myeloma Working Group.
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ABSTRACT: Renal impairment is a common complication of multiple myeloma (MM). The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease formula is the recommended method for the assessment of renal function in patients with MM with stabilized serum creatinine. In acute renal injury, the RIFLE (risk, injury, failure, loss and end-stage kidney disease) and Acute Renal Injury Network criteria seem to be appropriate to define the severity of renal impairment. Novel criteria based on eGFR measurements are recommended for the definition of the reversibility of renal impairment. Rapid intervention to reverse renal dysfunction is critical for the management of these patients, especially for those with light chain cast nephropathy. Bortezomib with high-dose dexamethasone is considered as the treatment of choice for such patients. There is limited experience with thalidomide in patients with myeloma with renal impairment. Thus, thalidomide can be carefully administered, mainly in the context of well-designed clinical trials, to evaluate if it can improve the rapidity and probability of response that is produced by the combination with bortezomib and high-dose dexamethasone. Lenalidomide is effective in this setting and can reverse renal insufficiency in a significant subset of patients, when it is given at reduced doses, according to renal function. The role of plasma exchange in patients with suspected light chain cast nephropathy and renal impairment is controversial. High-dose melphalan (140 mg/m(2)) and autologous stem-cell transplantation should be limited to younger patients with chemosensitive disease.Journal of Clinical Oncology 10/2010; 28(33):4976-84. · 18.37 Impact Factor -
Article: Thalidomide-dexamethasone as up-front therapy for patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma: thrombophilic alterations, thrombotic complications, and thromboprophylaxis with low-dose warfarin.
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ABSTRACT: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a major complication of myeloma therapy recently observed with the increasing use of up-front thalidomide and dexamethasone (thal-dex). The pathogenesis of thal-induced VTE is not well recognized, and the role of prothrombotic factors, especially of thrombophilic abnormalities, is not yet determined. Two hundred and sixty-six patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (MM) were primarily treated with thal-dex in preparation for subsequent high-dose therapy and autologous stem-cell transplantation. Out of these 266 patients, 190 were evaluated for thrombophilic alterations at baseline, and 125 of them were also re-assessed after thal-dex therapy. The presence of genetic thrombophilic polymorphisms among patients with MM was superimposable to that of normal controls and was associated with a twofold increase in the relative risk of VTE. aAPCR and elevated factor VIII levels were frequent, albeit transient, alterations and were not associated with a significant increase in the risk of VTE. Two hundred and forty-six patients received a thromboprophylaxis with fixed low-dose warfarin (1.25 mg/day) during thal-dex therapy. Of these patients (or 10.6%), 26 had symptomatic VTE events. Their patients-years rate of VTE (35.5%) was significantly lower in comparison with the 86.2% rate recorded among the first 19 patients who initially entered the study and did not receive any kind of thromboprophylaxis (P = 0.043). On the basis of these data, a baseline thrombophilic work up is not recommended in patients with receiving up-front thal-dex. For these patients, fixed low-dose warfarin may be a valuable prophylaxis against VTE.European Journal Of Haematology 02/2010; 84(6):484-92. · 2.61 Impact Factor -
Article: Thalidomide-dexamethasone as induction therapy before autologous stem cell transplantation in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma and renal insufficiency.
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ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and the toxicity of thalidomide-dexamethasone (Thal-Dex) as induction therapy before autologous peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) transplantation in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (MM) with renal insufficiency. The study included 31 patients with a baseline creatinine clearance value <or=50 mL/min, 7 of whom required chronic hemodialysis. Patients received 4 months of Thal-Dex, followed by PBSC collection and subsequent transplantation. After induction, a partial response (PR) or greater was obtained in 23 patients (74%), including 8 (26%) who achieved a very good PR. Renal function improved more frequently in patients achieving a PR or greater (82%, vs 37% in patients achieving less than a PR; P = .04). Twenty-six patients underwent PBSC mobilization; in 17 of these patients (65%), >4 x 10(6) CD34(+) cells/kg were collected. Double autologous transplantation was performed in 15 patients, and a single autologous transplantation was performed in 7 patients. After a median of 32 months of follow-up, median event-free survival was 30 months, and median survival was not determined. According to our data, Thal-Dex is effective and safe in patients with newly diagnosed MM and renal insufficiency. Given the relationship between recovery of renal function and response to induction treatment, more intensive Thal + bortezomib regimens could be explored to rescue higher numbers of patients.Biology of blood and marrow transplantation: journal of the American Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation 02/2010; 16(8):1115-21. · 3.15 Impact Factor -
Article: Survival and years of life lost in different age cohorts of patients with multiple myeloma.
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ABSTRACT: To assess the impact of age on outcome and to analyze the projected years of life lost in patients with multiple myeloma. Ten thousand five hundred forty-nine patients were evaluated; 6,996 patients were treated with conventional chemotherapy, and 3,553 patients were treated with high-dose therapy with autologous stem-cell transplantation. Mean observed and relative overall survival times in the entire cohort were 3.7 and 3.9 years, respectively. Observed survival decreased steadily from 6.4 years in patients younger than age 50 years to 2.5 years in patients > or = age 80 years. A similar decrease was noted for relative survival. Higher age correlated significantly with higher International Staging System (ISS) stage. Relative excess risk of death differed significantly between 10-year age cohorts beginning from age 40 years (P < .001 for age 50 to 59 v age 40 to 49, P < .001 for age 60 to 69 v age 50 to 59, P < .001 for age 70 to 79 v age 60 to 69, and P = .009 for age > or = 80 v 70 to 79). The average years of life lost per patient was 16.8 years in the entire patient cohort and decreased steadily from 36.1 years in patients younger than 40 years old to 4.6 years in patients > or = age 80 years. Age is associated with higher ISS stage and is an important risk factor for early mortality. Survival declined continuously by each decade from age 50 to age > or = 80 from more than 6 to less than 3 years. The average of years of life lost in patients with myeloma is higher than in many other cancers and amounts to more than 30 years in patients younger than 40 years old but decreases to less than 5 years in patients age 80 years or older.Journal of Clinical Oncology 02/2010; 28(9):1599-605. · 18.37 Impact Factor -
Article: Safety and efficacy of bortezomib‐based regimens for multiple myeloma patients with renal impairment: a retrospective study of Italian Myeloma Network GIMEMA
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ABSTRACT: Renal impairment (RI) is a severe complication throughout the course of multiple myeloma (MM). Bortezomib has been shown to be highly active in MM patients with RI. We designed this retrospective analysis to investigate the safety and efficacy of bortezomib-based therapy in 117 MM patients with RI, 14 cases required dialysis. A total of 603 cycles of bortezomib were administered (median number, five cycles/patient). Ten patients required early discontinuation of bortezomib because of WHO grade IV toxicity. The rate of bortezomib discontinuation in cases with severe, moderate and mild RI was 11%, 5% and 0%, respectively (P = NS). Overall, 91 episodes of WHO grade III/IV toxicity were observed. At least a partial response was documented in 83/113 evaluable patients (73%), including complete response (19%) and near complete response (8%). The overall response rate was similar across RI subgroups. Reversal of RI was documented in 41% of patients after a median of 2.3 months (range 0.4–7.9). In three of 14 patients on dialysis, renal replacement therapy was discontinued after 1, 1 and 4 months. The 2-yr estimate of response duration and overall survival was 70% and 51%, respectively. In conclusion, bortezomib-based regimens are safe and effective and should be considered as appropriate treatment options for MM patients with any degree of RI.European Journal Of Haematology 11/2009; 84(3):223 - 228. · 2.61 Impact Factor -
Article: First-line treatment of multiple myeloma in elderly patients: the GIMEMA (Gruppo Italiano Malattie EMatologiche dell'Adulto) multiple myeloma working party perspective.
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ABSTRACT: Multiple myeloma (MM) is a neoplastic disorder affecting elderly people. The treatment for all patients with MM was, for about 40 years, based on the combination of melphalan plus prednisone, with a very low rate of complete remissions and a survival that remained unacceptably low (about 36 months). Diverse factors, including comorbidity, performance status, decreased physiologic reserve, and potential undertreatment, contribute to these poor outcomes. Recently, however, the reduced treatment-related morbidity and mortality associated with autologous stem-cell transplantation and the availability of effective new drugs with acceptable toxicity, such as thalidomide, lenalidomide and bortezomib, have greatly modified the traditional treatment paradigms in older patients with MM, challenging, in some cases, the definition of elderly and rapidly transforming the traditional palliative treatments to a new global therapeutic strategy, with the final objective of significantly improving the quality and the duration of life for elderly people with this disease. In this review, we report updated data for the front-line treatment of MM in the elderly population, examining the role of new drugs combined with melphalan or their incorporation within more complex combinations, including other so-called conventional drugs such as (pegylated)-doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, and dexamethasone. We also assess the role of autologous and allogeneic stem-cell transplantation with adjusted conditioning regimens in selected elderly patients.Current drug targets 11/2009; 10(10):906-22. · 3.93 Impact Factor -
Article: Thalidomide maintenance in multiple myeloma: certainties and controversies.
Journal of Clinical Oncology 09/2009; 27(32):e186-7; author reply e188. · 18.37 Impact Factor -
Article: Short-term thalidomide incorporated into double autologous stem-cell transplantation improves outcomes in comparison with double autotransplantation for multiple myeloma.
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ABSTRACT: To assess potential benefits with thalidomide incorporated into double autologous stem-cell transplantation (ASCT) for younger patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (MM). One hundred thirty-five patients who received thalidomide from induction until the second ASCT were retrospectively analyzed in comparison with an equal number of pair mates treated with double ASCT not including thalidomide. On an intention-to-treat basis, the addition of thalidomide to double ASCT effected a significant improvement in the rate (68% v 49%; P = .001) and duration (62% v 33% at 4 years; P < .001) of at least very good partial response (VGPR), time to progression (TTP; 61% v 41% at 4 years; P < .001) and progression-free survival (PFS; 51% v 31% at 4 years; P = .001). A trend was also noted for extended overall survival (OS) among thalidomide-treated patients (69% at 5 years v 53% for the control group), although the difference between the two groups was not statistically significant (P = .07). Benefits with thalidomide in increasing the rate of VGPR or better response, TTP, and PFS were confirmed in a multivariate analysis. Median OS after relapse was 24 months for patients receiving thalidomide added to double ASCT and 25 months for the control group. Overall, 17% of patients discontinued thalidomide, including 8% because of drug-related adverse events. In comparison with double ASCT, the addition of first-line thalidomide to double ASCT improved clinical outcomes. Short-term thalidomide was generally well tolerated and had no adverse impact on postrelapse survival.Journal of Clinical Oncology 08/2009; 27(30):5001-7. · 18.37 Impact Factor -
Article: Mobilization in myeloma revisited: IMWG consensus perspectives on stem cell collection following initial therapy with thalidomide-, lenalidomide-, or bortezomib-containing regimens.
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ABSTRACT: The past decade has witnessed a paradigm shift in the initial treatment of multiple myeloma with the introduction of novel agents such as thalidomide, lenalidomide, and bortezomib, leading to improved outcomes. High-dose therapy and autologous stem cell transplantation remains an important therapeutic option for patients with multiple myeloma eligible for the procedure. Before the advent of the novel agents, patients underwent stem cell collection prior to significant alkylating agent exposure, given its potential deleterious effect on stem cell collection. With increasing use of the novel agents in the upfront setting, several reports have emerged raising concerns about their impact on the ability to collect stem cells. An expert panel of the International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG) was convened to examine the implications of these therapies on stem collection in patients with myeloma and to develop recommendations for addressing these issues. Here we summarize the currently available data and present our perspective on the problem and potential options to overcome this problem. Specifically, we recommend early mobilization of stem cells, preferably within the first 4 cycles of initial therapy, in patients treated with novel agents and encourage participation in clinical trials evaluating novel approaches to stem cell mobilization.Blood 07/2009; 114(9):1729-35. · 9.90 Impact Factor -
Article: All-Trans Retinoic Acid and Induction of Apoptosis in Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia Cells
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ABSTRACT: All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) represents a highly effective treatment for acute promyelocytic leukemia (M3-ANLL). This compound induces the leukemic promyelocytes to differentiate into morphologically and phenotypically mature myeloid cells. The mechanism of action of ATRA is far from fully understood. It has recently been reported that, along with its differentiation activity, ATRA causes apoptosis in the acute promyelocytic leukemia cell line HL-60. In this study we attempted to test whether ATRA is also able to induce apoptosis in fresh leukemic cells from M3-ANLL patients. Our results indicated that although morphological differentiation was detectable in 9/9 M3-ANLL samples after in vitro exposure to ATRA 1CT6 M., the percentage of apoptotic cells in the treated samples did not significantly differ from that obtained in controls (13.1% vs 9.4% respectively, after 8 days exposure). These data suggest that apoptosis does not seem to be the key mechanism by which ATRA exerts its action in M3-ANLL, at least at the blast cell level.06/2009; 14(5-6):503-507. -
Article: Considerations in the treatment of multiple myeloma: a consensus statement from Italian experts.
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ABSTRACT: PURPOSE AND BASIC PROCEDURE OF THE STUDY: The availability of new targeted therapies has revolutionised the treatment of multiple myeloma (MM), for both the newly diagnosed and the relapsed and refractory settings. A panel of Italian experts provided guidelines for optimal clinical practice in the treatment of MM. MAIN FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS: The panel recommended that treatment should only be initiated in symptomatic patients. Autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) with melphalan is the treatment of choice in patients younger than 65 yr, and induction therapy including new drugs seems the most suitable preparatory regimen before ASCT. In patients who fail to achieve at least a very good partial response (VGPR) after transplant, a consolidation with a second transplant is of clinical benefit. Also, there is evidence that maintenance with thalidomide after ASCT in young patients failing to reach at least VGPR could prolong survival. In elderly patients, the combination of an alkylating drug with a novel agent should be considered as standard approach. Relapsed MM should be retreated after the reappearance of symptoms and signs of organ and tissue damage. Salvage regimens should include corticosteroids plus bortezomib, thalidomide or lenalidomide.European Journal Of Haematology 12/2008; 82(2):93-105. · 2.61 Impact Factor -
Article: Consensus conference on the management of tumor lysis syndrome.
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ABSTRACT: Tumor lysis syndrome is a potentially life threatening complication of massive cellular lysis in cancers. Identification of high-risk patients and early recognition of the syndrome is crucial in the institution of appropriate treatments. Drugs that act on the metabolic pathway of uric acid to allantoin, like allopurinol or rasburicase, are effective for prophylaxis and treatment of tumor lysis syndrome. Sound recommendations should regulate diagnosis and drug application in the clinical setting. The current article reports the recommendations on the management of tumor lysis syndrome that were issued during a Consensus Conference project, and which were endorsed by the Italian Society of Hematology (SIE), the Italian Association of Pediatric Oncologists (AIEOP) and the Italian Society of Medical Oncology (AIOM). Current concepts on the pathophysiology, clinical features, and therapy of tumor lysis syndrome were evaluated by a Panel of 8 experts. A consensus was then developed for statements regarding key questions on tumor lysis syndrome management selected according to the criterion of relevance by group discussion. Hydration and rasburicase should be administered to adult cancer patients who are candidates for tumor-specific therapy and who carry a high risk of tumor lysis syndrome. Cancer patients with a low-risk of tumor lysis syndrome should instead receive hydration along with oral allopurinol. Hydration and rasburicase should also be administered to patients with clinical tumor lysis syndrome and to adults and high-risk children who develop laboratory tumor lysis syndrome. In conclusion, the Panel recommended rasburicase for tumor lysis syndrome prophylaxis in selected patients based on the drug efficacy profile. Methodologically rigorous studies are needed to clarify its cost-effectiveness profile.Haematologica 11/2008; 93(12):1877-85. · 6.42 Impact Factor
Top co-authors
Top Journals
- European Journal Of Haematology (9)
- Journal of Clinical Oncology (7)
- Haematologica (5)
- Blood (4)
- Haematologica (4)
Institutions
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2012
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Policlinico San Matteo Pavia Fondazione IRCCS
Pavia, Lombardy, Italy
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2011
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Istituto di Cura e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Basilicata
Rionero in Vulture, Basilicate, Italy
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1998–2011
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University of Bologna
- • Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine DIMES
- • Institute of Haematology
Bologna, Emilia-Romagna, Italy
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2009
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CRO Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano
Aviano, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Italy -
Mediterranean Institute of Hematology
Roma, Latium, Italy
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2008
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Università degli studi di Udine
Udine, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Italy
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1989
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Università degli Studi di Trieste
Trieste, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Italy
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