Articles

P2.03 Belgian Stop IMatinib trial

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

P. Mineur MD, C. Doyen MD, PhD, N. Straetmans MD, PhD, K. Van Eygen MD, D. Pranger MD, A. Bosly MD, PhD, M. André MD, T. Devos MD, PhD, L. Knoops MD, PhD

Read more

Treatment of mantle cell lymphomas: recommendations of the Belgian Hematological Society

BJH - volume 5, issue 3, september 2014

E. Mourin MD, A. Van Hoof MD, PhD, A. Bosly MD, PhD, C. Bonnet MD, PhD, V. De Wilde MD, PhD, C. Doyen MD, PhD, C. Hermans MD, PhD, A. Janssens MD, PhD, L. Michaux MD, PhD, W. Schroyens MD, PhD, A. Sonet MD, E. Van den Neste MD, PhD, G. Verhoef MD, PhD, P. Zachée MD, PhD, M. André MD

Summary

Mantle cell lymphoma was recognised in the nineties and is characterised by the t(11;14)(q13;q32) translocation which results in overexpression of cyclin D1.1 This disease represents approximately 6% of all non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas. Mantle cell lymphoma generally affects patients over 60 years-old. Most patients have advanced disease (>70 % Ann Arbor stage IV). Several efforts have been made to predict outcome in mantle cell lymphoma. The cell-proliferation marker Ki-67, the Mantle Cell Lymphoma International Prognostic Index, fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography and minimal residual disease are prognostic tools. For young patients, chemoimmunotherapy followed by high-dose chemotherapy plus stem cell transplantation is the treatment of choice. For the main group of older patients, chemo-immunotherapy followed by maintenance with rituximab is the gold standard. In relapses, temsirolimus is actually registered and new drugs, such as ibrutinib, are currently evaluated with promising preliminary results.2–5

(BELG J HEMATOL 2014;5(3):89–96)

Read more

Highlights of ASH 2013 on Lymphoma

BJH - volume 5, issue 1, march 2014

A. Bosly MD, PhD

Many important advances in the knowledge and treatment of lymphoma were presented in New Orleans during the 2013 ASH meeting.

(BELG J HEMATOL 2014;5(1):31–32)

Read more

O.1 ABVD (8 cycles) vs. BEACOPP (4 escalated cycles => 4 baseline) in stage III – IV low risk Hodgkin Lymphoma (IPS 0–2): final results of LYSA H34 trial

BJH - volume 5, issue Abstract Book BHS, january 2014

M. André MD, B. De Prijck MD, A. Kentos MD, A. Van Hoof MD, PhD, C. Bonnet MD, PhD, A. Sonet MD, M. Maerevoet MD, E. Van den Neste MD, PhD, A. Bosly MD, PhD, N. Mounier

Read more

Primary immune thrombocytopenia in adults

BJH - volume 4, issue 1, march 2013

A. Janssens MD, PhD, C. Lambert MD, G. Bries MD, PhD, A. Bosly MD, PhD, D. Selleslag MD, Y. Beguin MD, PhD

Summary

The Belgian Hematological Society (BHS) guideline panel on adult primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) reviewed the recent literature on diagnosis and treatment to make recommendations on the best strategies for frontline and subsequent-line treatment. No treatment is necessary for patients with platelet counts higher than 30000/μl in the absence of bleeding symptoms. Patients newly diagnosed or relapsing after a long-term treatment-free period can be managed with corticosteroids with or without intravenous immunoglobulins. A second line therapy is indicated for those patients who are intolerant or unresponsive to or relapse after initial corticosteroid treatment and have a risk of bleeding. The guideline panel recommends splenectomy as it is the treatment with the highest curative potential and an acceptable safety profile. If possible, splenectomy should be delayed to at least twelve months after diagnosis as spontaneous remission can occur in this time period. Thrombopoietin receptor (TPO-R) agonists are recommended for patients who are refractory to or relapse after splenectomy or who have a contra-indication to splenectomy irrespective of the duration of ITP. The guideline panel agrees that rituximab, azathioprine, cyclophosphamide, cyclosporine A, danazol, dapsone, mycophenolate mofetil and vincristine/vinblastine are potential treatment options, especially for patients refractory to TPO-R agonists.

(BELG J HEMATOL 2013;1:11–20)

Read more

Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia: accessibility for Belgian patients to recommended treatments?

BJH - volume 3, issue 4, december 2012

A. Bosly MD, PhD

Editorial for the contribution of A. Janssens et al, entitled “BHS guidelines for the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia anno 2012”

Read more