BJH - 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, P. Mineur MD, M. Vaes MD, I. Vande Broek MD, PhD, A. Vande Velde MD, J. Van Droogenbroeck MD, PhD, P. Vlummens MD, K.L. Wu MD, PhD, R. Schots MD, PhD, M. Delforge MD, PhD, C. Doyen MD, PhD, 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)
Read moreBJH - volume 7, issue 4, september 2016
K. Beel MD, PhD
(BELG J HEMATOL 2016;7(4):166–9)
Read moreBJH - volume 6, issue 5, december 2015
K. Beel MD, PhD, M-C. Vekemans MD, G. Bries MD, PhD, J. Caers MD, PhD, B. De Pryck MD, K. Fostier MD, A. Kentos MD, N. Meuleman MD, PhD, P. Mineur MD, I. Van de Broek MD, PhD, K.L. Wu MD, PhD, C. Doyen MD, PhD, M. Delforge MD, PhD
Immunoglobulin light chain amyloidosis is a clonal plasma cell dyscrasia, historically associated with a very poor prognosis. Prompt diagnosis is critical to preserve organ function and improve survival in immunoglobulin light chain amyloidosis patients. The severity of cardiac involvement and response to treatment are the most important prognostic factors. Serum free light chain ratio and cardiac biomarkers troponin T and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide are powerful tools for the evaluation of prognosis and treatment response. Historically, treatment with autologous stem cell transplantation appears to offer a survival benefit, but is only an option in a minority of patients. IMiDs, and especially proteasome inhibitors, have shown promising activity in immunoglobulin light chain amyloidosis. Supportive care should be integrated in the treatment plan and requires a multidisciplinary approach. These guidelines summarise a consensus of the myeloma subcommittee of the Belgian Hematological Society on diagnosis, cytoreductive and supportive treatment of immunoglobulin light chain amyloidosis, based on an extended review of the literature. Where applicable, comments were added with respect to the Belgian reimbursement modalities.
(BELG J HEMATOL 2015;6(5):187–94)
Read moreBJH - volume 5, issue 4, december 2014
M-C. Vekemans MD, K. Beel MD, PhD, J. Caers MD, PhD, N. Meuleman MD, PhD, G. Bries MD, PhD, V. Delrieu MD, H. Demuynck MD, B. De Prijck MD, H. De Samblanx MD, A. Deweweire MD, A. Kentos MD, P. Mineur MD, F. Offner MD, PhD, I. Vande Broek MD, PhD, A. Vande Velde MD, J. Van Droogenbroeck MD, PhD, KL. Wu MD, PhD, C. Doyen MD, PhD, R. Schots MD, PhD, M. Delforge MD, PhD
With the introduction of immunomodulatory drugs and proteasome inhibitors, major improvements have been achieved in the treatment and prognosis of multiple myeloma. Different treatment combinations are now in use and innovative therapies are being developed. This rapidly changing therapeutic landscape calls for an update on the Belgian myeloma guidelines, published in 2010.1 Based on an extensive review of the recent literature, the myeloma study group of the Belgian Hematology Society has revised the consensus recommendations on myeloma care, to be used by haematologists as a reference for daily practice. When applicable, comments with regards to the Belgian reimbursement modalities are included. The full text with appendices can be downloaded from the Belgian Hematology Society website (www.bhs.be) and from the Belgium Journal of Hematology website (www.ariez.com).
(BELG J HEMATOL 2014;5(4):125–36)
Read moreBJH - volume 5, issue Abstract Book BHS, january 2014
K. Beel MD, PhD, A. De Vooght , P. Zachée MD, PhD, P. De schouwer , M. Kockx MD
BJH - volume 5, issue Abstract Book BHS, january 2014
J. Caers MD, PhD, M-C. Vekemans MD, I. Vande Broek MD, PhD, V. Maertens MD, P.H. Mineur , G. Bries MD, PhD, E. Vandeneste , G. Vanstraelen , K. Beel MD, PhD, F. Leleu , H. Demuynck MD, C. Scheurmans , A. Van de Velde MD, W. Schroyens MD, PhD, K.L. Wu MD, PhD, N. Meuleman MD, PhD, R. Schots MD, PhD, M. Delforge MD, PhD, C. Doyen MD, PhD
BJH - volume 4, issue 4, december 2013
K. Beel MD, PhD
The development of new immunomodulatory therapies and their implementation in the treatment of multiple myeloma in the past years, offer new perspectives for the treatment of other plasma cell dyscrasias. Light chain amyloidosis is historically associated with a very poor prognosis, despite the small size of the monoclonal plasma cell population, due to progressive amyloid deposition in vital organs. Hence, advances in treatment are eagerly awaited. Luckily, myeloma patients are paving the way for light chain amyloidosis treatment, clearly demonstrating that immunomodulatory drugs and proteasome inhibitors are capable of controlling plasma cell proliferation. Two recently published trials have shown a remarkable survival benefit with CyBorD, a bortezomib containing regimen in light chain amyloidosis, possibly setting a new standard for the treatment of this disease. In this article, we review current insights in the pathogenesis, diagnostic challenges, prognostic markers and available treatments for light chain amyloidosis.
(BELG J HEMATOL 2013;4(4): 120–126)
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