BJH - volume 11, issue 2, march 2020
G. Swennen MD, A. Janssens MD, PhD, V. Vergote MD, S. Bailly MD, C. Bonnet MD, PhD, E. Van den Neste MD, PhD, M. Maerevoet MD, S. Snauwaert MD, PhD, K. Saevels MD, C. Jacquy MD
Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma is the most common subtype of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Prognosis of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma has improved dramatically since the introduction of rituximab and about two thirds of patients can be cured with immunochemotherapy. In the last twenty years, it became clear that diffuse large B-cell lymphoma is a very heterogeneous disease and based on the genetic mutation landscapes numerous efforts have been made to develop novel treatment strategies to improve the prognosis of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma further. This article provides an update of diagnosis, current treatment guidelines and novel treatment strategies for newly diagnosed patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in Belgium. It will also focus on treatment of elderly patients and high-grade B-cell lymphoma.
(BELG J HEMATOL 2020;11(2):56–66)
Read moreBJH - volume 11, issue 2, march 2020
M. Clauwaert MD, V. Galle MD, M. Maerevoet MD, A. Janssens MD, PhD, K. Saevels MD, S. Snauwaert MD, PhD, C. Springael MD, PhD, V. Van Hende MD, G. Verhoef MD, PhD, F. Offner MD, PhD
Follicular lymphoma is the most common low-grade non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Survival rates have been rising over time mainly due to advancing therapeutic strategies. As the last Belgian guidelines date from 2012, we present an update of the scientific evidence regarding diagnosis, staging, treatment and follow-up, and confront these to the Belgian reimbursement rules anno 2019. Follicular lymphoma grade 3B is classified as high-grade lymphoma and treated accordingly, and will not be discussed in this paper. Early stage disease can be treated with involved-field radiotherapy, which has curative potential. Advanced stage disease is virtually incurable, but many treatment options are available with good results. In first line, treatment is mostly based on chemotherapy combined with rituximab; the latter can be continued as maintenance therapy. In relapsed setting, introduction of the newer and more potent anti-CD20-antibody obinutuzumab, also in combination with chemotherapy, can lead to improved survival in high-risk patients. For older patients with comorbidities, rituximab monotherapy is the preferred option. In further lines, PI3K-inhibition with idelalisib and radioimmunotherapy are available. Finally, autologous or allogeneic stem cell transplantation remain an option in a small group of selected patients.
(BELG J HEMATOL 2020;11(2):67–74)
Read moreBJH - 2018, issue Abstract Book BHS, february 2018
K. Saevels MD, A. Van de Velde MD, S. Anguille MD, PhD, A. Verlinden MD, A. Gadisseur MD, PhD, W. Schroyens MD, PhD, Z. Berneman MD, PhD
BJH - 2018, issue Abstract Book BHS, february 2018
A. Devos , P. Maes , H. Daenens , K. Saevels MD, A. Van de Velde MD
BJH - volume 8, issue 7, december 2017
K. Saevels MD, Z.N. Berneman MD, PhD, S. Anguille MD, PhD
Paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria is a rare, acquired haematological disease that manifests with haemolytic anaemia, thrombosis and impaired bone marrow function. The absence of two glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored proteins, CD55 and CD59, leads to uncontrolled complement activation that accounts for haemolysis and other paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria manifestations. Patients may present with a variety of clinical manifestations, such as anaemia, thrombosis, kidney disease, smooth muscle dystonias, abdominal pain, dyspnoea, and extreme fatigue. Delayed recognition of this condition is common due to the variable clinical presentation. This delay in diagnosis confers an increased risk of mortality and morbidity. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to raise awareness about this potentially life-threatening disease among haematologists and to provide a guide to diagnosis and treatment.
(BELG J HEMATOL 2017;8(7):259–64)
Read moreBJH - volume 7, issue Abstract Book BHS, january 2016
K. Saevels MD, K. Clotman , A. Verlinden MD
BJH - volume 6, issue Abstract Book BHS, january 2015
D. Dierickx MD, PhD, K. Saevels MD, G. Verhoef MD, PhD, M. Delforge MD, PhD, T. Devos MD, PhD, A. Janssens MD, PhD, J. Maertens MD, PhD, H. Schoemans MD, PhD
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