R. Schots MD, PhD

O.6 Multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells for poor graft function after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation – a multicenter prospective study

01 A pilot study to assess the feasibility of unrelated umbilical cord blood transplantation with coinfusion of third-party mesenchymal stromal cells after myeloablative or non-myeloablative conditioning in patients with haematological malignancies

The best of ASH 2017

SUMMARY

The selection for this best of ASH article was based on the studies that were selected for presentation during the presidential symposium, the late breaking abstract session and the “best of ASH” session at the 2017 annual meeting of the American Society of Hematology (ASH). The selection is primarily targeted at clinicians and the information from these sessions was grouped into 5 chapters: studies likely to have an impact on our clinical practice on the short term, early clinical trials with promising new treatments, therapeutic advances in rare hematological diseases, new insights in mechanisms of disease and innovative applications for next generation sequencing (NGS).

(BELG J HEMATOL 2018;9(1):3–7)

Successful treatment of immunoglobulin light chain amyloidosis with associated factor X deficiency

SUMMARY

Bleeding diathesis in light chain amyloidosis may be due to an acquired coagulation factor deficiency, most commonly factor X deficiency. This report describes the case of an elderly myeloma patient with associated light chain amyloidosis, nephrotic syndrome and factor X deficiency. Treatment with nine cycles of subcutaneous bortezomib + melphalan + prednisone resulted in a complete haematological remission with resolution of the nephrotic syndrome and normalisation of coagulation tests. This case report highlights the importance of performing coagulation screening tests in light chain amyloidosis. In addition, it illustrates that bortezomib-based regimens can induce rapid and complete haematological response with long-term correction of factor X levels.

(BELG J HEMATOL 2017;8(7):272–5)

Update on therapy of relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma

SUMMARY

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)

P08 Immunotherapy in Multiple Myeloma using alfa-galactosylceramide loaded sEVs from dendritic cells to stimulate NKT activity

P1.04 Tumor-associated macrophages induce Multiple Myeloma cell survival and STAT3 activation