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Luspatercept has been demonstrated to reduce the need for blood transfusion with manageable side effects in clinical trials, thus receiving the approval for the treatment of anemia associated with transfusion dependent beta thalassemia in adults. However, very little data on its safety and efficacy in real life have been hitherto published. Special warnings and precautions for use refer to the possibility of occurrence of thromboembolic events, extramedullary hemopoiesis masses and increased blood pressure. Ten Italian Specialized Centres for the treatment of Hemoglobinopathies, with the patronage of the “Società Italiana Talassemie ed Emoglobinopatie” (SITE), evaluated the effects of luspatercept in terms of safety and blood transfusion reduction in 116 patients (Table 1) who received the first dose of the drug after its marketing. The median duration of treatment was 158 days (min-max: 15-442). β globin genotype was β 0/β 0in 42 subjects (36.2%), β 0/ β +in 33 (28.4%), β +/ β +in 23 (19.8%), β 0/β wtplus α gene triplication in 4 (3.4%) and unknown in 14 (12%). Sixty-four patients (55.2%) were splenectomized. At the time of data collection, 32 patients (27.6%) had already discontinued the drug. Discontinuation had occurred after a median time of 132 days of treatment (min-max: 15-338) due to insufficient efficacy in the judgement of the physician (10) or patient (3), side effects attributed to luspatercept (16) that were detrimental to the continuation of therapy in the judgement of the physician (6) or patient (10), pregnancy (1) and other causes (2).

Background: Isavuconazole is an effective treatment of invasive fungal infections (IFI). Since its broad spectrum of activity and favorable toxicity, it could also be used as a prophylaxis. Experience in use of isavuconazole as prophylaxis of IFI is, however, limited. In allogeneic transplant setting, its feasibility should also be assessed in regard of changes of Cyclosporine (CYA) metabolism.

No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Development of targeted drugs produced a significant changes in the management of patients with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL). The recent advances in molecular diagnostic techniques has provided a better prediction of disease progression but they are not easily accessible to all Institutions.

Chiarenza: Gilead: Consultancy; Janssen: Consultancy; Roche: Consultancy.

The recent advances in cytogenetic and molecular diagnostic techniques has provided a better understanding of biology of CLL and a better prediction of disease progression and refractoriness but they are not easily accessible to all Institutions.