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Introduction and objective. Multiple myeloma (MM) is an incurable condition with variable clinical course. The study included a group of patients with especially poor-prognosis, individuals with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) and specific cytogenetic disorders. Among the currently used therapies the ixazomib-lenalidomid-dexamethasone (IRd) is considered as a candidate to improve outcomes. The aim of the study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of IRd regimen in the treatment of patients with RMMM. Materials and method. Nine patients aged 52-82 years who received ixazomib in the early access programme, were included in the study. All patients met the criteria for recurrent/relapsed MM and had high (t(4:14), t(14:16), del17p or +1q21) risk aberrations. Previous chemotherapy regimens included thalidomide and bortezomib. Median duration of exposure to ixazomib was 12 months. Results. One patient with multiple cytogenetic aberrations and extramedullary plasmocytoma died because of progression after two months of treatment. In the remaining patients, the objective response to treatment was reached, and in four cases it was qualified as a very good partial response (VGPR). Observed adverse effects included neutropenia, infections, and oedema (in three cases Grade 3). Eight patients continue treatment, in two cases the decision was made to reduce lenalidomide doses. Conclusions. Preliminary results suggest potentially high efficacy and good safety profile of IRd therapy in patients with RRMM and unfavourable cytogenetics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are clonal haematopoetic stem cells disorders, characterized by bone marrow dysplasia, ineffecitive haematopoesis and cytopenias. Due to neutropenia, infections are common. A case is presented of a patient with high-risk myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) complicated by hidradenitis suppurativa that developed in both axillae. Abscesses required multiple incisions and drainage. After five cycles of treatment with azacitidine, the patient underwent allogenic bone marrow transplantation. Unfortunately, six months after the procedure, the patient lost post-transplant chimerism.Treatment with azacitidine was re-started. After the subsequent ten months, blast transformation was observed. Skin lesions in the course of hidradenitis suppurative persisted and were still considerably active. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Richter’s syndrome (RS) is a rare complication in which chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) or small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) transforms into a more aggressive type of lymphoma – diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL), or Hodgkin’s lymphoma (HL). The review describes the clinical case of a patient with CLL and RS diagnosis. A computed tomography (CT) scan of the abdominal cavity detected numerous normodense areas in the liver. Simultaneously, ultrasound examination (USG) of the thyroid revealed the presence of a solid hypoechogenic lump. The material sampled from closed biopsies of liver and thyroid in both cases allowed the diagnosis of diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL). The liver and the thyroid are particularly rare locations of RS. However, those cases allowed the conclusion that RS may occur even in a very unexpected and less probable location. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acquired haemophilia (AH) is a suddenly occurring severe blood diathesis that affects both males and females and is caused by autoantibodies which inhibit coagulation factor VIII. The report describes an unusual case of acquired haemophilia in which an epileptic seizure and haemorrhage into the ventricular system of the brain were the first manifestations of the disease. In addition, APTT was prolonged to 94.6 seconds and the factor VIII level was as low as 1.5%. The level of anti-FVIII antibody was extremely high – 272BU/ml. The patient did not undergo invasive diagnostic procedure or an operation. Recombinant factor VIIa was used to control the bleeding. In order to eradicate the inhibitor, the patient received prednisone and cyclophosphamide. Complete remission was achieved after 5.5 weeks of treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Prostate cancer (PC) is the most commonly diagnosed malignant tumour and the third cause of cancer deaths among men in Europe. The treatment of early-stage PC is very effective and in many cases allows achievement of a complete cure, whereas the treatment of metastatic prostate cancer (mPC) is still a huge challenge for clinicians. New therapeutic strategies for mPC are urgently needded. One of the most promising methods of treatment is anticancer immunotherapy including the monoclonal antibodies against immune checkpoint inhibitors. Objectives. To present the potential possibilities of using checkpoint inhibitors blockage in the treatment of mPC, and to overview the results of recent research on immune checkpoint inhibitors in patients with PC. State of knowledge. Recent studies suggest that monoclonal antibodies directed against immune checkpoint inhibitors in combination with traditional therapy may become a breakthrough in the treatment of mPC in the near future. Conclusions. The immunotherapy using monoclonal antibodies against immune checkpoint inhibitors seems to be a new opportunity for patients with advanced PC. The key to achieve the maximum anti-tumour response is to choose the best candidates for this therapy and determine the optimal sequence and combination of drugs. The introduction of immunotherapy as the standard treatment of patients with advanced PC requires further studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Despite significant recent advances in the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL), most cases of the disease are still incurable. Treatment with monoclonal antibodies, such as ofatumumab, is one of the new therapeutic options. Objective. Retrospective analysis of the efficacy of ofatumumab in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) treated in the Haematooncology and Bone Marrow Transplantation Department of the Medical University of Lublin, Poland, during 2011-2013. Materials and method. The analysis included 5 patients (3 women and 2 men), aged 47-65, with Rai stage II-IV CLL, after a few lines of treatment. Three patients received ofatumumab in monotherapy and 2 patients received ofatumumab in combination with cyclophosphamide (50 mg/day) and dexamethasone (40 mg/day). All patients included in the study were diagnosed with an active form of leukaemia with symptoms such as lymphocytosis or massive lymphadenopathy. Results. All patients responded to the treatment. Within the first 8 weeks of the treatment, levels of white blood cells returned to normal in patients with baseline lymphocytosis (3 patients). An increase in platelet levels was reported in 3 patients. Haemoglobin levels were higher or comparable to the baseline values in all studied patients after the completion of immunotherapy. In the patient with massive lymphadenopathy and hepato- and splenomegaly, the size of the lymph nodes, spleen and liver decreased and neutrophil levels increased. Time of progression was 5-12 months, and in one patient partial remission has been maintained. The treatment was well-tolerated in most cases. Asymptomatic neutropenia and an infection with Candida glabrata were observed. Conclusions. Ofatumumab may be a new and safe therapeutic option for patients with CLL after a few lines of treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]