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Objectives: Treatment intensification (including consolidative high‐dose chemotherapy with autologous stem cell transplantation [HDT‐ASCT]) significantly improved outcome in primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) patients. Methods: We conducted a multicenter, retrospective analysis of newly diagnosed PCNSL patients, treated with intensified treatment regimens. The following scores were evaluated in terms of overall survival (OS) and progression‐free survival (PFS): Memorial Sloan‐Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), International Extranodal Lymphoma Study Group (IELSG), and three‐factor (3F) prognostic score. Further, all scores were comparatively investigated for model quality and concordance. Results: Altogether, 174 PCNSL patients were included. One hundred and five patients (60.3%) underwent HDT‐ASCT. Two‐year OS and 2‐year PFS for the entire population were 73.3% and 48.5%, respectively. The MSKCC (p =.003) and 3F score (p <.001), but not the IELSG score (p =.06), had the discriminatory power to identify different risk groups for OS. In regard to concordance, the 3F score (C‐index [0.71]) outperformed both the MSKCC (C‐index [0.64]) and IELSG (C‐index [0.53]) score. Moreover, the superiority of the 3F score was shown for PFS, successfully stratifying patients in three risk groups, which also resulted in the highest C‐index (0.66). Conclusion: The comparative analysis of established PCNSL risk scores affirm the clinical utility of the 3F score stratifying the widest prognostic spectrum among PCNSL patients treated with intensified treatment approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG)‐coated gel pad dressings for central venous catheter (CVC) may prevent CVC‐related bloodstream infections (CRBSI). However, real‐world data showing beneficial effects in patients with hematologic malignancies are scarce. Methods: In a matched‐pair analysis with data from a multicenter CVC registry, non‐tunneled jugular and subclavian vein CVC in adults with hematologic malignancies or germ cell tumors (including patients receiving autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation [ASCT]) with CHG were compared with non‐CHG dressings. The primary endpoint was definite CRBSI rate within 14 days (dCRBSI14) of CVC insertion; secondary endpoints were combined rate of definite or probable CRBSI within 14 days (dpCRBSI14), overall (dpCRBSI), and CRBSI incidences of all estimates. Results: In total, 2070 CVCs were assessed. There was no statistically significant difference in dCRBSI14 (2.3% vs. 3.5%) between patients with and without CHG gel dressings. Likewise, with regards to dpCRBSI14 (6.2% vs. 6.3%) and the overall dpCRBSI rate (9.2% vs. 10.5%), no significant difference was detected. Furthermore, dCRBSI14 incidence (2.0 vs. 3.2/1000 CVC days), dpCRBSI14 incidence (5.4 vs. 5.6/1000 CVC days), and overall CRBSI incidence (5.5 vs. 6.0/1000 CVC days) showed no significant differences. Conclusions: CRBSI rates were not reduced by the use of CHG gel dressings in patients with hematologic malignancies and/or ASCT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As stated in Table S1, one centre had a markedly reduced CVC insertion/documentation rate during the pandemic, and the six centres had no similar CRBSI incidences/rates. Central venous catheter, central venous catheter-related bloodstream infection, epidemiology, haematological malignancies, pandemic, SARS-CoV-2 Keywords: central venous catheter; central venous catheter-related bloodstream infection; epidemiology; haematological malignancies; pandemic; SARS-CoV-2 EN central venous catheter central venous catheter-related bloodstream infection epidemiology haematological malignancies pandemic SARS-CoV-2 e16 e20 5 11/11/22 20221115 NES 221115 Patients with haematological malignancies are at increased risk for infectious complications. [Extracted from the article]

Summary: Background: Invasive fungal diseases remain a major cause of morbidity and mortality in cancer patients undergoing intensive cytotoxic therapy. The choice of the most appropriate antifungal treatment (AFT) depends on the fungal species suspected or identified, the patient's risk factors (eg length and depth of granulocytopenia) and the expected side effects. Objectives: Since the last edition of recommendations for 'Treatment of invasive fungal infections in cancer patients' of the Infectious Diseases Working Party (AGIHO) of the German Society of Hematology and Medical Oncology (DGHO) in 2013, treatment strategies were gradually moving away from solely empirical therapy of presumed or possible invasive fungal diseases (IFDs) towards pre‐emptive therapy of probable IFD. Methods: The guideline was prepared by German clinical experts for infections in cancer patients in a stepwise consensus process. MEDLINE was systematically searched for English‐language publications from January 1975 up to September 2019 using the key terms such as 'invasive fungal infection' and/or 'invasive fungal disease' and at least one of the following: antifungal agents, cancer, haematological malignancy, antifungal therapy, neutropenia, granulocytopenia, mycoses, aspergillosis, candidosis and mucormycosis. Results: AFT of IFDs in cancer patients may include not only antifungal agents but also non‐pharmacologic treatment. In addition, the armamentarium of antifungals for treatment of IFDs has been broadened (eg licensing of isavuconazole). Additional antifungals are currently under investigation or in clinical trials. Conclusions: Here, updated recommendations for the treatment of proven or probable IFDs are given. All recommendations including the levels of evidence are summarised in tables to give the reader rapid access to key information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Invasive fungal diseases (IFD) are a primary cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with haematological malignancies. These infections are mostly life‐threatening and an early diagnosis and initiation of appropriate antifungal therapy are essential for the clinical outcome. Most commonly, Aspergillus and Candida species are involved. However, other Non‐Aspergillus moulds are increasingly identified in case of documented IFD. For definite diagnosis of IFD, a combination of diagnostic tools have to be applied, including conventional mycological culture and non‐conventional microbiological tests such as antibody/antigen and molecular tests, as well as histopathology and radiology. Although varying widely in cancer patients, the risk of invasive fungal infection is highest in those with allogeneic stem cell transplantation and those with acute leukaemia and markedly lower in patients with solid cancer. Since the last edition of Diagnosis of Invasive Fungal Diseases recommendations of the German Society for Hematology and Oncology in 2012, integrated care pathways have been proposed for the management and therapy of IFDs with either a diagnostic driven strategy as opposed to a clinical or empirical driven strategy. This update discusses the impact of this additional evidence and effective revisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Analysis of the efficiency and toxicity of cyclophosphamide-based stem cell mobilization in patients with relapsed multiple myeloma ( RMM). Methods Peripheral blood stem cells ( PBSCs) were mobilized with high dose cyclophosphamide (2 g/m2 daily on days 1 and 2) and G- CSF plus pre-emptive/rescue plerixafor in RMM patients (first to third relapse) treated within the Re LApsE trial of the German-Speaking Myeloma Multicenter Group ( GMMG). Results Mobilization was initiated with high-dose cyclophosphamide (HD-CY) and G- CSF in 30 patients. Fifteen patients received additional pre-emptive/rescue administration of plerixafor. Stem cell collection was successful (≥2×106 CD34+ cells per kg bw) in 77% (23/30 patients). Patients with prior high-dose melphalan collected a significantly lower median total number of PBSCs than patients without prior high-dose melphalan (3.3×106 vs 17×106 CD34+ cells/kg bw). Toxicity of HD-CY was frequent with 12 serious adverse events ( SAE) in 37% of patients (11/30 patients). Infections accounted for the majority of SAE reports. In two patients, SAEs were lethal (septic shock). Conclusions These data proof feasibility of PBSC collection at relapse but emphasize the importance of collection and storage of additional PBSC transplants during first-line treatment when mobilization is more efficient and less toxic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The combination of lenalidomide (Revlimid®, R) and dexamethasone (d) is a standard regimen for patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (rr MM). With this regimen, only a small fraction of patients will achieve high quality responses [≥ very good partial response ( VGPR)]. The combination of bendamustine (B), lenalidomide and dexamethasone ( BRd) has shown high efficacy in patients with advanced rr MM. However, dose-limiting haematotoxicity restricted its use in extensively pre-treated patient populations. This prospective, multicentre Phase II study evaluated the efficacy and safety of BRd in rr MM patients with one prior line of therapy. Fifty patients were enrolled (median age 68·5 years [range 46-83]) and were treated with B 75 mg/m2 days 1, 2; R 25 mg days 1-21 and d (40/20 mg) days 1, 8, 15 and 22, for 6 28-day induction cycles, followed by 12 cycles with Rd alone. Pegfilgrastim was administered according to protocol-defined criteria. The study aimed to demonstrate a complete response ( CR)/ VGPR rate of >40% after induction therapy. Of 45 evaluable patients, 23 (51%) achieved a CR/ VGPR. Grade 4 neutropenia or thrombocytopenia occurred in 17 (34%) and 8 (16%) of patients, respectively. BRd is a safe and efficacious regimen as a second line treatment for rr MM, leading to high quality responses in a considerable proportion of patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic graft-vs.-host disease (cGVHD) occurs in 20–50% of patients who survive for at least 100 d after allogeneic stem cell transplantation (SCT). cGVHD includes scleroderma-like skin changes, chronic cholangitis, obstructive lung disease and general wasting syndrome. Polymyositis or myopathy are rare manifestations of cGVHD with approximately 40 reported cases. Polymyositis accompanied by hemosiderin deposits in cGVHD has been reported only once, and there are no reports on lipofuscin deposits in skeletal muscle cells in cGVHD. We report here on a 56-yr-old male who underwent allogeneic SCT in 1999 for osteomyelofibrosis and progressive hematopoietic insufficiency. In February 2004, the patient was hospitalized for progressive muscular weakness with loss of the ability to walk. Laboratory tests demonstrated normal values for serum creatine kinase, aldolase and lactic dehydrogenase; the ferritin level was highly elevated. The femoral muscle biopsy showed mostly perifascicular atrophy as well as numerous subsarcolemmal hemosiderin and lipofuscin deposits. Intravenous administration of the chelating agent deferoxamine was ineffective. Three weeks later the patient died of aspiration pneumonia. Interestingly, autopsy disclosed moderate hemosiderin deposits in the liver, the organ usually involved in hemosiderosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute graft- versus-host disease (aGVHD) occurs in up to 80% of patients who undergo allogeneic stem cell transplantation (SCT) and contributes significantly to transplant-related mortality (TRM). We conducted a prospective phase II trial to assess the efficacy and feasibility of treating steroid-refractory aGVHD with basiliximab, a chimaeric monoclonal antibody directed against the alpha chain of the interleukin-2 (IL-2) receptor. Basiliximab was administered intravenously at a dose of 20 mg on days 1 and 4. Twenty-three patients were enrolled between October 1999 and July 2004. We found a primary overall response rate of 82·5% with four patients (17·5%) showing a complete response and 15 patients (65%) a partial response. Six patients were again treated successfully with an IL-2 receptor antagonist because of recurrence of aGVHD. The rates of infections, chronic GVHD, malignancy recurrence and 1-year TRM following immunosuppression with basiliximab were comparable with those found with other treatment modalities for aGVHD. We conclude that basiliximab is efficient and feasible for steroid-refractory aGVHD and merits further evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydroxyethyl starch (HES) is usually considered to be associated with limited side effects. Generalized foamy cell macrophage syndrome after HES therapy has rarely been reported since Schaefer first described it as ‘hydrops lysosomalis generalisatus’ in 1982. We present a 19-yr-old male who received large amounts of HES. A bone marrow and a liver biopsy were performed because of persistent thrombocytopenia and liver dysfunction. We found severe infiltration of foamy cell degenerated macrophages in both organ systems, indicating that sequelae of HES therapy have to be included in the differential diagnosis of bone marrow and liver dysfunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The combination of lenalidomide (Revlimid ® , R) and dexamethasone (d) is a standard regimen for patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (rrMM). With this regimen, only a small fraction of patients will achieve high quality responses [≥ very good partial response (VGPR)]. The combination of bendamustine (B), lenalidomide and dexamethasone (BRd) has shown high efficacy in patients with advanced rrMM. However, dose-limiting haematotoxicity restricted its use in extensively pre-treated patient populations. This prospective, multicentre Phase II study evaluated the efficacy and safety of BRd in rrMM patients with one prior line of therapy. Fifty patients were enrolled (median age 68·5 years [range 46-83]) and were treated with B 75 mg/m 2  days 1, 2; R 25 mg days 1-21 and d (40/20 mg) days 1, 8, 15 and 22, for 6 28-day induction cycles, followed by 12 cycles with Rd alone. Pegfilgrastim was administered according to protocol-defined criteria. The study aimed to demonstrate a complete response (CR)/VGPR rate of >40% after induction therapy. Of 45 evaluable patients, 23 (51%) achieved a CR/VGPR. Grade 4 neutropenia or thrombocytopenia occurred in 17 (34%) and 8 (16%) of patients, respectively. BRd is a safe and efficacious regimen as a second line treatment for rrMM, leading to high quality responses in a considerable proportion of patients., (© 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)