Search

Background Until now, allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) is the only effective method to cure Thalassemia major. However, it has not been determined whether similar results can be obtained with the same conditioning regimen for both fully-matched and mismatched donors grafts. We hypothesized that using modified NF-08-TM conditioning regimen could achieve similar results for both fully and mismatched donors grafts. Methods This retrospective cohort study included patients with β-thalassemia major who underwent HSCT with modified NF-08-TM conditioning regimen at Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Centre between January 2013 and January 2019. Results Among the 257 patients (172 males) included in this study, 3 had two transplantations. Totally 193 and 67 had fully-matched and mismatched donors were examined, respectively. The median follow-up was 29 months; 6-year overall survival (OS), thalassemia-free survival (TFS), graft rejection (GR) and transplantation-related mortality (TRM) were 92.08%, 90.89%, 1.24% and 8.01%, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that human leukocyte antigen (HLA) compatibility between patient and donor was not independently associated with OS, TFS, GR or TRM. Mismatched donor graft transplantation for β-thalassemia major is associated with similar survival outcomes and incidences of complications (except for acute GVHD) to fully-matched donor graft transplantation based on modified NF-08-TM conditioning regimen. Conclusions In conclusion, based on the modified NF-08-TM regimen, certain mismatched donor transplantations for thalassemia major patients could achieve similar results as fully-matched donor transplantations.

Aim: To examine the association between a broad array of characteristics and sexuality in breast cancer patients in Hong Kong. Method: We collected data on demographic and clinical factors, psychosocial well-being, quality of life (QOL), body image and sexual health of breast cancer patients presented to the Department of Clinical Oncology, Prince of Wales Hospital from November 2005 to February 2006. Results: More than 40% of Chinese breast cancer patients experienced moderate problems in sexual health. Their medical treatment had a greater influence on their sexual functioning in a change in their social activities, whereas more support from their partner predicted less influence. The presence of a child and more support from their partner predicted greater sexual satisfaction. Undergoing the menopause related to a longer time to resume sexual activity after cancer treatment. A change of relationship with their partner and a loss of self-confidence were strong predictors of sexual problems influencing their QOL. Patients who had experienced a change in their relationship with their partner or had greater sexual problems were more likely to perceive greater benefit from professional intervention on sexual problem. Conclusion: An improvement in their intimate relationships and enhanced psychosocial functioning should improve the sexual health of Chinese women with breast cancer.