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Objective: To investigate the effects of sirolimus combined with anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody desensitization on the prognosis of patients with haploidentical stem cell transplantation (haplo-SCT). Methods: Fifteen consecutive patients who received haplo-SCT and pre-transplant donor specific anti-human leukocyte antigen (HLA) antibody (DSA) positive [mean fluorescence intensity (MFI)≥2 000] in the Institute of Hematological Diseases from November 2021 to March 2023 were retrospectively recruited into the desensitized group. There were 4 males and 11 females, with a median age [ M ( Q 1 , Q 3 )] of 48 (37, 59) years. All patients were desensitized with sirolimus combined with anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody. The non-desensitized group included 29 patients with haplo-SCT who had not received desensitization treatment from August 2012 to June 2016. There were 12 males and 17 females with a median age of 42 (26, 50) years. Up to October 1, 2023, the median follow-up time was 13 (9, 18) months in the study group and 23 (14, 29) months in the control group. The changes of MFI before and after desensitization treatment and the prognosis of patients in the desensitized group were compared, including the incidence of primary implantation failure (pGF), neutrophil implantation time, platelet implantation time, grade Ⅱ-Ⅳ acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and chronic GVHD incidence, non-recurrence related mortality, event-free survival rate, disease-free survival rate and overall survival rate. The survival curve was drawn by Kaplan-Meier method, and the survival rate between groups was compared with Log-rank test. Results: After desensitization treatment, the level of DSA MFI in the desensitized group decreased from 8 879 (7 544, 11 495) to 3 781 (1 638, 4 165) after desensitization treatment ( P <0.01). All of the patients achieved hematopoietic recovery, and the median time for neutrophil and platelet engraftment were 14 (11, 15) and 20 (18, 25) days, respectively. The incidence of pGF in the desensitized group was 0, which was lower than that in the non-desensitized group (34.5%, 10/29) ( P =0.011). The expected 1-year disease-free survival rate and overall survival rate in the desensitized group were 100% (15/15) and 100% (15/15) respectively, while those in the non-desensitized group were 75.9% (22/29) and 75.9% (22/29) respectively, the difference was not statistically significant (both P >0.05). The one-year event-free survival rate in the desensitized group was expected to be 100% (15/15), which was higher than that in the non-desensitized group (51.3%, 15/29) ( P =0.002). Conclusion: Sirolimus combined with anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody desensitization therapy can reduce the DSA level of haplo-SCT recipients, promote hematopoietic engraftment after transplantation, and avoid the occurrence of pGF after transplantation.

Objectives: To determine the effect of glucose-6-phosphate-dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency on patients' complications and prognosis following allogeneic stem cell hematopoietic transplantation (allo-HSCT) . Methods: 7 patients with G6PD deficiency (study group) who underwent allo-HSCT at Peking University People's Hospital from March 2015 to January 2021 were selected as the study group, and thirty-five patients who underwent allo-HSCT during the same period but did not have G6PD deficiency were randomly selected as the control group in a 1∶5 ratio. Gender, age, underlying diseases, and donors were balanced between the two groups. Collect clinical data from two patient groups and perform a retrospective nested case-control study. Results: The study group consisted of six male patients and one female patient, with a median age of 37 (range, 2-45) years old. The underlying hematologic diseases included acute myeloid leukemia ( n =3), acute lymphocytic leukemia ( n =2), and severe aplastic anemia ( n =2). All 7 G6PD deficiency patients achieved engraftment of neutrophils within 28 days of allo-HSCT, while the engraftment rate of neutrophils was 94.5% in the control group. The median days of platelet engraftment were 21 (6-64) d and 14 (7-70) d ( P =0.113). The incidence rates of secondary poor graft function in the study group and control group were 42.9% (3/7) and 8.6% (3/35), respectively ( P =0.036). The CMV infection rates were 71.4% (5/7) and 31.4% (11/35), respectively ( P =0.049). The incidence rates of hemorrhagic cystitis were 57.1% (4/7) and 8.6% (3/35), respectively ( P =0.005), while the bacterial infection rates were 100% (7/7) and 77.1% (27/35), respectively ( P =0.070). The infection rates of EBV were 14.3% (1/7) and 14.3% (5/35), respectively ( P =1.000), while the incidence of fungal infection was 14.3% (1/7) and 25.7% (9/35), respectively ( P =0.497). The rates of post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease (PTLD) were 0% and 5.7%, respectively ( P =0.387) . Conclusions: The findings of this study indicate that blood disease patients with G6PD deficiency can tolerate conventional allo-HSCT pretreatment regimens, and granulocytes and platelets can be implanted successfully. However, after transplantation, patients should exercise caution to avoid viral infection, complications of hemorrhagic cystitis, and secondary poor graft function.

Objective: To analyze the clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with invasive fungal sinusitis (invasive fungal rhinosinusitis, IFR) after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) and explored the risk factors for IFR after allo-HSCT. Methods: Nineteen patients with IFR after allo-HSCT at Peking University People's Hospital from January 2012 to December 2021 were selected as the study group, and 95 patients without IFR after allo-HSCT during this period were randomly selected as the control group (1:5 ratio) . Results: Nineteen patients, including 10 males and 9 females, had IFR after allo-HSCT. The median age was 36 (10-59) years. The median IFR onset time was 68 (9-880) days after allo-HSCT. There were seven patients with acute myeloid leukemia, five with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, two with myelodysplastic syndrome, two with chronic myeloid leukemia, one with acute mixed-cell leukemia, one with multiple myeloma, and one with T-lymphoblastic lymph node tumor. There were 13 confirmed cases and 6 clinically diagnosed cases. The responsible fungus was Mucor in two cases, Rhizopus in four, Aspergillus in four, and Candida in three. Five patients received combined treatment comprising amphotericin B and posaconazole, one patient received combined treatment comprising voriconazole and posaconazole, nine patients received voriconazole, and four patients received amphotericin B. In addition to antifungal treatment, 10 patients underwent surgery. After antifungal treatment and surgery, 15 patients achieved a response, including 13 patients with a complete response and 2 patients with a partial response. Multivariate analysis revealed that neutropenia before transplantation ( P =0.021) , hemorrhagic cystitis after transplantation ( P =0.012) , delayed platelet engraftment ( P =0.008) , and lower transplant mononuclear cell count ( P =0.012) were independent risk factors for IFR after allo-HSCT. The 5-year overall survival rates in the IFR and control groups after transplantation were 29.00%±0.12% and 91.00%±0.03%, respectively ( P <0.01) . Conclusion: Although IFR is rare, it is associated with poor outcomes in patients undergoing allo-HSCT. The combination of antifungal treatment and surgery might be effective.

Objective: To explore the feasibility of sirolimus as an alternative graft versus host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis in patients with kidney injury after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). Methods: Retrospective case series study. Medical records of 11 patients in Peking University People's Hospital from 1 August 2008 to 31 October 2022, who received sirolimus instead of cyclosporine to prevent GVHD, due to renal insufficiency after allo-HSCT, were analyzed retrospectively. Incidence of GVHD, infection, and transplant-associated thrombotic microangiopathy (TA-TMA), as well as renal function, were evaluated. Results: Among the 11 patients who received sirolimus, 6 were treated with haploidentical donor HSCT, and 5 were treated using matched sibling donor HSCT. The median (range) time of sirolimus administration was 30 (7-167) days after allo-HSCT, and the median (range) sirolimus course duration was 52 (9-120) days. During sirolimus treatment, 1 case did not undergo combined treatment with other prophylactic drugs, 3 cases received combined mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), and 1 case underwent combined CD25 monoclonal antibody treatment, while 6 cases had combined therapy with both MMF and CD25 monoclonal antibody. Of the 11 patients, 2 developed Grade Ⅲ acute GVHD, 1 developed severe pneumonia and died, and 1 developed TA-TMA, while nine patients had normal or improved renal function. Median (range) follow-up time was 130 (54-819) days. Non-relapse mortality was observed in 1 patient. Relapse mortality was also observed in 1 patient. Conclusion: Sirolimus-based alternative GVHD prophylaxis is a potentially viable option for patients undergoing allo-HSCT who cannot tolerate cyclosporine, but its efficacy and safety require further optimization and verification in prospective studies.

Objectives: To investigate the role of donor change in the second hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT2) for hematological relapse of malignant hematology after the first transplantation (HSCT1) . Methods: We retrospectively analyzed patients with relapsed hematological malignancies who received HSCT2 at our single center between Mar 1998 and Dec 2020. A total of 70 patients were enrolled[49 males and 21 females; median age, 31.5 (3-61) yr]. Results: Forty-nine male and 21 female patients were enrolled in the trial. At the time of HSCT2, the median age was 31.5 (3-61) years old. Thirty-one patients were diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia, 23 patients with ALL, and 16 patients with MDS or other malignant hematology disease. Thirty patients had HSCT2 with donor change, and 40 patients underwent HSCT2 without donor change. The median relapse time after HSCT1 was 245.5 (26-2 905) days. After HSCT2, 70 patients had neutrophil engraftment, and 62 (88.6%) had platelet engraftment. The cumulative incidence of platelet engraftment was (93.1±4.7) % in patients with donor change and (86.0±5.7) % in patients without donor change ( P =0.636). The cumulative incidence of CMV infection in patients with and without donor change was (64.0±10.3) % and (37.0±7.8) % ( P =0.053), respectively. The cumulative incidence of grade Ⅱ-Ⅳ acute graft versus host disease was (19.4±7.9) % vs (31.3±7.5) %, respectively ( P =0.227). The cumulative incidence of TRM 100-day post HSCT2 was (9.2±5.1) % vs (6.7±4.6) % ( P =0.648), and the cumulative incidence of chronic graft versus host disease at 1-yr post-HSCT2 was (36.7±11.4) % versus (65.6±9.1) % ( P =0.031). With a median follow-up of 767 (271-4 936) days, 38 patients had complete remission (CR), and three patients had persistent disease. The CR rate was 92.7%. The cumulative incidences of overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) 2 yr after HSCT2 were 25.8% and 23.7%, respectively. The cumulative incidence of relapse, OS, and DFS was (52.6±11.6) % vs (62.4±11.3) % ( P =0.423), (28.3±8.6) % vs (23.8±7.5) % ( P =0.643), and (28.3±8.6) % vs (22.3±7.7) % ( P =0.787), respectively, in patients with changed donor compared with patients with the original donor. Relapses within 6 months post-HSCT1 and with persistent disease before HSCT2 were risk factors for OS, DFS, and CIR. Disease status before HSCT2 and early relapse (within 6 months post-HSCT1) was an independent risk factor for OS, DFS, and CIR post-HSCT2. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that changing donors did not affect the clinical outcome of HSCT2.

Objective: To evaluate treatment responses, outcomes, and prognostic factors in adults with secondary acute myeloid leukemia (sAML) . Methods: Between January 2008 and February 2021, date of consecutive cases of younger than 65 years of adults with sAML were assessed retrospectively. Clinical characteristics at diagnosis, treatment responses, recurrence, and survival were evaluated. Logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards model were employed to determine significant prognostic indicators for treatment response and survival. Results: 155 patients were recruited, including 38, 46, 57, 14 patients belonging to t-AML, and AML with unexplained cytopenia, post-MDS-AML, and post-MPN-AML, respectively. In the 152 evaluable patients, the rate of MLFS after the initial induction regimen was 47.4%, 57.9%, 54.3%, 40.0%, and 23.1% in the four groups ( P =0.076) . The total rate of MLFS after the induction regimen was 63.8%, 73.3%, 69.6%, 58.2%, and 38.5% ( P =0.084) , respectively. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that male gender ( OR =0.4, 95% CI 0.2-0.9, P =0.038 and OR =0.3, 95% CI 0.1-0.8, P =0.015) , SWOG cytogenetic classification into unfavorable or intermediate ( OR =0.1, 95% CI 0.1-0.6, P =0.014 and OR =0.1, 95% CI 0.1-0.3, P =0.004) and receiving low-intensity regimen as induction regimen ( OR =0.1, 95% CI 0.1-0.3, P =0.003 and OR =0.1, 95% CI 0.1-0.2, P =0.001) were typical adverse factors impacting the first CR and the final CR; PLT<45 × 10(9)/L ( OR =0.4, 95% CI 0.2-0.9, P =0.038) and LDH ≥258 U/L ( OR =0.3, 95% CI 0.1-0.7, P =0.005) were independent factors for CR. Among the 94 patients with achieving MLFS, 46 cases had allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. With a median follow-up period of 18.6 months, the probabilities of relapse-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) at 3 years were 25.4% and 37.3% in patients with transplantation, and in patients with chemotherapy, the probabilities of RFS and OS at 3-year were 58.2% and 64.3%, respectively. At the time of achieving MLFS, multivariate analysis revealed that age ≥46 years ( HR =3.4, 95% CI 1.6-7.2, P =0.002 and HR =2.5, 95% CI 1.1-6.0, P =0.037) , peripheral blasts ≥17.5% at diagnosis ( HR =2.5, 95% CI 1.2-4.9, P =0.010 and HR =4.1, 95% CI 1.7-9.7, P =0.002) , monosomal karyotypes ( HR =4.9, 95% CI 1.2-19.9, P =0.027 and HR =28.3, 95% CI 4.2-189.5, P =0.001) were typical adverse factors influencing RFS and OS. Furthermore, CR after induction chemotherapy ( HR =0.4, 95% CI 0.2-0.8, P =0.015) and transplantation ( HR =0.4, 95% CI 0.2-0.9, P =0.028) were substantially linked to longer RFS. Conclusion: Post-MDS-AML and post-MPN-AML had lower response rates and poorer prognoses than t-AML and AML with unexplained cytopenia. In adults with male gender, low platelet count, high LDH, and SWOG cytogenetic classification into unfavorable or intermediate at diagnosis, and receiving low-intensity regimen as the induction regimen predicted a low response rate. Age ≥46 years, a higher proportion of peripheral blasts and monosomal karyotype had a negative effect on the overall outcome. Transplantation and CR after induction chemotherapy were greatly linked to longer RFS.

Objective: To look into the security of a second allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) using rabbit anti-human thymocyte immunoglobulin (rATG) . Methods: Twenty-seven patients who used rATG in the first and second allo-HSCT at the Institute of Hematology, Peking University were enrolled in the study. Experienced toxicities associated with the conditioning protocol within 10 days (-5 d to +3 d) following the beginning of the rATG application, including fever, diarrhea, arrhythmia, reduced blood pressure, liver damage, seizures, and other problems. Results: The overall incidence of conditioning regimen early adverse reactions during the first transplantation and the second allo-HSCT conditioning regimen was 96.3% and 77.8% ( P =0.043) . Fever rates were 81.5% and 63.0% ( P =0.129) , diarrhea rates were 59.3% and 25.9% ( P =0.013) , liver damage rates were 22.2% and 25.9% ( P =0.75) , and the rates of other events (cardiac arrhythmia, low blood pressure, and epilepsy) were 3.7% and 18.5% ( P =0.083) . Adverse reactions that occurred during both the first and second course of rATG applications have been improved with symptomatic treatment, and no treatment interruptions occurred. Conclusion: Reusing rATG in a second transplant was risk-free and did not result in higher early toxicities.

Objective: To investigate the application value of Metagenomic Next-Generation sequencing (mNGS) in infectious patients after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation(allo-HSCT). Methods: Patients suspected with local or systemic infections were retrospectively included after allo-HSCT in our department from April 2019 to November 2020. Pathogenic microorganisms were tested by mNGS in samples from peripheral blood, cerebrospinal fluid, alveolar lavage Liquid, abscess, etc. Other diagnostic methods such as bacterial/fungal culture, viral PCR detection were simultaneously explored comparing with mNGS results. Results: A total of 112 samples in 83 patients were detected by mNGS, and 34 pathogenic microorganisms were determined. Among these positive samples, 11 strains of bacteria (17 times) with the most common Escherichia coli (4/17) were reported. There were 7 strains of fungi (10 times) detected with primary Candida albicans (7/29). Although arvovirus 30.2% (39/129) were predominantly detected, its diagnostic relevance with infections was not definite. Other pathogenic viruses including cytomegalovirus (CMV) 25.6% (33/129) and Epstein Barr virus (EBV) 14.0% (18/129)were of significance. Comparing with golden diagnostic criteria, the sensitivity of mNGS was 86.5%, and specificity was 45.0%. Regarding single pathogen infection, the consistency of mNGS and conventional methods was 82.9% (29/35), while it was 16/17 in combination infections. Conclusion: mNGS could be a potential method to determine pathogens in patients suspected with infections after allo-HSCT.

Objective: To investigate whether haplotype hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (haplo-HSCT) is effective in the treatment of pre transplant minimal residual disease (Pre-MRD) positive acute B lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) compared with HLA- matched sibling donor transplantation (MSDT) . Methods: A total of 998 patients with B-ALL in complete remission pre-HSCT who either received haplo-HSCT ( n =788) or underwent MSDT ( n =210) were retrospectively analyzed. The pre-transplantation leukemia burden was evaluated according to Pre-MRD determinedusing multiparameter flow cytometry (MFC) . Results: Of these patients, 997 (99.9% ) achieved sustained, full donor chimerism. The 100-day cumulative incidences of neutrophil engraftment, platelet engraftment, and grades Ⅱ-Ⅳ acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) were 99.9% (997/998) , 95.3% (951/998) , and 26.6% (95% CI 23.8% -29.4% ) , respectively. The 3-year cumulative incidence of total chronic GVHD was 49.1% (95% CI 45.7% -52.4% ) . The 3-year cumulative incidence of relapse (CIR) and non-relapse mortality (NRM) of the 998 cases were 17.3% (95% CI 15.0% -19.7% ) and 13.8% (95% CI 11.6% -16.0% ) , respectively. The 3-year probabilities of leukemia-free survival (LFS) and overall survival (OS) were 69.1% (95% CI 66.1% -72.1% ) and 73.0% (95% CI 70.2% -75.8% ) , respectively. In the total patient group, cases with positive Pre-MRD ( n =282) experienced significantly higher CIR than that of subjects with negative Pre-MRD [ n =716, 31.6% (95% CI 25.8% -37.5% ) vs 14.3% (95% CI 11.4% -17.2% ) , P <0.001]. For patients in the positive Pre-MRD subgroup, cases treated with haplo-HSCT ( n =219) had a lower 3-year CIR than that of cases who underwent MSDT [ n =63, 27.2% (95% CI 21.0% -33.4% ) vs 47.0% (95% CI 33.8% -60.2% ) , P =0.002]. The total 998 cases were classified as five subgroups, including cases with negative Pre-MRD group ( n =716) , cases with Pre-MRD<0.01% group ( n =46) , cases with Pre-MRD 0.01% -<0.1% group ( n =117) , cases with Pre-MRD 0.1% -<1% group ( n =87) , and cases with Pre-MRD≥1% group ( n =32) . For subjects in the Pre-MRD<0.01% group, haplo-HSCT ( n =40) had a lower CIR than that of MSDT [ n =6, 10.0% (95% CI 0.4% -19.6% ) vs 32.3% (95% CI 0% -69.9% ) , P =0.017]. For patients in the Pre-MRD 0.01% -<0.1% group, haplo-HSCT ( n =81) also had a lower 3-year CIR than that of MSDT [ n =36, 20.4% (95% CI 10.4% -30.4% ) vs 47.0% (95% CI 29.2% -64.8% ) , P =0.004]. In the other three subgroups, the 3-year CIR was comparable between patients who underwent haplo-HSCT and those received MSDT. A subgroup analysis of patients with Pre-MRD<0.1% ( n =163) was performed, the results showed that cases received haplo-HSCT ( n =121) experienced lower 3-year CIR [16.0% (95% CI 9.4% -22.7% ) vs 40.5% (95% CI 25.2% -55.8% ) , P <0.001], better 3-year LFS [78.2% (95% CI 70.6% -85.8% ) vs 47.6% (95% CI 32.2% -63.0% ) , P <0.001] and OS [80.5% (95% CI 73.1% -87.9% ) vs 54.6% (95% CI 39.2% -70.0% ) , P <0.001] than those of MSDT ( n =42) , but comparable in 3-year NRM [5.8% (95% CI 1.6% -10.0% ) vs 11.9% (95% CI 2.0% -21.8% ) , P =0.188]. Multivariate analysis showed that haplo-HSCT was associated with lower CIR ( HR =0.248, 95% CI 0.131-0.472, P <0.001) , and superior LFS ( HR =0.275, 95% CI 0.157-0.483, P <0.001) and OS ( HR =0.286, 95% CI 0.159-0.513, P <0.001) . Conclusion: Haplo HSCT has a survival advantage over MSDT in the treatment of B-ALL patients with pre MRD<0.1% .

Objective: To investigate the incidences and risk factors of poor hematopoietic reconstitution (PHR) in patients with hematological diseases who underwent haploidentical allograft and were treated with rituximab for desensitization. Methods: Eight-three donor specific anti-HLA antibody (DSA, 2000 ≤MFI<10 000) positive patients who underwent haploidentical allograft were prospectively enrolled. Rituximab (375 mg/m 2 ) was used for desensitization day-3 of conditioning regimen. Incidence and factors associated with PHR, including primary poor graft function and prolonged thrombocytopenia, were investigated. Results: There were 22 males and 61 females with a median age of 39(range: 1-65) years. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that the 100 day cumulative incidences of neutrophil and platelet engraftment were 93.0% and 90.7%, respectively. The incidences of PHR were 14.7%. The 3-year relapse rate, non-relapse mortality (NRM) rate, event-free survival (EFS), leukemia-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were 6.5%, 15.1%, 70.8%, 79.4% and 79.4%, respectively. Patients with DSA MFI<5 000 (group A, n =46) experienced lower PHR (4.4% vs. 27.5%, P =0.003), and higher 3-year EFS (79.5% vs. 59.8%, P =0.020) compared to those with DSA MFI≥5 000 (group B, n =37). Multivariate analysis showed that DSA MFI≥5 000 was correlated with PHR ( HR =6.101, P =0.021). PHR was associated with higher NRM ( HR =4.110, P =0.026), lower DFS ( HR =3.656, P =0.019) and OS ( HR =3.656, P =0.019). Conclusion: Our data suggest that high pre-transplant DSA level is a risk factor for PHR in patients with hematological diseases receiving haploidentical allograft and rituximab for desensitization.

Objective: To analyze the risk factors of steroid resistant acute graft- versus-host disease (aGVHD) after haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (haplo-HSCT) . Methods: The clinical data of adult patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) /Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) who developed aGVHD after haplo-HSCT in Peking University Institute of Hematology from January 1st, 2010 to December 31st, 2012 were retrospectively reviewed. Results: A total of 85 patients were enrolled in the study, including 55 males and 30 females, with a median age of 30 (19-67) years. After steroid therapy, there were 53 (62.4%) , 6 (7.1%) and 26 (30.6%) patients achieved complete remission (CR) , partial remission (PR) and non-remission (NR) , respectively. The CR rates of the grade Ⅰ/Ⅱ and Ⅲ/Ⅳ aGVHD by steroid therapy were 66.2% (51/77) vs 25.0% (2/8) ( χ (2)=3.639, P =0.048) , respectively. The CR rates of the patients with aGVHD involving 1 target organ and 2 target organs were 77.4% (48/62) vs 21.7% (5/23) ( χ (2)=22.157, P <0.001) . The CR rates of patients with standard risk (SR) and high risk (HR) Minnesota risk score was 67.5% (52/77) vs 12.5% (1/8) ( χ (2)=7.153, P =0.004) . The mononuclear cells≥8.33×10(8)/kg and the HR Minnesota risk score were independent risk factors for steroid-resistant aGVHD in multivariate analysis. Between Minnesota risk score SR (77 cases) and HR (8 cases) groups, the OS rates at 22 months after transplantation were (90.3±3.8) % vs (75.0±15.3) % ( χ (2)=2.831, P =0.092) . After steroid treatment for aGVHD, the OS rates at 22 months in the CR group (53 cases) and non-CR group (32 cases) were (95.2±3.4) % vs (78.6±7.9) % ( χ (2)=5.287, P =0.021) respectively. Conclusion: The Minnesota risk score and mononuclear cells count are effective tool for predicting steroid-resistant aGVHD after haplo-HSCT.

Objective: To explore clinical features and severity of chronic graft- versus- host disease (cGVHD) after chemotherapy plus donor lymphocyte infusion (Chemo-DLI) in a consecutive cohort of acute leukemia patients who were minimal residual disease (MRD) positive after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) . Methods: The global scoring system proposed by National Institutes of Health (NIH) Consensus Conference was used to identify the characteristics and severity of cGVHD in patients who MRD positive after Chemo-DLI. Results: 54 (59.3%) patients were diagnosed with cGVHD after Chemo-DLI, with the median time of onset of 70 (13-504) days. There were 6 cases (6.6%) of mild cGVHD, 21 cases (23.1%) of moderate cGVHD and 27 cases (29.7%) of severe cGVHD.The 5-year cumulative incidence of relapse after Chemo-DLI was 61.9% (95% CI 45.3%-78.5%) , 15.1% (95% CI 1.1%-29.1%) , and 26.6% (95% CI 9.2%-44.0%) ( χ (2)=18.901, P <0.001) in non-cGVHD, mild to moderate cGVHD, and severe cGVHD groups, respectively. The 5-year cumulative incidence of relapse after Chemo-DLI was 61.9% (95% CI 45.3%-78.5%) , 19.9% (95% CI 8.1%-31.7%) , and 28.6% (95% CI 0.0%-65.0%) ( χ (2)=18.307, P <0.001) in non-cGVHD, classical cGVHD, and overlap syndrome groups, respectively. cGVHD was not associated with non-relapse morality after Chemo-DLI. Probabilities of 5-year leukemia-free survival (LFS) after Chemo-DLI were 24.0% (95% CI 9.1%-38.9%) , 77.2% (95% CI 60.8%-93.6%) , and 64.9% (95% CI 45.7%-84.1%) ( χ (2)=24.447, P <0.001) in non-cGVHD, mild to moderate cGVHD, and severe cGVHD groups, respectively. Probabilities of 5-year LFS after Chemo-DLI were 24.0% (95% CI 9.1%-38.9%) , 75.5% (95% CI 62.7%-88.3%) , and 42.9% (95% CI 1.8%-84.0%) ( χ (2)=25.665, P <0.001) in non-cGVHD, classical cGVHD, and overlap syndrome groups, respectively. Probabilities of 5-year overall survival (OS) after Chemo-DLI were 50.0% (95% CI 31.1%-68.9%) , 87.9% (95% CI 74.7%-100.0%) , and 71.0% (95% CI 52.0%-90.0%) ( χ (2)=9.517, P =0.009) in non-cGVHD, mild to moderate cGVHD, and severe cGVHD groups, respectively. Probabilities of 5-year OS after Chemo-DLI were 50.0% (95% CI 31.1%-68.9%) , 83.9% (95% CI 72.8%-95.0%) , and 51.4% (95% CI 6.2%-96.6%) ( χ (2)=10.673, P =0.005) in non-cGVHD, classical cGVHD, and overlap syndrome groups, respectively. In multivariate analysis, patients receiving allo-HSCT in first complete remission stage and classical cGVHD after Chemo-DLI were associated with lower relapse risk and better survival. Conclusions: These findings highlight the close relation between cGVHD and the graft-versus-leukemia effect in patients who were MRD positive and received Chemo-DLI after allo-HSCT. However, overlap syndrome could not improve the clinical outcomes of these patients.

Objective: To explore the significance of minimal residual disease (MRD) in predicting prognosis and guiding therapy of adults with Philadelphia-chromosome negative acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph(-) ALL) in high-risk. Methods: Data of newly diagnosed adults with Ph(-) ALL in high-risk who achieved CR were reviewed. Variables associated with outcome were identified by COX regression model and Landmark analysis. Results: A total of 177 patients, 99 (56%) cases male with a median age of 40 years (range, 16-65 years) were included in this study. Of them, 95 (54%) patients received allo-HSCT in CR(1). Multivariate analyses showed that MRD negativity after the first cycle of consolidation ( HR =0.52, 95% CI 0.30-0.89, P =0.017) and achieving CR within 4 weeks ( HR =0.43, 95% CI 0.24-0.79, P =0.006) were the factors significantly-associated with longer DFS, and allo-HSCT was associated with both longer DFS ( HR =0.13, 95% CI 0.08-0.22, P <0.001) and OS ( HR =0.24, 95% CI 0.15-0.41, P <0.001) . Landmark analysis was performed on 121 patients, of 85 patients achieving MRD negativity after the first cycle of consolidation, multivariate analyses showed that MRD negativity after the third cycle of consolidation was significantly-associated with longer DFS ( HR =0.18, 95% CI 0.05-0.64, P =0.008) and OS ( HR =0.14, 95% CI 0.04-0.50, P =0.003) . For the patients achieving MRD negativity after both the first and the third cycles of consolidation, the 3-year DFS rate in the allo-HSCT cohort had a higher trend compared with that in the chemotherapy cohort (75.2% vs 51.3%, P =0.082) , however, the 3-year OS rates in the 2 cohorts were similar (72.7% vs 68.7%, P =0.992) . In those with MRD positivity after the first and/or the third cycle of consolidation, 3-year DFS (64.8% vs 33.3%, P =0.006) and OS (77.0% vs 33.3%, P =0.028) rates in the allo-HSCT cohort were significantly higher than those in the chemotherapy cohort, and similar to those in the cohort achieving MRD negativity after both the first and the third cycles of consolidation and receiving allo-HSCT. Conclusions: MRD negativity after the first cycle of consolidation was a predictor for better outcome in adults with Ph(-) ALL in high-risk. The survival advantage of the allo-HSCT cohort was not pronounced compared with that in the chemotherapy cohort even in those with high-risk features but achieving MDR negativity after both the first and third cycles of consolidation. However, allo-HSCT could be a good option for the patients with MRD positivity after the first and/or the third cycle of consolidation.

Objective: To investigate the prognosis of haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (haplo-HSCT) in the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia with myelodysplasia-related changes (AML-MRC). Method: The data of 102 patients with high-risk AML in the first complete remission phase (CR1) who received haplo-HSCT from January 2009 to July 2015 in Peking University People's Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. Results: These 102 cases included 17 AML-MRC cases (AML-MRC group) and 85 other types of AML cases (control group). There were 8 males and 9 females in the AML-MRC group, and the median age was 35 (17-61) years. There were 52 males and 33 females in other high-risk AML group, and the median age was 31 (11-60) years. No difference was observed between the two groups after haploidentical stem cell transplantation in the rates of cytomegalovirus, EBV (Epstein-Barr virus), blood flow infection rate and hematopoietic reconstitution ( P >0.05). The overall 2-year survival rate after transplantation was 80.8% (95% CI 51.6%-93.4%) and 72.5% (95% CI 62.8%-80.1%) ( P =0.650), the disease-free survival rate was 79.4% (95% CI 48.8%-92.9%) and 65.9% (95% CI 54.3%-75.2%) ( P =0.573), cumulative recurrence rate was 13.0%(95% CI 1.9%-34.7%) and 13.3%(95% CI 7.0%-21.5%) ( P =0.623), and non-relapse mortality was 6.7% (95% CI 0.3%-27.0%) and 20.0% (95% CI 12.0%-29.4%) ( P =0.436). Conclusion: The prognosis of haplo-HSCT in patients with AML-MRC in CR(1) is similar to that of other types of high-risk AML patients. Haplo-HSCT is an ideal choice for patients with AML-MRC in CR(1).

Objective: To analyze the clinical value of real-time PCR for virus detection in the diagnosis and treatment of patients after allo-HSCT who had no infection evidence of pneumonia using routine pathogen detection panel. Methods: The clinical data of 71 episodes with acute lung injury from May 2015 to March 2017 after allo-HSCT in hematology department of Peking University People's Hospital (PKUPH) were retrospectively analyzed. PCR for virus detection and other routine pathogen detection tests were performed on bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) samples. Results: Among 71 episodes with acute lung injury, a total of 15 patients were diagnosed as lower respiratory tract disease merely associated with virus (detection rate of 21.13%) , 19 episodes were absent of lower respiratory tract infection. The median time from allo-HSCT to the occurrence of lung injury were 176 (49-1 376) d and 196 (57-457) d respectively ( z =-0.191, P =0.864) . There were no statistical differences for baseline characteristics and clinical features between two groups. The 100-day attributable mortalities were 13.3% (2/15) and 26.3% (5/19) ( χ (2)=0.864, P =0.426) . Patients with low-dose steroids treatment had favorable outcome than those with high-dose steroids treatment (the dose of methylprednisolone ≥250 mg/d as standard) [4.2% (1/24) vs 60.0% (6/10) ]. In patients with detectable virus in BALF, 2 patients died with early high-dose steroids treatment, while 11 patients survived with no steroids treatment or late application. Conclusions: Virus infection should be considered in post-HSCT pneumonia patient with negative result using routine pathogen detection panel. Expanding virus detection panel by PCR in BALF could increase diagnostic precision and might be instructive to treatment.

Objective: To investigate the prognostic factors of late-onset severe pneumonia (LOSP) in patients who underwent allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). Methods: From January 2009 to December 2015, 68 patients with LOSP after allo-HSCT at Peking University Institute of Hematology were enrolled. In this retrospective study, univariate and multivariate analysis were used to evaluate the prognostic factors for LOSP after allo-HSCT. Results: The median time from allo-HSCT to the development of LOSP was 213 (90-2 330) days. The overall survival rate was 42.6% (29/68). The median survival time from LOSP to death was 21 days. Early mortality was defined as death within 21 days after LOSP, as late death more than or equal to 21 days. The median oxygenation index was 199.15 (92.21-290.48) mmHg. LOSPs in thirty-two patients (36.8%) were caused by virus, bacteria, fungi or mixed pathogens. The median C-reactive protein (CRP) was 75.65 (0.94-451.00) mg/L. The median procalcitonin (PCT) was 0.66 (0.00-249.00) μg/L. The higher PCT value indicated an early higher mortality rate by the ROC curve (PCT: cut-off ≥0.94 μg/L). Furthermore, multivariate analysis suggested that PCT more than or equal to 0.94 μg/L was a risk factor for early death of LOSP ( OR =5.77, 95% CI 1.66-20.11, P =0.006). LOSP occurred later or equal to 213 days after allo-HSCT was also a risk factor of early death in LOSP ( OR =4.74, 95% CI 1.33-16.89, P =0.017). No previous history of chronic graft versus host disease (GVHD) ( OR =4.50, 95% CI 1.58-12.83, P =0.005) and LOSP later or equal to 213 days ( OR =4.40, 95% CI 1.61-11.99, P =0.004) were the risk factors of late death in LOSP. Conclusions: PCT more than or equal to 0.94 μg/L and LOSP later or equal to 213 days are the risk factors of early death in LOSP. No previous chronic GVHD and LOSP later or equal to 213 days are the risk factors of late death in LOSP.

Objective: To compare incidence and clinical features of hemorrhage cystitis (HC) after haploidentical donor (HID) allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and matched sibling donor (MSD) HSCT. Methods: Medical records of 609 (including 406 HID-HSCT and 203 MSD-HSCT cases) hematologic malignancies patients treated with HSCT undergoing myeloablative conditioning regimen from January 2011 to December 2012 were analyzed retrospectively. Results: HC occurred 183 in HID and 17 ones in MSD respectively. The cumulative incidence of HC in HID group was higher than in MSD group[ (45.6±2.5) % vs (8.5±2.0) %, χ (2)=77.331, P <0.001], and the cumulative incidence of severe HC (grade 3-4) in HID cases was also higher than in MSD ones[ (11.2±1.9) % vs (2.1±1.1) %, χ (2)=12.883, P <0.001]. All HCs were occurred within 180 days in both groups. The median time to onset in two groups were 27 days after HSCT (range 0-177 days) and 29 days after HSCT (range 6-72 days) respectively ( P =0.766) . The median duration of HC in two groups were 21 days (range 3-157 days) and 13 days (range 5-67 days) , respectively ( P =0.182) . The total efficiency of treatment in two groups were 69.9% and 70.6% respectively ( χ (2)=0.003, P =1.000) . Conclusion: The cumulative incidences of HC and severe HC were higher in HID cases than in MSD ones. The median time to onset and median duration of HC and therapeutic outcome between HID and MSD were comparable.

Objective: To investigate the clinical effect and safety of surgical treatment for severe, refractory hemorrhagic cystitis (HC) after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). Methods: Patients with severe HC, who were admitted to Peking University Institute of Hematology from January 2010 to December 2015, were enrolled in this study.All patients were refractory to medical managements and received bladder surgery including mucous electrocoagulation and/or selective transcatheter arterial embolization. Results: A total of 17 patients with severe HC (grade Ⅲ, n =5; grade Ⅳ, n =12) received surgical treatment, including 11 embolization and 18 mucous electrocoagulation.The median time from allo-HSCT to surgery was 107 d (46-179 d) and 75 d after HC.Eight patients only received embolization.Four patients only received mucous electrocoagulation.Five patients were given combined embolization and electrocoagulation.HC was cured in 11 patients, improved in 1 patient, which corresponded to a response rate of 70.6% and complete remission rate of 64.7%.Five patients didn't respond to these methods.In patients with response, macroscopic hematuria disappeared 3 to 10 days after treatments whereas microscopic hematuria vanished after 25 to 32 days.Both procedures were well tolerated and no severe adverse effects were observed. Conclusion: Surgery of bladder mucous electrocoagulation and/or selective arterial embolization are safe and effective for severe HC.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of eltrombopag in post-HSCT thrombocytopenia. Methods: A total of 10 patients who underwent post-HSCT thrombocytopenia at Peking University center, who had been treated with eltrombopag, were retrospectively evaluated. Results: Of the 10 cases, 5 males and 5 females with a median of 34 years old (range, 17-54 years), 5 patients were acute myeloid leukemia, 3 with acute lymphoid leukemia and 2 with severe aplastic anemia. Nine patients had undergone haplo-identical donor transplantation, and one patient was a matched related recipient. All patients had failed prior treatment for thrombocytopenia before eltrombopag started. The median time when eltrombopag started was 221 days (range, 73-917 days) after transplantation. Five patients (50%) had achieved CR. The cumulative incidence of 30-day CR was 35.7%. The median time to platelet recovery ≥ 50 × 10 9 /L without transfusion support was 16 days (range, 10-56 days). At the last follow-up, three of the patients with CR had withdrawal eltrombopag and remained normal platelet counts. No patients experienced drug-related adverse events. Conclusion: Eltrombopag is effective and well tolerated in patients with refractory post-HSCT thrombocytopenia.