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ObjectiveDepression is the most commonly observed psychological manifestation experienced by individuals diagnosed with cancer. The purpose of the study was to investigate the association between levels of IL-4, BDNF, neopterin, and depressive symptoms in lymphoma patients receiving consecutive cycles of chemotherapy.MethodsNewly diagnosed lymphoma patients scheduled to receive R-CHOP chemotherapy were enrolled. Effects of R-CHOP on circulatory biomarkers and depressive symptoms were assessed at three-time points [baseline assessment 7 days before the first dose of chemotherapy (TP1), interim assessment after the third cycle of chemotherapy (TP2), and follow-up assessment after the 6th cycle of chemotherapy (TP3)].ResultsSeventy lymphoma patients, with a mean age of 44.17 ± 13.67 years, were enrolled. Patients receiving R-CHOP were found significantly increased neopterin levels between given time points TP1 vs. TP2, TP1 vs. TP3, and TP2 vs. TP3 (p

Background: India's need for bone marrow donation and transplantation is increasing in the context of the rising incidence of haematological neoplasms like acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). The use of matched related donors (MRD) for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a feasible option, but the lack of HLA-matched donors in India remains a significant obstacle to successful treatment. Methodology: This retrospective study was conducted at the Department of Hemato-Oncology & Bone Marrow Transplant, Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute in New Delhi, India over a period of 6 months. The study enrolled 77 AML MRD and 19 AML MUD patients based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Result: The one-year survival rate was higher in MRD than in MUD, but there was no significant difference in mortality in multivariate analysis. The study also found that chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and relapse were associated with worse survival outcomes in both MRD and MUD HSCT. Conclusion: This study supports the use of matched unrelated donor (MUD) transplant for HSCT in AML patients when a matched sibling donor is not available.

Background: Patients diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) face a heightened susceptibility to infections, which significantly elevates their risk of mortality and disability. The intensity of the chemotherapy treatment and its specific focus on inhibiting myeloid cell divisions render patients especially vulnerable, particularly during the early stages of chemotherapy. This vulnerability is compounded by the occurrence of repeated episodes of prolonged neutropenia, leaving patients highly susceptible to infections. The compromised immune systems of these individuals make them more susceptible to infections, which adversely affect their physical health and overall well-being. Consequently, our study aimed to investigate the range of infections experienced by patients with newly diagnosed AML undergoing different induction chemotherapy. Methods: This was a comparative retrospective study, conducted at a tertiary hospital providing comprehensive cancer care in North India. All newly diagnosed patients with AML, who received induction chemotherapy from January 1, 2012 to November 1, 2022, were identified from the hospital database and included in this study. Results: Four hundred and twenty AML patients treated with either high-intensity or low-intensity induction chemotherapy was observed in this study. It was found that patients who received high-intensity treatment had a higher rate of clinically and microbiologically documented infections, fever without a known cause, and more cases of febrile neutropenia than those who got low-intensity treatment. These differences between the two groups were particularly evident on day 14 (p = 0.0002) and persisted through day 28 (p = 0.005). Conclusions: These findings underscore the effectiveness and downside of high-intensity induction chemotherapy regimens, as evidenced by the higher incidence of infections observed. Further investigation through prospective clinical studies is warranted to better evaluate and validate the efficacy of this approach.

Introduction: The introduction of proteasome inhibitors, immunomodulatory drugs, and monoclonal antibodies has changed the treatment paradigm of multiple myeloma. With the advent of these new therapeutic options, life expectancy has substantially increased for myeloma patients which has led to an increased number of patients with triple-class refractory disease. Thus, there remains an unmet need for effective novel therapies with good tolerability and safety profile. Elranatamab, is the most widely used bispecific antibody currently in the Indian setting. However, it has only been used on a clinical trial basis till now, and real-world data especially in the Indian setting is missing. Here, we present our experience with three cases of multi-line treated relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma on elranatamab monotherapy. Case report: We here discuss three of our patients with triple class refractory multiple myeloma who recieved elranatamab monotherapy. While one of our patient had been switched to fortnightly treatment, two patients were still continuing weekly treatment. The common adverse effects observed were grade 1–2 cytokine release syndrome, cytopenias, CMV reactivation and hypo-gammaglobulinemia. While two of our patients are doing well, one patient had grade 3 neurological toxicity, likely drug related and succumbed. Discussion: B-cell maturation antigen is highly expressed on mature B cells and is critical for the survival and proliferation of plasma cells. It has emerged as a novel target for anti-myeloma therapies in the form of bispecific cell engager, antibody-drug conjugates, and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapies.The phase II MM3 trial showed a promising efficacy with an ORR of 61% with a CR rate of >35%. With a median follow-up of 14.7 months, the median PFS was not reached and the 15-month PFS rate was 50.9%. While it is too early to comment on long term survival with the monotherapy, we here discuss response of Indian patients in the real world setting. Conclusion: Elranatamab monotherapy could prove to be an efficacious option for the treatment of relapsed /refractory multiple myeloma patients with triple-class refractory disease, with limited therapeutic options. However, patients need to be screened for infectious complications with appropriate prophylaxis and immunoglobulin replacement, if required. Also, a high suspicion is required for the neurological complications of the drug and a longitudinal neuro-cognitive screening is required for the patients.

Previous studies have shown the vulnerability of hematological patients with the Coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19). We aimed to compare the outcomes and risk factors for poor survival in patients with hematological conditions hospitalized with COVID-19 infection. Single centre, retrospective, cohort study included all patients with a hematological condition admitted to Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute & Research Centre, New Delhi, India between 1 April 2020 and 31 May 2021. Of a total of 154 patients, 81 were in the pre-delta group and 73 were in the delta group out of which 21 (25.97%) in the pre-delta group and 24 (33.88%) patients in the delta group died. Haematological characteristics—age > 60 years, progressive hematological cancer, more than two lines of anti-cancer therapy, and active chemo-immunotherapy or targeted therapy were associated with higher mortality in the delta group. COVID-19 characteristics associated with higher mortality during the delta wave were severity of COVID infection, higher oxygen requirements, and COVID plasma therapy There were no deaths in individuals (n = 15) within the delta group who received COVID-19 vaccination. This study adds to the evidence that patients with hematological diseases are a particularly vulnerable group and the delta variant of the virus is associated with higher mortality. We could identify patient characteristics and features related to COVID-19 infection and underlying hematological conditions that were associated with poor outcomes in the delta sub-group. Vaccination was found to be an effective strategy for overcoming mortality and morbidity in these patients.

Background Anthracyclines-based regimen (5-fluorouracil, doxorubicin, and cyclophosphamide (FAC); cyclophosphamide, epirubicin, and 5-fluorouracil [CEF]) and non-anthracycline based regimens (cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, and 5-fluorouracil [CMF]) are widely used as neoadjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer patients.

IntroductionCurrently, there are no guidelines for the management of B-cell lineage acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) from an Indian perspective. The diagnostic workup, monitoring, and treatment of B-ALL vary among different physicians and institutes.ObjectiveTo develop evidence-based practical consensus recommendations for the management of B-ALL in Indian settings.MethodsModified Delphi consensus methodology was considered to arrive at a consensus. An expert scientific committee of 15 experts from India constituted the panel. Clinically relevant questions belonging to three major domains were drafted for presentation and discussion: (i) diagnosis and risk assignment; (ii) frontline treatment; and (iii) choice of therapy (optimal vs. real-world practice) in relapsed/refractory (R/R) settings. The questionnaire was shared with the panel members through an online survey platform. The level of consensus was categorized into high (≥ 80%), moderate (60%–79%), and no consensus (< 60%). The process involved 2 rounds of discussion and 3 rounds of Delphi survey. The questions that received near or no consensus were discussed during virtual meetings (Delphi rounds 1 and 2). The final draft of the consensus was emailed to the panel for final review.ResultsExperts recommended morphologic assessment of peripheral blood or bone marrow, flow cytometric immunophenotyping, and conventional cytogenetic analysis in the initial diagnostic workup. Berlin–Frankfurt–Münster (BFM)–based protocol is the preferred frontline therapy in pediatric and adolescent and young adult patients with B-ALL. BFM/German Multicenter Study Group for Adult Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia–based regimen is suggested in adult patients with B-ALL. Immunotherapy (blinatumomab or inotuzumab ozogamicin) followed by allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) is the optimal choice of therapy that would yield the best outcomes if offered in the first salvage in patients with R/R B-ALL. In patients with financial constraints or prior allo-HCT (real-world practice) at first relapse, standard-intensive chemotherapy followed by allo-HCT may be considered. For subsequent relapses, chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy or palliative care was suggested as the optimal choice of therapy.ConclusionThis expert consensus will offer guidance to oncologists/clinicians on the management of B-ALL in Indian settings.

Context Nilotinib is a second-generation BCR-ABL1 tyrosine kinase inhibitor used in the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Aims We aim to evaluate the responses and safety of upfront Nilotinib therapy in Indian CML patients. Setting and Design We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of CML patients who received Nilotinib as an upfront treatment at our center between January 1, 2011 and October 15, 2019.The follow-up was taken till March 31, 2020. Results Forty One patients (n = 36 chronic phase and five accelerated-phase CML) received frontline Nilotinib. Median age was 39 years (21–63) with male-to-female ratio of 1.1: 1. At 3 months, 96.9% patients achieved BCR-ABL of ≤10% at international scale. By the end of 12 months, 71.5% patients achieved major molecular response (BCR-ABL ≤0.1%) and 91.4% patients achieved complete cytogenetic response assessed by BCR-ABL polymerase chain reaction of ≤1%. Common toxicities observed were weight gain, thrombocytopenia, corrected QT prolongation, and elevated serum amylase in 14 (34.1%), 7(17.07%), 4(9.7%), and 4(9.7%) patients, respectively. Overall, five patients had loss of response with further progression and death in three patients. At a median of 43.7 months, 38 patients survived with estimated 3 year event-free survival and overall survival of 65 ± 9 and 93 ± 5%. Conclusion This study showed remarkable good response with upfront Nilotinib in Indian patients with CML.

BackgroundDiffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the commonest subtype of lymphoma, standard CHOP was the treatment of choice, 42% of patients received rituximab, and 29% of patients were lost to follow-up during therapy, were reported in a study that collected retrospective data at 13 public and private hospitals for patients diagnosed with lymphoma between January 2005 and December 2009. The OncoCollect Registry was set up in 2017 to address the challenges in the collection of retrospective data through chart review, recording access to anthracycline and rituximab-based treatment, and to study outcomes and any improvement in the patient follow-up.MethodologyThe OncoCollect Lymphoma group registry was set up at a national level with 9 participating centers. Lymphoma patients registered at these centers between 2011 and 2017 were included. The clinical features, prognostic stratification, associated comorbidities, response to first-line treatment, and 3-year outcomes of adult patients with DLBCL were analyzed.ResultsOf the 5,886 lymphoma patients registered in the OncoCollect registry, 2,581 (44%) had DLBCL. A total of 1,961 were evaluable for frontline therapy. The median age at presentation was 57 years. Gender ratio was 1.6:1. At presentation, 43% were early stage, 70% had low and low intermediate IPI, 53% had extranodal disease, and 30.9% had one or more comorbidities (data available for 1,136 patients). The commonest extra nodal site was gastro-intestinal (23.98%) followed by head and neck (19.24%). The overall response rate was 79.29%. Complete remission was seen in 61.75%, partial response in 17.5%, stable disease in 4.3%, and progression in 7.9%. Patients who received anthracycline-based therapy (86.7%) and rituximab-based therapy (83.7%) had a 3-year event-free survival (EFS) of 69.67% and 68.48%, respectively. With a median follow-up of 33 months, the 3-year overall Survival (OS) and EFS were 75.37% and 66.58%, respectively.ConclusionsDLBCL remains the commonest (44%) lymphoma subtype and is curable with standard anthracycline- and rituximab-based therapies. The availability of rituximab has increased the proportion of patients receiving standard chemoimmunotherapy.

BackgroundHodgkin’s lymphoma (HL) is one of the most curable malignancies with a 5-year survival of over 80%. Most published literature from low-middle income countries comes from single institute experience.MethodologyThe OncoCollect Lymphoma group registry was set up in 2017 and has 9 major participating sites across India. Data of newly diagnosed classical HL (CHL) patients, treated between 2011 and 2017, were collected using OncoCollect software. The clinical features, subtypes, prognostic stratification, treatment patterns, response to first-line treatment, and 5-year outcomes were analyzed. All statistical analysis was done using Microsoft R Open statistical software linked to OncoCollect software.ResultsThere were 939 newly diagnosed CHL patients with a median age of 38 (range, 18–99) years at presentation. The male-to-female ratio was 2.07:1. Histological subtypes included mixed cellularity, CHL (MC, CHL), nodular sclerosis, CHL (NS, CHL), lymphocyte-rich, CHL (LR, CHL), and lymphocyte-depleted, CHL (LD, CHL), in 60.60%, 26.94%, 9.80%, and 2.66%, respectively. At presentation, 50.43% had B symptoms and 53.35% had advanced disease. 29.71% of advanced-stage patients had high Hodgkin IPI score. 79% and 21% of patients received 1st-line treatment with chemotherapy alone or combined modality treatment with chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The most common first-line chemotherapy was ABVD-based regimen (94.68%). The overall response rate was 93.48%. Complete response rates among early-stage favorable and unfavorable risk groups were 92.73% and 86.79%, and those among advanced-stage low- and high-risk groups were 76.64% and 69.78%, respectively. The median relapse-free follow-up duration was 51 months (IQR 22–69). A significant difference was found in 5-year EFS between the early- and advanced-stage disease 83.53% and 73.55% (p = 0.00087), respectively. Similarly, significant difference was found in EFS among early-stage patients treated with a combination of 4-cycle chemotherapy and radiotherapy vs. chemotherapy alone 88.57% and 66.33% (p = 0.0042), respectively.ConclusionsIn this large cohort from India, survival of patients with HL was comparable to the developed world. With a median follow-up of 51 months, the 5-year EFS and OS of all patients were 78.24% and 83.63%, respectively.

Background: Allogeneic stem cell transplant (AlloSCT) recipients remain at a higher risk of developing tuberculosis (TB), especially in endemic populations. We conducted a retrospective study to identify the incidence, clinical presentation, and risk factors for active TB among our alloSCT recipients. Methods: Records of all patients transplanted between 1 January 2012 and 31 July 2020 were reviewed. Patients were followed up for outcome until 30 September 2020. None of the patients received prophylactic anti-tubercular drugs. Proven diagnosis of active TB was considered if Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) was cultured from clinical samples or acid-fast bacilli (AFB) or MTB demonstrated on Ziehl-Neelsen (ZN) staining or histopathology or XPERT MTB, while probable diagnosis of TB was considered if histopathology findings were suggestive of caseation necrosis/epithelioid cell granulomas without any evidence of malignancy or lymphocyte rich exudative effusions (pleural/pericardial) without an alternative cause. Results: Among 381 alloSCT recipients, 15 patients (3.9%) developed TB at median of 246 (74–279) days post AlloSCT, after being symptomatic for a median of 22 (7–60) days, amounting to a cumulative incidence of 4.9%. All patients were started on four-drug anti tubercular therapy, ATT [Rifampicin, Isoniazid, Ethambutol, Pyrazinamide (RHEZ)], of which five patients developed hepatotoxicity at a median of 12 days after start of ATT, leading to drug modification. At last follow up, TB was cured in 13 (86.67%) patients, one succumbed to disease relapse, while others are still on treatment. Age ⩾ 30 years, immunosuppression for graft versus host disease (GvHD) > 6 months, prior use of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) and chronic GvHD on univariate analysis and immunosuppression for GvHD > 6 months on multivariate analysis were found to be associated with development of TB. Conclusion: A high index of suspicion with timely workup and treatment of TB is the key in AlloSCT recipients, especially in endemic TB populations.

Multiple primary malignancies have been reported in anecdotal case reports and series in literature. The de novo occurrence poses diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. The co-occurrence of lung adenocarcinoma with acute myeloid leukemia synchronously has been reported in one small series in literature. There is limited data available regarding the treatment and response outcomes in such cases, where both malignancies are molecularly and therapeutically distinct. Hence, a comprehensive workup including a complete molecular profiling is necessary to render appropriate therapy to the patient. This report elucidates the same in a case of concurrent de novo lung adenocarcinoma and acute myeloid leukemia, where complete molecular workup culminated in a successful treatment outcome.

Light chain myeloma (LCM) has a reported worldwide incidence of approximately 15%–20% among all multiple myeloma (MM) patients. Few western studies have shown strong correlation of LCM with anemia, higher International Staging System scores, proclivity to renal failure, elevated lactate dehydrogenase levels, raised serum-free light chain ratio, higher frequency of extramedullary plasmacytomas, and poorer overall survival, attributable probably to lack of differentiation and skeletal destruction. The primary aim of this retrospective observational study was to define the clinical and hematological characteristics as well as prognostic outcome of Indian LCM patients in comparison with the IgG and IgA subtypes. Patients were defined according to the International Myeloma Working Group diagnostic criteria 2016 and staged as per the International Staging System. Out of 104 patients of newly diagnosed MM in which results of serum immunofixation (IFE) were available, 65 were of IgG isotype (62.5%), 15 had IgA (14.4%), and 24 had light chain myelomas (LCMs) (23.1%). It was observed that LCM patients significantly correlated with hypercalcemia and higher serum-free light chain ratios, whereas IgA patients were strongly associated with anemia and lower serum albumin levels. However, no difference was found among the three subgroups in terms of serum lactate dehydrogenase levels, proclivity to renal failure, presence of lytic bone lesions, prognostic scoring, pretransplant chemosensitivity, and progession-free survival (1 year). Thus, it may be concluded that Indian LCM patients have significantly different clinico-hematological profile in comparison with other published studies worldwide. Also, their prognostic outcomes are not worse when compared with patients of other protein isotypes, probably due to standardized treatment regimens applied.

Haploidentical stem cell transplantation offers an oppurtunity for transplant for almost all patients for whom transplant is indicated. Traditionally, it is associated with higher incidence of graft failure, graft vs host disease and non relapse mortality as compared to matched donor transplant. However, recent advances in the field have tried to mitigate these issues and offer haploidentical transplant as a safe and viable option. In this review, we shall discuss the basics of haploidentical transplantation, how to choose the best donor amongst various haploidentical donors available and understand the various recent advances in the field of haploidentical transplantation and how they addressed the problems associated with it and make it a feasible alternative to matched sibling or unrelated transplant in various diseases.

Novel treatment strategies have remarkably improved the multiple myeloma (MM) patients’ survival, with associated increased costs.A joint panel meet of international experts from India and Ukraine was held in New Delhi on 19th May 2016 focusing on: MM management, bortezomib role, unmet medical needs, and current challenges.The healthcare system for oncology in India is majorly private versus government-based in Ukraine. In India, electrophoresis, serum-free light chain assays, bone marrow tests, and X-rays are available modes of diagnosis. Despite of the numerous cancer centers and stem cell transplant centers, most patients do not prefer transplant owing to its high-cost and social stigma. Majority of the patients are treated with bortezomib or lenalidomide-based regimens. Most patients buy drug themselves. The expanding generic drugs market is a ray of hope for the affordable drugs.In Ukraine, immuno-fixation, bone-marrow analysis, and magnetic-resonance-imaging are common diagnostic modalities. Due to high-cost, only few patients undergo transplant. Bortezomib-based regimens are preferred in most of the patients, however usage is limited due to high costs and lack of funds. Thalidomide-based regimens are used for maintenance therapy due to affordability. In case of relapsed MM, bortezomib is preferred in triple therapy, however more affordable option is cyclophosphamide, thalidomide, and dexamethasone (CTD). Issues such as cost containment, common treatment strategies, enhanced collaboration, and improved healthcare access need immediate attention. High-quality generics access will improve outcomes and support healthcare cost containment. Pharmacoeconomic studies and head-to-head trials are warranted to determine the cost-effectiveness and benefit of novel therapies in MM.

Adherence to imatinib(IM) is of utmost importance in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia(CML) to maximise treatment effectiveness. The main objective is to measure adherence to IM & to evaluate individual patient characteristics, personal, treatment related & psychological factors influencing adherence behaviour. Hundred patients receiving IM were analysed for adherence behaviour using 9 item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (9-MMAS) . Various factors were assessed for their impact on adherence behaviour. These factors were age, gender, duration of treatment, frequency & dosing of treatment, use of tobacco & alcohol, educational qualification,employment status,monthly income, side effects, financial assistance in treatment, social support, knowledge about medicine & disease, concomitant drug burden, polypharmacy, physician patient interaction, patient educational sessions & prevalence of depression. Seventy five percent of patients were found to be adherent. On univariate analysis, prevalence of depression (p