Articles

Venetoclax-Azacitidine, the new standard of care for AML patients unfit for intensive treatment: A guide for clinical practice

BJH - volume 14, issue 2, march 2023

I. Moors MD, D. Deeren , C. Jacquy MD, PhD, A. Jaspers MD, PhD, T. Kerre MD, PhD, V. Havelange MD, PhD, D. Selleslag MD, C. Spilleboudt MD, N. Straetmans MD, PhD, F. Van Obbergh MD, A. De Voeght MD, S. Anguille MD, PhD, A. Schauwvlieghe MD, PhD, N. De Beule MD, PhD, A. De Becker MD, D. Breems MD, PhD

SUMMARY

Acute myeloid leukaemia is an aggressive form of bone marrow cancer with poor prognosis, especially in elderly, unfit patients. The VIALE-A study showed an impressive improvement in complete remission rate and overall survival with the addition of venetoclax, a BCL-2 inhibitor, to azacitidine. This combination therapy is now reimbursed in Belgium for newly diagnosed adult AML patients who are considered unfit for intensive chemotherapy based on age and/or comorbidities. In this article, we provide recommendations on the use of this new combination, as well as on prophylaxis and management of specific side effects.

(BELG J HEMATOL 2023;14(2):59–66)

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Epidemiology of COVID-19 infections in haematology patients and prognostic factors for outcome: A national, multicentre retrospective study

BJH - volume 13, issue 7, november 2022

T. Mercier MD, PhD, S. Fieuws PhD, K. Theunissen MD, M-C. Ngirabacu MD, PhD, N. Straetmans MD, PhD, C. Spilleboudt MD, D. Mazure MD, V. De Wilde MD, PhD, A. De Becker MD, D. Selleslag MD, D. Breems MD, PhD, D. Deeren , S. Servais MD, PhD, C. Jacquy MD, PhD, H. Poirel MD, PhD, D. Van Beckhoven MD, K. Blot MD, PhD, A. Janssens MD, PhD, H. Schoemans MD, PhD

SUMMARY

In the early weeks of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, little was known about the risk factors of this novel disease in haematology patients. We therefore created a national, multi-center, retrospective study via a national consortium of haematology centres in Belgium to investigate the incidence and clinical characteristics of COVID-19 in haematology patients. By combining these data with data collected through the national public health institute Sciensano and the national Belgian Cancer Registry, we were able to show that haematology patients were at an increased risk of being hospitalised with COVID-19 (1 in 250 haematology patients versus 1 in 2000 in the general population). Furthermore, we found that patients with multiple myeloma and acute leukaemia were overrepresented in these hospitalisations. Mortality at 90 days was 38% during the first wave, compared to 19.3% in the general population. We therefore conclude that haematology patients with COVID-19 are at a significantly higher risk of both hospitalisation and death.

(BELG J HEMATOL 2022;13(7):269–76)

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Acute promyelocytic leukaemia (APL) in the elderly patient

BJH - volume 12, issue 8, december 2021

A. Salaroli MD, C. Spilleboudt MD, P. Lewalle MD, PhD, S. Wittnebel MD, PhD

SUMMARY

The prognosis of acute promyelocytic leukaemia has passed from nearly desperate to highly curative over the last 40 years due to better understanding of the biology of the disease, the introduction of anthracyclines, all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA), arsenic trioxide (ATO) and the implementation of better supportive care during the treatment. If this also holds true for older patients will be discussed in this review.

(BELG J HEMATOL 2021;12(8):332–7)

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PP39 An unusual case of paraneoplastic nephrotic syndrome in a patient with chronic lymphocytic leukemia

BJH - 2018, issue Abstract Book BHS, february 2018

C. Spilleboudt MD, F. Paciorkowski , M. Vercruyssen MD, L. Bienfait , M. Depierreux , M. Maerevoet MD, D. Bron MD, PhD, J. Nortier

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PP40 Anti-Pd1 inhibitor follow by Allo Stem cell transplantation in 3 heavily pretreated lymphoma’s patients: Experience from Institut Jules Bordet

BJH - 2018, issue Abstract Book BHS, february 2018

M. Maerevoet MD, P. Lewalle MD, PhD, N. Meuleman MD, PhD, C. Spilleboudt MD, A. Salaroli MD, S. Wittnebel MD, PhD

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P18 Early discontinuation of lenalidomide in patients with relapsing or refractory multiple myeloma: predictive factors for stopping in the real life

BJH - volume 8, issue Abstract Book BHS, february 2017

A. Pistone , M. Maerevoet MD, S. Wittnebel MD, PhD, M. Vercruyssen MD, S. Buntinx , C. Spilleboudt MD, D. Bron MD, PhD, N. Meuleman MD, PhD

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P20 Results of laparoscopic splenectomy for benign and malignant hemopathies

BJH - volume 8, issue Abstract Book BHS, february 2017

D. Bron MD, PhD, A. Salaroli MD, N. Meuleman MD, PhD, M. Maerevoet MD, M. Vercruyssen MD, C. Spilleboudt MD, A. De Wind MD, PhD, G. Dapri , G.B. Cadiere , B. Cadiere

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