G. Verhoef MD, PhD

PP38 Autologous hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation in lymphoma – a single center experience

CNS prophylaxis in aggressive non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma

SUMMARY

Although it doesn’t occur frequently, central nervous system relapse in aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma carries a very dismal prognosis. Indications for the use of prophylactic strategies are clear-cut in Burkitt and lymphoblastic lymphoma. However, this remains subject to much debate in other types of aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma, like diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Available strategies consist of intrathecal administration of chemotherapy, the systemic use of high-dose central nervous system-penetrating cytotoxic agents or a combination of both. Nevertheless, all known methods entail a certain risk for toxicity in patients. Hence, great effort has been put in the search for risk factors and scores to identify high-risk patients who have benefit from central nervous system-prophylaxis and to exclude those who do not. This article aims to provide an overview of existing strategies, pharmacological properties and side effects of available cytotoxic agents, as well as an update on the current guidelines for the implementation of central nervous system prophylaxis in different types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. However, due to lack of qualitative prospective data, a golden standard in this field is still lacking.

(BELG J HEMATOL 2017;8(6):232–8)

BHS guidelines for the diagnosis and the treatment of hairy cell leukaemia

SUMMARY

Hairy cell leukaemia is a rare chronic B-cell lymphoproliferative disorder characterised by a long natural course with, in most of cases, an excellent response to a single course of purine analogue monochemotherapy. Making the right diagnosis, excluding the chemo resistant variant form of hairy cell leukaemia, and making progresses in the treatment of relapsing and/or refractory disease remains challenging up to date. In recent years, exciting results with new agents are emerging and clinical trials are ongoing to optimize the management of hairy cell leukaemia and its variant form.

(BELG J HEMATOL 2017;8(6):222–8)

Checkpoint inhibition with PD-1 blockade in relapsed or refractory Hodgkin’s lymphoma

SUMMARY

Most patients with Hodgkin lymphoma are cured by modern treatment. For patients with a relapse/refractory disease after autologous stem cell transplantation and brentuximab vedotin, prognosis is dismal. Checkpoint inhibitors are very active in this group of patients and may offer a bridge to allogeneic stem cell transplantation.

(BELG J HEMATOL 2017;8(5):192–4)

P24 Flowcytometric detection of aberrant intraepithelial lymphocytes in refractory celiac disease

P16 Real-Life Experience with Brentuximab Vedotin (Adcetris®): the Belgian National Registry

Primary central nervous system lymphoma: a case report

Summary

Primary central nervous system lymphoma is a rare lymphoproliferative disorder confined to the central nervous system. Here we report a case of a 73-year-old female with an intracerebral lymphoma, discussing clinical presentation, diagnosis and treatment. Primary central nervous system lymphoma is a subtype of non-Hodgkin lymphoma which, in more than 90% of the cases, are diffuse large B-cell lymphomas. Clinical presentation is broad; the most common presentation in an immunocompetent patient is a focal neurological deficit. The neuroimaging technique of choice for diagnosis is contrast enhanced magnetic resonance. Histopathologic diagnosis is essential, which is mostly performed by a stereotactic guided biopsy. The backbone of treatment for primary central nervous system lymphoma is high-dose methotrexate, which can be combined with other chemotherapy, whole brain radiotherapy, corticosteroids and rituximab.

(BELG J HEMATOL 2016; 7(3):118–22)