Articles related to Hematology/Oncology

Publication: Blood AdvancesStudy Design: Prospective study with unmatched health care workforce control group, receiving either Moderna or Pfizer COVID vaccination.Study Population: 23 patients with CLL (61%), lymphoma (39%) (including DLBCL), MCL (13%) and 4% with less common lymphomas.Outcome: Lymphoma patients had significantly lower anti-S IgG titers 28 days post-vaccination compared with controls. Related Article: Efficacy of the BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine in Patients with B-Cell Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

An oncologist pens an essay about his 10-year-old son who died in March 2021 from diffuse midline glioma, providing a glimpse into his own extreme truths about the burden he carries in treating cancer patients.

Publication: JAMA OncologyMethod: Retrospective study of 160 adults with hematologic malignant disease who were vaccinated with 1 of 3 COVID-19 vaccines (February through April 2021).Results: Patients receiving B-cell-depleting immunotherapy may not gain adequate protection from vaccination and may still develop a potentially fatal infection.

Source: Blood AdvancesKey Points: In a cohort of 154 patients with NHL or MM receiving CAR T-cells, clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP) was present in 48%. Although associated with worse prognosis in these patients receiving autologous transplantation, no such association was seen in these patients receiving CAR T. Instead, the authors saw increased rates of complete response and cytokine release syndrome severity in the younger than 60 population. However, there was no difference in progression-free or overall survival, regardless of age. Design: Cohort review of 154 patients with NHL or MM receiving CAR T-cells

Key Points: In two study cohorts, less-intensive therapies increased mortality in each of three risk groups defined by age, comorbidities, and cytogenetics. The differences became nonsignificant after accounting for physician perception of cure, emphasizing the need for a randomized trial.Design: Multicenter retrospective cohort (1,292), 6 institutions, 2008-2012; prospective cohort (695), 13 institutions, 2013 – 2017Connected Content: Fitness for Intensive Chemotherapy: A Continuing Conundrum

After diagnosis during a partial mastectomy, this patient’s estimated blood loss was 58 mL, causing anemia and requiring a red blood cell transfusion along with ventriculoperitoneal drain placement. With a substantive bleeding history before the diagnosis, what would you do next with this patient? Work her up for von Willebrand disease? Do a complete blood count test to look at platelet count, a peripheral smear to look at the morphology of the platelets, and a coagulation profile? Offer genetic testing for fibrinogen disorders? What would your next steps be? Read the full case presentation and expert opinion to see how your peers responded.