Aim. To study the quality of life and symptoms, to assess the clinical effect and treatment safety in relapsed/refractory classical Hodgkin’s lymphoma (r/r cHL) patients treated with brentuximab vedotin (BV) as > 3rd-line therapy in the context of real clinical practice. Materials & Methods. The study enrolled 62 r/r cHL patients after the second- and subsequent-line chemotherapies, who are either ineligible for autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (auto-HSCT) at the time of their enrollment into the study or after the failure of high-dose chemotherapy (HDCT) with auto-HSCT. The median age was 31 years; 46.8 % of patients were women. The patients received BV 1.8 mg/kg intravenously every 3 weeks. Clinical parameters, quality of life, and symptoms were assessed prior to BV therapy and in 3, 6, 9, 12, and 15 months after therapy onset. The RAND SF-36 form was used to assess the quality of life, and the ESAS-R tool was applied to report on symptoms. Results. Objective response was observed in 68.3 % of patients, 40 % out of them showed complete response. The median progression-free survival was 10.6 months (95% confidence interval 7.4-12.9 months). Safety profile corresponded to the published data. Adverse events of grade 3/4 were identified in 1.6 % of patients. In the period of 15 months after therapy onset, quality of life improvement or stabilization was reported based on all the scales of RAND SF-36 (GEE, p < 0.001), and symptom relief was shown based on ESAS-R total score (GEE, p < 0.001). Conclusion. In the context of real clinical practice, BV appeared to be effective in r/r cHL patients either after the second- or subsequent-line chemotherapies or after the failure of HDCT with auto-HSCT. The study demonstrated that BV was well tolerated by the patients. BV therapy contributes to the improvement of r/r cHL patients’ quality of life. Positive changes in quality of life and symptoms on BV therapy testify to its patient-assessed efficacy and safety.

Aim. To assess the efficacy, safety, and tolerance of gemtuzumab ozogamicin (GO) combined with FLAG/FLAG-Ida chemotherapy or azacitidine in patients with relapsed/refractory acute myeloblastic leukemia (AML) in clinical practice. Materials & Methods. The study included 32 patients (16 men and 16 women). The median age was 44 years (range 23-83 years). Among them there were 15 (46.8 %) patients with refractory and 17 (53.2 %) patients with relapsed AML. GO combined with FLAG/FLAG-Ida was administered to 15 (46.8 %) patients, whereas 17 (53.2 %) patients were treated with GO and azacitidine combination. Therapy safety was assessed according to CTCAE v. 5.0. Results. Overall response rate including complete remission (CR), CR MRD-, CR with incomplete hematologic recovery, and morphologic leukemia-free status was 59.4 % (19/32). Refractoriness was observed in 31.25 % (10/32) of patients. Early mortality was 9.4 % (3/32). Overall response was 64.7 % (11/17) in the azacitidine and 53.3 % (8/15) in the FLAG/FLAG-Ida groups. In 4 (80 %) out of 5 patients with prior to FLAG treatment refractoriness, the response was achieved after GO + azacitidine therapy. In 58.9 % (10/17) of patients who received GO + azacitidine therapy, allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) could be performed. The incidence of GO infusion complications in the tested groups did not significantly differ (p = 0.72) and was 46.7 % (7/15) (40 % with grade 1/2 and 6.7 % with grade 3) in the GO + FLAG/FLAG-Ida group and 35.3 % (6/17) (29.4 % with grade 1/2 and 5.9 % with grade 4) in the GO + azacitidine group. In the GO + FLAG/FLAG-Ida group 5 (33.3 %) patients experienced serious adverse events (SAE) of sepsis. In the GO + azacitidine group SAEs were reported in 6 (35.3 %) patients: 4 (66.6 %) with sepsis, 1 (16.7 %) with acute cardiovascular failure, and 1 (16.7 %) with acute respiratory failure. The median (range) duration was 23 (10-39) days for neutropenia grade 4, 24 (11-38) days for neutropenia grade 3, 21 (11-41) days for thrombocytopenia grade 4, 26 (16-45) days for thrombocytopenia grade 3, and 25 (22-45) days for thrombocytopenia grade 1/2. Thrombocytopenia duration was longer in patients with GO + FLAG/FLAG-Ida therapy, however, no significant differences were identified. No cases of veno-occlusive liver disease were reported. Median overall survival (OS) for both groups (n = 32) was 31.4 months, median disease-free survival (n = 21) was 13.3 months. In the group of patients with effective treatment, the median OS was not reached. In non-responders, it was 18 months (р = 0.0442). Conclusion. GO combined with FLAG/FLAG-Ida chemotherapy or azacitidine proved effective in relapsed/refractory AML patients. Remission did not appear to be associated with ELN risk, gender, age, CD33 expression, number of prior therapy lines, or number of relapses. GO + azacitidine combination showed efficacy, safety, and good tolerance in patients with prior high-dose chemotherapy refractoriness as well as low ECOG performance status. That allowed for the subsequent allo-HSCT administration to these patients. There was no significant difference between the groups of patients in the incidence of hematologic, non-hematologic toxicity, and time to hematologic recovery. Thrombocytopenia duration was longer in patients with GO + FLAG/FLAG-Ida therapy which is consistent with literature data. GO-based effective treatment in relapsed/refractory AML considerably improves OS: during 36 months of follow-up the median was not reached.

Myeloid sarcoma, also known as chloroma or granulocytic sarcoma, is a rare disease characterized by the proliferation of immature myeloid cells in extramedullary lesions. Chloroma is more commonly observed in patients with acute myeloid leukemias, other myeloproliferative neoplasms, or myelodysplastic syndrome. However, it can also manifest itself as solitary tumor. Sarcoma can develop in different organs and tissues, but most frequently it appears in lymph nodes, soft tissues, and bones. Myeloid sarcoma with primary gynecological lesion is very rarely mentioned. In literature cases of cervical lesions are described. The present article summarizes the literature data concerning different aspects of myeloid sarcoma diagnosis and treatment. The issue under discussion is the role of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery, and bone marrow transplantation in the treatment of this malignant tumor. It appears that whatever the primary tumor localization, the best treatment options are chemotherapy and allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (allo-BMT). A promising trend is the use of novel targeted drugs improving outcomes of treatment. The article provides a case report of a female patient with cervical myeloid sarcoma and concomitant bone marrow involvement, as well as the description of clinical course, diagnosis, and treatment. The patient received chemotherapy with subsequent allo-BMT. The pre-transplant therapy enabled allo-BMT with the deepest response possible. The patient achieved PET-and MRD-negative complete remission of cervical myeloid sarcoma and bone marrow.

Background. FLT3 gene is an important prognostic molecular marker in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). However, the detection of FLT3 mutations presents a challenge. Aim. To compare techniques used for the detection of FLT3 mutations, and to develop a test-system based on polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for quick and reliable determination of FLT3 mutation status. Materials & Methods. Bone marrow samples obtained from AML patients were subjected to examination. To detect FLT3-ITD and FLT3-TKD mutations PCR was performed with subsequent agarose gel electrophoresis visualization. The results were verified by Sanger sequencing. The data obtained using our test-system were compared with widely applied commercial kit ‘FLT3 Mutation Assay for Gel Detection’ by Invivoscribe. Results. To determine the FLT3 mutation status a PCR test was developed. This technique was validated on 22 bone marrow samples obtained from AML patients. FLT3-ITD mutation was detected in 4 patients, 3 patients showed FLT3-TKD mutation. In 1 patient both mutations were identified. These results fully corresponded to the molecular genetic analysis of FLT3, performed by ‘FLT3 Mutation Assay for Gel Detection’. The chosen technique was validated using Sanger sequencing data analysis. Conclusion. The article offers the review of all existing FLT3 mutation screening techniques and describes the experience of developing the PCR test for FLT3-ITD and FLT3-TKD mutation detection. The chosen technique is affordable and easy to use compared with the others. This study can be used as a guide for both doctors and researchers.

Aim. To assess the efficacy of FLAG/FLAG-Ida regimen and to identify factors that influence remission, duration of disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) of patients with relapsed/refractory acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Materials & Methods. The trial included 54 patients (28 men and 26 women), median age was 37 years (range 18–70 years). 27 (50 %) out of 54 patients had refractory AML and 27 (50 %) patients had relapsed AML. FLAG and FLAG-Ida regimens were administered as induction therapy. 37 (68.5 %) patients received bone marrow transplantation. Molecular genetic and cytogenetic examinations were performed prior to therapy and on the 28th day after the start of treatment. WT1 gene expression was evaluated on the 14th–16th day of treatment. Results. Complete remission (CR) was achieved in 42 (77.8 %) out of 54 patients. Refractoriness to therapy was observed in 9 (16.7 %) out of 54 patients, mortality was 5.5 % (3/54). Remission rate was higher in patients with relapsed AML compared with refractory AML: 85.2 % (23/27) and 70.4 % (19/27), respectively. On the 14th–16th day of treatment patients with blast cell count ≥ 10 % in bone marrow (BM) showed significantly lower CR rate (60 %) compared with the group of patients with < 10 % blast cells in BM (89.6 %; p = 0.024) and shorter DFS (median 7.6 vs. 17.6 months, respectively; p = 0.03). Median DFS in patients with WT1 expression reduction to < 1 log on the 14th–16th day was 5 vs. 18 months in patients without WT1 expression reduction (p = 0.01). DFS varied in groups of patients with blast cell count < 10 % in BM on the 14th–16th day of treatment based on the level of WT1 expression reduction (p = 0.04). MRD-negative patients (57.1 %) showed significantly longer DFS and OS compared with MRD-positive patients (median DFS was 17.6 vs. 5.2 months, respectively, p = 0.02; median OS was 19 vs. 6.9 months, p = 0.0002). Median DFS and OS were different only in ELN low- and high-risk groups (median not reached vs. 5.2 months, respectively, p = 0.039; median not reached vs. 10.2 months, p = 0.039). Conclusion. FLAG and FLAG-Ida are effective and safe regimens in the treatment of relapsed/refractory AML. Achieving remission depends on neither the risk group nor the time of relapse occurrence. The blast cell count in BM on the 14th–16th day of FLAG/FLAG-Ida treatment is a prognostic factor determining achievement and duration of remission. WT1 expression level in the early post-induction period is a sensitive DFS marker. MRD status and molecular genetic risk (ELN) group affiliation are essential prognostic factors determining DFS and OS.

Aim. To assess the efficacy of FLAG/FLAG-Ida regimen and to identify factors that influence remission, duration of disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) of patients with relapsed/refractory acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Materials & Methods. The trial included 54 patients (28 men and 26 women), median age was 37 years (range 18-70 years). 27 (50 %) out of 54 patients had refractory AML and 27 (50 %) patients had relapsed AML. FLAG and FLAG-Ida regimens were administered as induction therapy. 37 (68.5 %) patients received bone marrow transplantation. Molecular genetic and cytogenetic examinations were performed prior to therapy and on the 28th day after the start of treatment. WT1 gene expression was evaluated on the 14th-16th day of treatment. Results. Complete remission (CR) was achieved in 42 (77.8 %) out of 54 patients. Refractoriness to therapy was observed in 9 (16.7 %) out of 54 patients, mortality was 5.5 % (3/54). Remission rate was higher in patients with relapsed AML compared with refractory AML: 85.2 % (23/27) and 70.4 % (19/27), respectively. On the 14th-16th day of treatment patients with blast cell count ≥ 10 % in bone marrow (BM) showed significantly lower CR rate (60 %) compared with the group of patients with < 10 % blast cells in BM (89.6 %; p = 0.024) and shorter DFS (median 7.6 vs. 17.6 months, respectively; p = 0.03). Median DFS in patients with WT1 expression reduction to < 1 log on the 14th-16th day was 5 vs. 18 months in patients without WT1 expression reduction (p = 0.01). DFS varied in groups of patients with blast cell count < 10 % in BM on the 14th-16th day of treatment based on the level of WT1 expression reduction (p = 0.04). MRD-negative patients (57.1 %) showed significantly longer DFS and OS compared with MRD-positive patients (median DFS was 17.6 vs. 5.2 months, respectively, p = 0.02; median OS was 19 vs. 6.9 months, p = 0.0002). Median DFS and OS were different only in ELN low- and high-risk groups (median not reached vs. 5.2 months, respectively, p = 0.039; median not reached vs. 10.2 months, p = 0.039). Conclusion. FLAG and FLAG-Ida are effective and safe regimens in the treatment of relapsed/refractory AML. Achieving remission depends on neither the risk group nor the time of relapse occurrence. The blast cell count in BM on the 14th-16th day of FLAG/FLAG-Ida treatment is a prognostic factor determining achievement and duration of remission. WT1 expression level in the early post-induction period is a sensitive DFS marker. MRD status and molecular genetic risk (ELN) group affiliation are essential prognostic factors determining DFS and OS.

Background. Acute myeloblastic leukemia (AML) with NPM7 mutation amounts to 30 % of all AML and is characterized by good prognosis with the exception of cases with FLT3-/TD mutation. Despite the good prognosis, the likelihood of relapses in patients with NPM7 mutation may significantly differ. Thus, the estimation of the minimal residual disease (MRD) after chemotherapy and during follow-up is becoming increasingly important. This approach will make it possible to predict the sensitivity of a tumoral clone to chemotherapy. Aim. To evaluate the prognostic value of highly specific marker (NPM7 mutation) and non-specific marker (WT1 overexpression) of MRD, as well as to identify the correlation between the levels of NPM7 and WT7 at different stages of therapy and in the follow-up period. Materials & Methods. The research included 14 patients with AML. All patients had the NPM7 mutation and WT7 overexpression: 50 % of patients had additional molecular markers (BAALC overexpression, FLT3-/TD, DNMT3A, and MLL mutations). Real-time PCR was used for long-term monitoring of WT7 expression levels and NPM7 mutation. Results. The median decrease of NPM7 levels after the induction therapy was 3 log. All patients had relapses, NPM7 mutation, and lower rates of OS/RFS, which significantly correlated with prognostically negative molecular markers. There were no statistically significant differences in RFS in groups with the decrease of WT7 expression level < 2 log and ≥ 2 log on day 28 of treatment. At the same time, the decrease of WT7 expression by > 2 log was associated with significant differences in early relapses, which correlated with the decrease of NPM7 levels (> and < than 3 log) is revealed. RFS rates were higher in patients with WT7 expression level of < 100 per 104 copies ABL on day 28 and WT7 of < 250 per 104 copies ABL on day 14 of treatment. WT7 expression was significantly lower on days 14 and 28 in patients with NPM7 decrease of > 3 log on day 28. The decrease in WT7 expression of < 100 per 104 copies ABL on day 28 was more common in patients with isolated NPM1 mutation, compared to patients with additional negative molecular markers. Conclusion. The decrease in NPM1 levels after the induction therapy may serve as reliable prognostic marker of RFS and OS rates. New correlation between the degree of NPM1 reduction and the presence of additional molecular markers was established. Highly specific (NPM1 mutation) was shown to be more specific compared to non-specific markers ( WT1 overexpression). The research showed the predictive value of a lower limit level of WT1 on day 28 of treatment (100 per 104 copies ABL), and for the first time, the importance of the early assessment WT1 expression reduction on day 14 of induction therapy.

Background. The current approach to treatment of acute myeloblastic leukemia (AML) includes the achievement of maximum tumor reduction and, therefore, eradication of a leukemic clone. The goal of the therapy is to achieve undetectable levels of the target gene, except an isolated molecular rearrangement of RUNX1-RUNX1T1. Aim. To estimate the dynamics of the RUNX1-RUNX1T1 level and relevant clinical manifestations during the monitoring of various stages of the program therapy and after its completion. Methods. The article presents a description of 10 cases of AML with isolated RUNX1-RUNX1T1 expression (n = 4) and the expression in combination with different molecular and cytogenetic abnormalities (n = 6). In addition, a long-term monitoring of the gene expression by quantitative determination of RUNX1-RUNX1T1 using a real-time PCR was presented. Results. The incidence of relapses in a group with a decreased RUNX1-RUNX1T1 expression level of >2 log is 75 % as compared to patients with a less significant reduction of the transcript level (with the relapse incidence equal to 0 %) (p = 0.05). The increase of the RUNX1-RUNX1T1 level against the background of bone marrow remission by more than 1 log coincided with a bone marrow relapse within 5-18 weeks. In addition, long-term persistence of a certain transcript level after the completion of a program therapy without relapse is possible. Conclusion. The study analyzed possible molecular background of different clinical outcomes of long-term persistence of the RUNX1-RUNX1T1 transcript that might lead to an individualized approach to AML patients.