Актуальность. В арсенал стандартного и эффективного лечения волосатоклеточного лейкоза (ВКЛ) входят аналоги пурина, интерферон-α (ИФН-α) и спленэктомия. Особой клинической проблемой остаются первично-резистентное течение ВКЛ и ранние рецидивы (в течение 2–3 лет после достижения ремиссии). Миелотоксичность кладрибина, медленная реализация эффекта ИФН-α делают невозможным применение этих препаратов при глубокой нейтропении/агранулоцитозе (особенно при наличии инфекционных осложнений), а также у пациентов с аллергическими реакциями/непереносимостью ИФН-α. Цель. Представить собственный опыт применения ингибитора B-RAF-киназы вемурафениба при ВКЛ с мутацией BRAFV600E у пациентов с резистентным течением болезни и наличием противопоказаний к стандартной терапии. Материалы и методы. В исследование включено 39 больных ВКЛ в возрасте 24–78 лет (медиана 55 лет). Женщин было 13, мужчин — 26. ВКЛ устанавливали в соответствии с рекомендациями ВОЗ 2017 г. Вемурафениб применяли в дозе 240 мг 1–2 раза в сутки в течение 3 мес. Анализу подвергнуты три группы пациентов: с ранними рецидивами и резистентным течением ВКЛ (n = 7), с глубокой нейтропенией/агранулоцитозом (с наличием инфекционных осложнений и без таковых, n = 29), с непереносимостью ИФН-α (n = 3). Результаты. У 6 (86 %) из 7 пациентов 1-й группы (с ранними рецидивами и резистентным течением ВКЛ) проведен полный курс терапии, включавшей вемурафениб с последующей стандартной химиотерапией кладрибином и далее с введением ритуксимаба с целью консолидации. Полная ремиссия достигнута у 5 (71 %) пациентов, частичная — у 1 (14 %). У 7-го пациента эффекта не достигнуто. У 28 (97 %) из 29 пациентов 2-й группы с глубокой нейтропенией/агранулоцитозом получен эффект с восстановлением показателей гемограммы, что позволило в дальнейшем провести базовый курс лечения кладрибином. У 1 пациента вемурафениб оказался неэффективным. У 3 пациентов из 3-й группы с непереносимостью ИФН-α вемурафениб применялся в качестве предшествующего этапа перед проведением курса кладрибина. После терапии кладрибином у 2 (67 %) пациентов достигнута полная ремиссия, у 1 (33 %) — частичная. Заключение. При ВКЛ с мутацией BRAFV600E вемурафениб в малых дозах может быть эффективным у пациентов с рецидивами и резистентным течением болезни, а также в период глубокой нейтропении с угрожающими жизни инфекционными осложнениями. Кроме того, вемурафениб используется при непереносимости ИФН-α в качестве предшествующего этапа лечения ВКЛ с мутацией BRAFV600E перед проведением базового курса кладрибина.

Introduction . Thanks to scientific advances and discoveries in the study of tumor cell biology, new effective drugs for the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia/ small lymphocytic lymphoma have emerged. Currently, there are drugs with different application points at the molecular level. One such drug is acalabrutinib, which is a selective second-generation inhibitors of Bruton tyrosine kinase and has a more favorable toxicity profile. Objective . To evaluate the efficacy of acalabrutinib in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma. Materials and methods . Since February 2020 acalabrutinib (100 mg 2 p/day orally) has been administered to 7 patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (mean age 64 years) at the Hematology Research Center. Six patients received acalabrutinib in 1st-line therapy and one patient received acalabrutinib in 2nd-line therapy. The mean comorbidity index (CIRS) of the patients was 10 points (range, 8 to 14). Most patients had at least one of the adverse prognostic factors - IGHV nonmutated gene status, TP53 gene aberration (del17p13 and/or TP53 gene mutation), complex karyotype disorders. Results . All patients achieved partial remission of the disease (overall response 100% in the form of regression of B-symptoms, lymphocytic leukocytosis, splenomegaly) at the control period of treatment with acalabrutinib +12 months. The most frequent adverse events when taking acalabrutinib were the occurrence of headache in the first month of taking the drug, spontaneous subcutaneous hematomas. No hematologic toxicity, infectious complications, or cardiac complications were noted. At a median follow-up of 34 months, no patient showed disease progression. Conclusions . The selective Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitor acalabrutinib has demonstrated high efficacy in patients with adverse risk factors, good tolerability and minimal toxicity, including in comorbid patients.

Background. The standard and effective treatment of hairy cell leukemia (HCL) involves purine analogs, interferon-а (IFN-а) administration, and splenectomy. However, primary resistant HCL and early relapses (within 2-3 years after achieving remission) remain clinical challenges. Due to myelotoxicity of cladribine and slow effect of IFN-а, these drugs can be administered neither in deep neutropenia/agranulocytosis patients (especially in case of infectious complications) nor in patients with IFN-а allergy/intolerance. Aim. To report clinical experience with vemurafenib, a B-RAF inhibitor, in HCL with BRAFV600E mutation in treatment-resistant patients with contraindications to standard therapy. Materials & Methods. The study enrolled 39 HCL patients aged 24-78 years (median 55 years), 13 women and 26 men. HCL was diagnosed in accordance with the WHO 2017 criteria. Vemurafenib 240 mg was administered once or twice a day within 3 months. Three groups of patients were analyzed: those with early relapses and resistant HCL (n = 7), those with deep neutropenia/agranulocytosis (with and without infectious complications, n = 29), and those with IFN-а intolerance (n = 3). Results. In 6 (86 %) out of 7 patients from group 1 (with early relapses and resistant HCL) a complete course of treatment was carried out, which included vemurafenib with subsequent standard cladribine chemotherapy and further consolidation with rituximab. Complete remission was achieved in 5 (71 %) patients, and partial remission was achieved in 1 (14 %) patient. The 7th patient was a non- responder. In 28 (97 %) out of 29 patients from group 2 with deep neutropenia/agranulocytosis, hematologic recovery was reported which allowed for further basic treatment with cladribine. In 1 patient vemurafenib appeared to be ineffective. In 3 patients from group 3 with IFN-а intolerance, vemurafenib administration was used as a stage of treatment preceding cladribine therapy. Cladribine treatment resulted in complete remission in 2 (67 %) patients and partial remission in 1 (33 %) patient. Conclusion. In HCL with BRAFV600E mutation, low-dose vemurafenib can be effective in patients with relapsed/refrac- tory disease as well as deep neutropenia with life-threatening infectious complications. In addition to that, vemurafenib administration can be used in cases of IFN-а intolerance as a stage of treatment of HCL with BRAFV600E mutation which precedes the basic cladribine therapy.

Синдром Казабаха-Мерритт (СКМ) — редкое заболевание, для которого характерно сочетание наличия сосудистой опухоли (гемангиомы) и изменений в лабораторных анализах: глубокая тромбоцитопения, гипофибриногенемия, коагулопатия потребления и повышение уровня D-димера. Диагностика СКМ представляет определенные сложности и основывается не только на выявлении характерных клинико-лабораторных особенностей, но и на результатах гистологического исследования сосудистой опухоли. Нами описаны 2 редких клинических случая выявления симптомокомплекса Казабаха-Мерритт у взрослых пациентов и пути терапевтической стратегии. Анализ проведенного лечения показал, что хирургическое лечение сопряжено с высоким риском и не привело к улучшению лабораторных параметров крови, а применение лекарственной терапии эффективно и безопасно. Kasabach-Merritt syndrome (KMS) is a rare disease characterized by a combination of vascular tumor (hemangioma) and changes in laboratory tests — deep thrombocytopenia, hypofibrinogenemia, consumptive coagulopathy and increased D-dimer level. Diagnostics of KMS presents certain difficulties and based not only on the identification of characteristic clinical and laboratory features, but also on the results of histological examination of a vascular tumor. We report two rare clinical cases of KMS in adult patients and ways of therapeutic strategy. Treatment analysis showed that surgical therapy was highly riskily and did not result in improvement of the laboratory blood parameters, while the use of drug therapy was effective and safe.

Cytopenia commonly occurs in case of chronic lymphocytic leukemia. It can either precede the diagnosis of chronic lymphocytic leukemia or appear at any time during the disease. Autoimmune hemolytic anemia, immune thrombocytopenia, and partial red cell aplasia are most often found among cytopenias in chronic lymphocytic leukemia. At the same time, the development of cytopenia may be associated with the displacement of normal hematopoiesis cells by tumor lymphocytes. It is very important to accurately diagnose and identify the cause of cytopenia in chronic lymphocytic leukemia, since the prognosis and therapy differ significantly.

Background. Follicular lymphoma (FL) is the most common type of indolent lymphomas and accounts for 20–30 % of all non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas detected. High risk of recurrence and elderly patients make it difficult to choose induction therapy for FL. The R–B course in comparison with the R–CHOP course increases the progressive free survival (PFS) of FL patients and is less toxic. International studies have not studied the efficacy and toxicity of the R–B course due to various cytological types of FL.Aim of the study – assessment of the effectiveness and toxicity of the R–B course (with R support) in general and depending on the different cytological types of FL, the assessment of overall survival (OS) and PFS (adverse events: progression, relapse, death); identification of risk factors for an adverse event in general and death, in particular. The main endpoint of this study is selected BPV.Materials and methods. We performed a prospective, multicenter, open-label trial in Russia since June 1, 2013 till June 1, 2018. The study included 74 patients with FL. Median age of patients was 59 years (from 30 to 78 years). Treatment was completed in 66 patients, so this group of patients was analyzed. Ratio between men and women was 1:2. 32/66 of patients (48 %) were older than 60 years old. Patients received rituximab 375 mg/m2 on day 1 and bendamustine 90 mg/m2 on days 1 and 2 of a 4-week cycle (6 cycles). 49/66 (74 %) of patients were diagnosed with FL grade 1, 10/66 (15 %) – grade 2, 7/66 (11 %) – grade 3A. 34/66 (52 %) patients had nodular tumor growth type, 28/66 (42 %) – nodular-diffuse, 4/66 (6 %) – diffuse. High risk according to FLIPI had 25/59 (42 %) of patients with cytologic grade of FL 1–2 and 7/7 (100 %) of patients with FL grade 3A. Extranodal lesions were revealed in 26/66 (39 %) of cases: in 4/66 of cases – orbit, in 2/66 – parotid gland, in 5/66 – lungs, in 4/66 – intestines, in 2/66 – stomach, 2/66 – pancreas, 2/66 – uterus, 2/66 – skin, 1/66 – subcutaneous tissue, 3/66 – vertebrae, in 1/66 – latticed maze and nasal passages, 1/66 – kidneys, 1/66 – root of the tongue. In 23/26 (88 %) of cases extranodal lesion was revealed in generalized stage of FL (including lymph nodes and bone marrow). Extranodal lesions were found in 37 % of patients with FL grade 1–2, and 57 % with FL grade 3A. Bulky also was observed more frequently in pts with FL grade 3 3/7 (43 %) than in patients with FL grade 1–2 20/59 (34 %). (The risk factors of an adverse event are also its predictors in this study.)Results. Complete remission of disease was achieved in 40/66 (61 %) patients, partial remission – 13/66 (19 %) patients. Tumor progression observed in 11/66 (17 %) cases, patients were withdrawn from the protocol. А partial tumor response was achieved in 2/66 cases (3 %) and patients received high-dose therapy after 4 courses of R–B. Five-year (as well as the 3-year) overall survival (OS) of all patients (n = 66) in R–B was 90 % (95 % confidence interval (CI) 78–96), 5-year PFS – 70 % (95 % CI 55–85) and a 3-year PFS – 75 % (95 % CI 60–89). The cumulative incidence of relapse (considering competing risks of progression and death) at the 3th year after initiation of treatment was 11 % (95 % CI 3–19). The following independent statistically significant (p ≤0.05) predictors of PFS (measured in the onset of the disease) were determined (as a result of a stepwise multivariate cox regression analysis): 1) cytological type of tumor (only type 3A is significant); 2) involvement of nodal zones (more than 4); 3) presence of a conglomerate of tumor lymph nodes larger than 6 cm (bulky); 4) Ki-67 protein expression (more than 35 %). The first 3 characteristics (as well as the sign «presence of extranodal foci», close to the level of significance) are independent statistically significant predictors of OS. In the single factor analysis the following characteristics (besides the above) were significant: index FLIPI (significant only 5 points against all others), bone marrow damage, β2-microglobulin (more than 2.2 mg/L), age (over 68 years) and hemoglobin (less than 110 g/dL).Conclusion 1. The independent negative predictors of OS and PFS in follicular lymphoma were determined. 2. Of the predictors of an adverse event identified, the greatest risk (as a result of a multivariate analysis) is associated with a 3A cytological type of tumor. 3. The FLIPI index has a predictive value not only for the determination of OS, but also for the PFS (moreover, in reduced dichotomous form: 5 points against all the others combined). 4. An increase in the time interval between the first manifestations of follicular lymphoma (lymph node enlargement / appearance of a tumor formation) and the start of therapy beyond a certain threshold value (estimated to be approximately 22 months) is associated (according to the results of univariate analysis) with an increased risk of an adverse event. One of the reasons for the increase in this time interval is associated with expectant medical tactics adopted during the slow development of the clinical picture of the disease. The obtained result shows that the low rate of development of the clinical picture of the disease does not correlate with the low risk of adverse events, and, therefore, cannot be a determining factor when deciding whether to start treatment. 5. The morphology of the tumor is the determining factor in the choice of induction therapy. 6. After achieving full/partial remission of FL, there is a constant risk of recurrence of the disease (by the age of 3 from the termination of treatment, the risk is 11 % (95 % CI 3–19)). 7. The R–B course effectively sanitizes the bone marrow. 8. The R–B allows performing stem cells mobilization and autoSCT that is actual in FL patients with bone marrow involvement. 9. The treatment regimen of R–B is effective and has a relatively low toxicity, so it is advisable in the treatment of elderly patients.

AIMTo characterize a group of patients with follicular lymphoma (FL) with leukemization and to evaluate the efficiency of different therapy options (R-CHOP/R-FMC/high-dose chemotherapy (HDCT)).SUBJECTS AND METHODS18 (7.2%) out of 250 patients diagnosed with FL, who were examined and treated at the National Research Center for Hematology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, were found to have leukemic FL (tumor cells in the peripheral blood smears were detected by cytology and flow cytofluorometry. Eight of the 18 patients had extranodal foci of involvement: lung, stomach, spleen, lumbar muscles, upper jaw, and vertebrae. Bone marrow was involved in 17 of the 18 patients. Tumor biopsy specimens displayed a morphological pattern of indolent FL in the majority of patients (10 of the 18 patients had cytological grade 1-2 tumors and 14 patients had a nodular or nodular-diffuse tumor growth pattern). The patients underwent R-CHOP/R-FMC) or HDCT cycles as first-line therapy, followed by autologous stem cell transplantation (auto-SCT).RESULTSThe median follow-up was 66 months (range 12-217 months). The 5-year overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) rates were 70% (10% SEM) and 35% (15% SEM), respectively. The median OS was not reached; the median PFS was 3 years.CONCLUSIONLeukemic FL is characterized by low OS and PFS rates. The most effective chemotherapy regimens were R-CHOP, followed by HDCT and auto-SCT in first remission or R-FMC. These cycles can to a greater extent achieve a complete eradication of the bone marrow tumor clone. Due to the relapsing course of FL and the aggressiveness of leukemic FL, it is expedient to carry out auto-SCT in first remission.

AIM to evaluate the efficiency of high-dose chemotherapy (HDCT) with further autologous blood stem cell transplantation (auto-BSCT) in the first-line therapy of patients with follicular lymphoma (FL) and poor prognostic factors. SUBJECTS AND METHODS In 2000 to 2015, the National Research Center for Hematology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, performed therapy in 39 patients with FL and poor prognostic factors (a total of 215 patients with FL). The R-CHOP treatment was done as induction therapy. Sequential HCT and further auto-BSCT were performed in 29 (74%) of the 39 patients, who had shown a partial tumor response to the induction therapy or achieved partial remission after 4-6 cycles of CT, but had poor prognostic factors. 22 of the 29 patients underwent auto-BSCT in first-line therapy after induction R-CHOP regimens. Among them, there were 17 men with a median age of 46 years (31-68 years). 21 of the 22 patients were recorded to have Stage IV by the Ann Arbor staging classification. Bulky peritoneal and retroperitoneal tumors larger than 7 cm were detectable at disease onset in 14 of the 22 cases. Two patients were noted to have phenomena of leukemization. 16 patients had bone marrow (BM) involvement. According to the Follicular Lymphoma International Prognostic Index-1 (FLIPI-1), the patients were divided into 3 groups: 1) a low risk (n=5); 2) an intermediate risk (n=3); a high risk (n=14). B-symptoms were observed in 16 cases. 16 patients were diagnosed with cytological grade I-II FL and 6 had grade IIIA. According to the tumor proliferative pattern, the distribution turned out to be as follows: nodular (n=6), nodular-diffuse (n=13), and diffuse (n=3). The proliferative activity index averaged 30% (8-90%). Serum and urine proteins were immmunochemically assayed in 18 cases, out of them 8 patients were diagnosed as having serum β2-microglobulin concentrations above normal as a poor prognostic factor. In 14 of the 22 patients, the activity of lactate dehydrogenase was greater than normal (266-7806 U/l). RESULTS Out of the 22 patients, 20 who have undergone auto-BSCT in first-line therapy are survivors and have remission of the underlying disease: 18 and 2 patients achieved complete and partial remission, respectively. The follow-up period was 7 to 178 months (median, 32 months). After auto-BSCT in the first remission, 2 patients developed disease recurrences: an early recurrence after 9 months in one case and a late recurrence 6 years after completion of therapy in the other. CONCLUSION The first prospective study of intensive therapy for FL in Russia has demonstrated that HDCT with further auto-BSCT in first-line therapy allows complete remission in patients with poor prognostic factors and higher overall and progression-free survival rates.

Background. Follicular lymphoma (FL) is the most common type of indolent lymphomas and accounts for 20–30 % of all non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas detected. High risk of recurrence and elderly patients make it difficult to choose induction therapy for FL. The R–B course in comparison with the R–CHOP course increases the progressive free survival (PFS) of FL patients and is less toxic. International studies have not studied the efficacy and toxicity of the R–B course due to various cytological types of FL. Aim of the study – assessment of the effectiveness and toxicity of the R–B course (with R support) in general and depending on the different cytological types of FL, the assessment of overall survival (OS) and PFS (adverse events: progression, relapse, death); identification of risk factors for an adverse event in general and death, in particular. The main endpoint of this study is selected BPV. Materials and methods. We performed a prospective, multicenter, open-label trial in Russia since June 1, 2013 till June 1, 2018. The study included 74 patients with FL. Median age of patients was 59 years (from 30 to 78 years). Treatment was completed in 66 patients, so this group of patients was analyzed. Ratio between men and women was 1:2. 32/66 of patients (48 %) were older than 60 years old. Patients received rituximab 375 mg/m2 on day 1 and bendamustine 90 mg/m2 on days 1 and 2 of a 4-week cycle (6 cycles). 49/66 (74 %) of patients were diagnosed with FL grade 1, 10/66 (15 %) – grade 2, 7/66 (11 %) – grade 3A. 34/66 (52 %) patients had nodular tumor growth type, 28/66 (42 %) – nodular-diffuse, 4/66 (6 %) – diffuse. High risk according to FLIPI had 25/59 (42 %) of patients with cytologic grade of FL 1–2 and 7/7 (100 %) of patients with FL grade 3A. Extranodal lesions were revealed in 26/66 (39 %) of cases: in 4/66 of cases – orbit, in 2/66 – parotid gland, in 5/66 – lungs, in 4/66 – intestines, in 2/66 – stomach, 2/66 – pancreas, 2/66 – uterus, 2/66 – skin, 1/66 – subcutaneous tissue, 3/66 – vertebrae, in 1/66 – latticed maze and nasal passages, 1/66 – kidneys, 1/66 – root of the tongue. In 23/26 (88 %) of cases extranodal lesion was revealed in generalized stage of FL (including lymph nodes and bone marrow). Extranodal lesions were found in 37 % of patients with FL grade 1–2, and 57 % with FL grade 3A. Bulky also was observed more frequently in pts with FL grade 3 3/7 (43 %) than in patients with FL grade 1–2 20/59 (34 %). (The risk factors of an adverse event are also its predictors in this study.) Results. Complete remission of disease was achieved in 40/66 (61 %) patients, partial remission – 13/66 (19 %) patients. Tumor progression observed in 11/66 (17 %) cases, patients were withdrawn from the protocol. А partial tumor response was achieved in 2/66 cases (3 %) and patients received high-dose therapy after 4 courses of R–B. Five-year (as well as the 3-year) overall survival (OS) of all patients (n = 66) in R–B was 90 % (95 % confidence interval (CI) 78–96), 5-year PFS – 70 % (95 % CI 55–85) and a 3-year PFS – 75 % (95 % CI 60–89). The cumulative incidence of relapse (considering competing risks of progression and death) at the 3th year after initiation of treatment was 11 % (95 % CI 3–19). The following independent statistically significant (p ≤0.05) predictors of PFS (measured in the onset of the disease) were determined (as a result of a stepwise multivariate cox regression analysis): 1) cytological type of tumor (only type 3A is significant); 2) involvement of nodal zones (more than 4); 3) presence of a conglomerate of tumor lymph nodes larger than 6 cm (bulky); 4) Ki-67 protein expression (more than 35 %). The first 3 characteristics (as well as the sign «presence of extranodal foci», close to the level of significance) are independent statistically significant predictors of OS. In the single factor analysis the following characteristics (besides the above) were significant: index FLIPI (significant only 5 points against all others), bone marrow damage, β2-microglobulin (more than 2.2 mg/L), age (over 68 years) and hemoglobin (less than 110 g/dL). Conclusion 1. The independent negative predictors of OS and PFS in follicular lymphoma were determined. 2. Of the predictors of an adverse event identified, the greatest risk (as a result of a multivariate analysis) is associated with a 3A cytological type of tumor. 3. The FLIPI index has a predictive value not only for the determination of OS, but also for the PFS (moreover, in reduced dichotomous form: 5 points against all the others combined). 4. An increase in the time interval between the first manifestations of follicular lymphoma (lymph node enlargement / appearance of a tumor formation) and the start of therapy beyond a certain threshold value (estimated to be approximately 22 months) is associated (according to the results of univariate analysis) with an increased risk of an adverse event. One of the reasons for the increase in this time interval is associated with expectant medical tactics adopted during the slow development of the clinical picture of the disease. The obtained result shows that the low rate of development of the clinical picture of the disease does not correlate with the low risk of adverse events, and, therefore, cannot be a determining factor when deciding whether to start treatment. 5. The morphology of the tumor is the determining factor in the choice of induction therapy. 6. After achieving full/partial remission of FL, there is a constant risk of recurrence of the disease (by the age of 3 from the termination of treatment, the risk is 11 % (95 % CI 3–19)). 7. The R–B course effectively sanitizes the bone marrow. 8. The R–B allows performing stem cells mobilization and autoSCT that is actual in FL patients with bone marrow involvement. 9. The treatment regimen of R–B is effective and has a relatively low toxicity, so it is advisable in the treatment of elderly patients.