Leukemia research
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High-dose methylprednisolone is active in treatment of relapsed/refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) but infectious toxicity is serious. The aim of this project was to retrospectively assess efficacy and safety of high-dose dexamethasone combined with rituximab (R-dex) in this setting. ⋯ R-dex appears to be an active and feasible treatment for relapsed/refractory CLL. Infectious toxicity remains an important issue. Further investigation of this regimen in larger studies appears fully warranted.
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Erythropoiesis stimulating agents (ESAs) have been used widely for anemic patients, especially those on dialysis and with cancer. However, reports have suggested shorter survival in erythropoietin (EPO)-treated cancer patients. ⋯ The pendulum that initially swung in the direction of widespread ESA treatment, and then in the direction of no treatment, is swinging back toward a stable position. This review also provides tools to decide how and when to use ESAs safely, according to accepted guidelines.
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We report descriptive data of a home care (HC) program, throughout a 5-years period (2006-2010), focusing on the reliability and the safety of transfusions at home in 211 patients affected by myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). Our results outline the potentially relevant role of a specifically dedicated HC service in the global management of frail MDS patients for which transfusions at home may represent a valuable option to maintain a good quality of life and avoid the possible discomfort due to hospital admissions and outpatient visits.
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Most patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) require transfusions due to chronic anemia. Apart from the acute risks associated with transfusions, chronic anemia and red blood cell (RBC) transfusion dependence impact negatively on survival and quality of life (QoL), and are associated with iron overload, potentially leading to organ damage. ⋯ Therefore, major goals are to prevent or effectively treat anemia. Indeed, innovative drugs have been shown to be effective in achieving transfusion independence by altering the natural course of MDS.