Objective: To investigate the clinicopathological features of angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma pattern Ⅰ (AITL Pattern Ⅰ). Methods: The clinicopathological data of 11 AITL Pattern Ⅰ cases that were diagnosed at the Beijing Friendship Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University (10 cases) and Beijing Lu Daopei Hospital (1 cases) from January 2019 to October 2021 were retrospectively collected. Immunophenotype, Epstein-Barr virus infection status and T cell receptor (TCR) clonality of the tumor cells were tested, and clinicopathological features of cases were analyzed. Results: Among the 11 AITL Pattern Ⅰ cases, the male to female ratio was 1.2∶1.0. The median age was 59 years (range 47-78 years). Seven cases had B symptoms, while eleven cases presented with systemic lymphadenopathy. According to Ann Arbor system staging, two cases were classified as stage Ⅰ-Ⅱ, and 9 cases as stage Ⅲ-Ⅳ. Hepatosplenomegaly was present in two cases (2/11), three cases (3/11) had skin rash and pruritus, and two cases (2/11) had pleural effusion. Previously, 6 cases (6/11) were diagnosed as reactive hyperplasia, 1 case (1/11) as EBV-associated lymphoproliferative disorder, and 4 cases (4/11) as hyperplasia of lymphoid tissue, which was unable to exclude lymphoma. Histologically, all the 11 cases showed hyperplastic follicles in the paracortical regions with well-formed germinal centers. The hyperplastic follicles showed ill-defined borders and attenuated mantle zones in 7 cases. Mantle zones completely disappeared in 4 cases. The follicles were surrounded by a thin layer of atypical lymphocytes with bright or faintly stained cytoplasm. In 2 cases, the clear cells were located between the germinal centers and the thin residual mantle cell layers, showing a circular growth pattern. The cells were medium in size, with irregular karyotype, coarse chromatin and indistinct nucleoli. Immunohistochemically, CD21 staining showed that the meshworks of follicular dendritic cells(FDC)were mainly confined to the follicles. There was a subtle expansion of the meshworks of FDC in 4 cases with ill-defined borders. The atypical cells surrounding the follicles expressed CD3 (11/11), CD4 (11/11), PD-1 (11/11), CXCL13 (6/11), ICOS (10/11) and CD10 (7/11). PD-1 staining showed a strong perifollicular pattern, and a small number of positive cells were scattered around the high endothelial veins in the interfollicular region. CXCL13, ICOS and CD10 showed similar distribution patterns. EBV-encoded small RNA probe (EBER) in situ hybridization showed that EBER positive B lymphocytes were scattered in the interfollicular region (5-20/HPF) in all cases. T cell receptor gene rearrangement was monoclonal in all cases. Conclusions: Diagnosing AITL Pattern Ⅰ may be challenging and requires comprehensive analysis of clinical manifestations, histological morphology, immunophenotype and gene rearrangement results.
Aged ; Epstein-Barr Virus Infections ; Female ; Herpesvirus 4, Human ; Humans ; Hyperplasia ; Immunoblastic Lymphadenopathy/pathology* ; Lymphoma, T-Cell/pathology* ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neprilysin ; Programmed Cell Death 1 Receptor ; Retrospective Studies

Whether Fanconi anemia (FA) heterozygotes are predisposed to bone marrow failure and hematologic neoplasm is a crucial but unsettled issue in cancer prevention and family consulting. We retrospectively analyzed rare possibly significant variations (PSVs) in the five most obligated FA genes, BRCA2, FANCA, FANCC, FANCD2, and FANCG, in 788 patients with aplastic anemia (AA) and hematologic malignancy. Sixty-eight variants were identified in 66 patients (8.38%). FANCA was the most frequently mutated gene (n = 29), followed by BRCA2 (n = 20). Compared with that of the ExAC East Asian dataset, the overall frequency of rare PSVs was higher in our cohort (P = 0.016). BRCA2 PSVs showed higher frequency in acute lymphocytic leukemia (P = 0.038), and FANCA PSVs were significantly enriched in AA and AML subgroups (P = 0.020; P = 0.008). FA-PSV-positive MDS/AML patients had a higher tumor mutation burden, higher rate of cytogenetic abnormalities, less epigenetic regulation, and fewer spliceosome gene mutations than those of FA-PSV-negative MDS/AML patients (P = 0.024, P = 0.029, P = 0.024, and P = 0.013). The overall PSV enrichment in our cohort suggests that heterozygous mutations of FA genes contribute to hematopoietic failure and leukemogenesis.
Anemia, Aplastic/genetics* ; Epigenesis, Genetic ; Fanconi Anemia/genetics* ; Germ Cells ; Hematologic Neoplasms/genetics* ; Humans ; Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/genetics* ; Retrospective Studies

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect and safety of G-CSF combined with Plerixafor on the mobilization of peripheral blood hematopoietic stem cells from healthy related donors of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). METHODS: It was analyzed retrospectively that the data of peripheral blood hematopoietic stem cells from 33 (observation group) related donors mobilized by G-CSF plus Plerixafor in Hebei Yanda Lu Daopei Hospital from April 2019 to April 2021. Bone marrow and peripheral blood hematopoietic stem cells (PBSCs) of these donors were respectively collected on the fourth and fifth day of G-CSF-induced mobilization. Following the administration of Plerixafor on the night of the fifth day, PBSCs were collected on the sixth day once again. 46 donors using "G-CSF only" mobilization method in the same period were randomly selected as the control and respectively analyzed the differences of CD34+ cell counts on the fifth and the sixth day in two groups. And the donors' adverse reaction to Plerixafor in the form of questionnaire was also observed. Then it was compared that the patients who underwent allo-HSCT in "G-CSF+Plerixafor" group and "G-CSF only" group in terms of acute GVHD at grade I-IV or III-IV, CMV reactivation and EBV reactivation. RESULTS: CD34+ cells count (M±Q) among PBSCs collected on the fifth and the sixth day in the observation group were (1.71±1.02)×10⁶/kg and (4.23±2.33)×10⁶/kg, respectively. CD34+ cell counts on the sixth day was significantly higher than that of the fifth day (P<0.001); While the counterparts in the control group were (2.47±1.60)×10⁶/kg and (1.87±1.37)×10⁶/kg, respectively. By statistical analysis, CD34+ cell counts on the sixth day was significantly less than that of the fifth day (P<0.001). The adverse reaction to Plerixafor for the donors in the study were all grade 1 or 2 (mild or moderate) according to CTCAE 5.0 and disappeared in a short time. The patients who underwent allo-HSCT in the "G-CSF+Plerixafor" group and "G-CSF only" group were not statistically significant in terms of acute GVHD at grade I-IV or III-IV, CMV reactivation and EBV reactivation (P>0.1). CONCLUSION The cell mobilization program of G-CSF combined with Plerixafor is safe and effective for being applied to allo-HSCT. The addition of Plerixafor can significantly increase the number of CD34 postive cells in the PBSC collection. Key words　　; ;
Antigens, CD34 ; Benzylamines ; Cyclams ; Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor ; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Mobilization ; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation ; Hematopoietic Stem Cells ; Heterocyclic Compounds ; Humans ; Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Transplantation ; Retrospective Studies

The new wave of artificial intelligence pushed by deep learning algorithms has dramatically promoted the development of big data analysis technology. On the other hand, advances in life sciences represented by high-throughput genome sequencing have provided massive medical data. Artificial intelligence technology has also provided a powerful tool for hematological malignancy research. This article introduces related research progress in the 61st American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting.

Objective: To analyze the incidence and mutation characteristics of FLT3 gene mutation and clinical efficacy of tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) in patients with mixed phenotype acute leukemia (MPAL). Methods: A total of 48 patients with MPAL who were admitted to Hebei Yanda Lu Daopei Hospital from June 2015 to February 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. The common mutated 58 genes in hematologic malignancies were detected by using amplicon-targeted next generation sequencing, of which internal tandem duplication (ITD) and point mutation occurred in the hotspot region of exon 14, 15 and 20 in FLT3 gene. Multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis was used to detect 35 gene fusions in hematological neoplams. Results: There were 7 cases of FLT3 mutation in 48 MPAL patients, which were all ITD mutations. The median length of the inserts of FLT3-ITD was 48 bp, and one MPAL patient carried 2 multiple length inserts simultaneously, and the median variant allele frequency (VAF) was 40.5% (7.9%-84.7%). There were no statistically significant differences in clinical and genetic characteristics between FLT3 mutation-positive and FLT3 mutation-negative MPAL patients (both P > 0.05). Among 7 FLT3 mutation-positive MPAL patients, 4 cases were often accompanied with RUNX1 mutation. A total of 4 MPAL patients with FLT3-ITD-positive received sorafenib or sunitinib combined chemotherapy, and 3 of them achieved complete remission. Conclusions ITD mutation is the main part in the FLT3 mutation of MPAL patients. FLT3-ITD-positive MPAL patients are often accompanied with RUNX1 mutation, which may benefit from targeted therapy with FLT3 kinase inhibitor.

Transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq) has unique advantages in analyzing gene fusion, splicing mutations, and gene expression profiles. Single-cell RNA-seq provides powerful tools to reveal cellular heterogeneity in normal and tumor tissues. With the widespread application of high-throughput gene sequencing technology and the rapid reduction in cost, RNA-seq is increasingly used in hematological malignancies research. This article introduces the related research progress in conjunction with reports at the 61st American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting.

Objective: To investigate the application of metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) in detection of the rare or difficult-to-cultivate pathogens. Methods: One patient with acute lymphoblastic leukemia who went through allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) developed symptoms of infection after transplantation. Conventional microbial culture, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and mNGS combined with biological information analysis were performed with plasma and cerebrospinal fluid samples, the anti-infective treatment was adjusted according to the test results, and the efficacy was assessed. Results: No suspected pathogens were detected by microbial culture and PCR in the cerebrospinal fluid and plasma samples since the patient developed infection symptoms. However, Legionella pneumophila was analyzed by mNGS in the cerebrospinal fluid specimen on day 23 after allo-HSCT (reads count: 19 655), and it was considered as the principal pathogen after comprehensively evaluating the patient's clinical manifestations and the test results. Then the antimicrobial treatments were adjusted according to the patient's clinical manifestations and laboratory test results, and the number of gene sequences of Legionella pneumophila was monitored by mNGS method. Azithromycin, tigecycline, and other antibiotics effective for Legionella pneumophila were used after detecting this pathogen. A total of 15 mNGS analysis were performed during the 5-month period, and the highest number of Legionella pneumophila sequences monitored in the cerebrospinal fluid was 2 226, the lowest was 253 and eventually turned negative. The clinical symptoms and treatment outcomes were consistent with the mNGS monitoring results. Conclusions The mNGS technology has significant value in detection of the rare and difficult-to-cultivate pathogens. The mNGS technology provides a valuable supplement to microbial culture and PCR methods.

This retrospective analysis aimed to investigate the mutation profile of 16 common mutated genes in de novo acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients. A total of 259 patients who were diagnosed of de novo AML were enrolled in this study. Mutation profiling of 16 candidate genes were performed in bone marrow samples by using Sanger sequencing.We identified at least 1 mutation in 199 of the 259 samples (76.8%), and 2 or more mutations in 31.7% of samples. FLT3-ITD was the most common mutated gene (16.2%, 42/259), followed by CEBPA (15.1%, 39/259), NRAS (14.7%, 38/259), and NPM1 (13.5%, 35/259). Concurrence was observed in 97.1% of the NPM1 mutated cases and in 29.6% of the double mutated CEBPA cases. Distinct patterns of co-occurrence were observed for different hotspot mutations within the IDH2 gene: R140 mutations were associated with NPM1 and/or FLT3-ITD mutations, whereas R172 mutations co-occurred with DNMT3A mutations only. Concurrence was also observed in 86.6% of epigenetic regulation genes, most of which co-occurred with NPM1 mutations. The results showed certain rules in the mutation profiling and concurrence of AML patients, which was related to the function classification of genes. Defining the mutation spectrum and mutation pattern of AML will contribute to the comprehensive assessment of patients and identification of new therapeutic targets.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; CCAAT-Enhancer-Binding Proteins ; genetics ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; China ; DNA Mutational Analysis ; Female ; GTP Phosphohydrolases ; genetics ; Gene Expression Profiling ; Gene Frequency ; Genetic Predisposition to Disease ; Humans ; Kaplan-Meier Estimate ; Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute ; genetics ; Male ; Membrane Proteins ; genetics ; Middle Aged ; Mutation ; Nuclear Proteins ; genetics ; Phenotype ; Retrospective Studies ; Young Adult ; fms-Like Tyrosine Kinase 3 ; genetics

Objective: To analyze the clinical characteristics and prognosis of 34 cases of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with FLT3 internal tandem duplication (FLT3-ITD) and MLL gene rearrangement. Methods: The clinical data of 34 AML patients with FLT3-ITD and MLL gene rearrangement was compared and analyzed for the therapeutic efficacy, prognostic factors when treated with chemotherapy, chemotherapy combined with targeted therapy or allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). Results: Of the thirty-four cases with median age 41 (4-71) years old, 63.6% presented with white blood cells (WBC) greater than 30×10⁹/L, 39.4% greater than 50 × 10⁹/L respectively on admission. M₅ (35.3%) made up the highest proportion. The cytogenetic abnormality reached 61.8%, of which the complex cytogenetic abnormality accounted for 11.8%. Eleven patients (32.35%) had both FLT3-ITD and MLL gene abnormalities. In addition to FLT3 and MLL abnormalities, 23 patients (67.6%) had one or more other gene abnormalities (multiple gene abnormalities). Of the 34 cases, 29.4% patients went into complete remission (CR) after two courses of chemotherapy. 20.6% (7 patients) went into CR after 3 or more courses of chemotherapy. The rate of early relapse in the CR group was 52.9%. Patients with WBC>50×10⁹/L or multiple gene abnormalities had a lower remission rate (7.7%, 5.4%) after two courses of chemotherapy. CR rate for the patients with more than three gene abnormalities was 0. The total 2-year overall survival (OS) in the 34 patients was 28.8% (95% CI 13.5%-46.0%) and the disease-free survival (DFS) was 27.1% (95% CI 12.5%-44.0%). Of the 18 patients treated with chemotherapy alone or chemotherapy combined with targeted therapy, 17 cases died within 2 years and 1 lost follow-up after giving up treatment. For the 16 patients received allo-HSCT, the 3-year OS was 43.4% (95% CI 13.7%-70.4%) and DFS 42.7% (95% CI 13.4%-69.7%). Conclusion AML patients with FLT3-ITD and MLL gene rearrangement often presented with M₅, accompanied by hyperleukocytosis, cytogenetic or multiple gene abnormalities. Those patients were observed to have low response rate and high early relapse when treated with chemotherapy without allo-HSCT. Patients had multiple gene abnormalities may be an important poor prognostic factor. Allo-HSCT is an effective treatment which could significantly improve the prognosis and survival of AML patients with FLT3-ITD and MLL gene abnormalities.

Objective: To analyze the clinical characteristics and prognosis of 34 cases of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with FLT3 internal tandem duplication (FLT3-ITD) and MLL gene rearrangement. Methods: The clinical data of 34 AML patients with FLT3-ITD and MLL gene rearrangement was compared and analyzed for the therapeutic efficacy, prognostic factors when treated with chemotherapy, chemotherapy combined with targeted therapy or allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). Results: Of the thirty-four cases with median age 41 (4-71) years old, 63.6% presented with white blood cells (WBC) greater than 30×10(9)/L, 39.4% greater than 50 × 10(9)/L respectively on admission. M(5) (35.3%) made up the highest proportion. The cytogenetic abnormality reached 61.8%, of which the complex cytogenetic abnormality accounted for 11.8%. Eleven patients (32.35%) had both FLT3-ITD and MLL gene abnormalities. In addition to FLT3 and MLL abnormalities, 23 patients (67.6%) had one or more other gene abnormalities (multiple gene abnormalities). Of the 34 cases, 29.4% patients went into complete remission (CR) after two courses of chemotherapy. 20.6% (7 patients) went into CR after 3 or more courses of chemotherapy. The rate of early relapse in the CR group was 52.9%. Patients with WBC>50×10(9)/L or multiple gene abnormalities had a lower remission rate (7.7%, 5.4%) after two courses of chemotherapy. CR rate for the patients with more than three gene abnormalities was 0. The total 2-year overall survival (OS) in the 34 patients was 28.8% (95% CI 13.5%-46.0%) and the disease-free survival (DFS) was 27.1% (95% CI 12.5%-44.0%). Of the 18 patients treated with chemotherapy alone or chemotherapy combined with targeted therapy, 17 cases died within 2 years and 1 lost follow-up after giving up treatment. For the 16 patients received allo-HSCT, the 3-year OS was 43.4% (95% CI 13.7%-70.4%) and DFS 42.7% (95% CI 13.4%-69.7%). Conclusion: AML patients with FLT3-ITD and MLL gene rearrangement often presented with M(5), accompanied by hyperleukocytosis, cytogenetic or multiple gene abnormalities. Those patients were observed to have low response rate and high early relapse when treated with chemotherapy without allo-HSCT. Patients had multiple gene abnormalities may be an important poor prognostic factor. Allo-HSCT is an effective treatment which could significantly improve the prognosis and survival of AML patients with FLT3-ITD and MLL gene abnormalities.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Gene Rearrangement ; Histone-Lysine N-Methyltransferase ; Humans ; Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute ; Middle Aged ; Myeloid-Lymphoid Leukemia Protein ; Prognosis ; Remission Induction ; Retrospective Studies ; Young Adult ; fms-Like Tyrosine Kinase 3