Fast Cars and No Brakes: Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation as a Platform for Novel Immunotherapies

AbstractAutologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) is indicated in a number of hematologic malignancies, including multiple myeloma, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and Hodgkin lymphoma. Relapse, however, remains 1 of the main causes of post-ASCT failure, and several strategies are being investigated to decrease the risk of relapse of progression. Recent advances in the treatment of hematological malignancies have included adoptive transfer of genetically modified T cells that express chimeric antigen receptors or T cell receptors, as well the use of checkpoint inhibitors. Early clinical results in nontransplantation patients have been very promising. This review will focus on the use of gene-modified T cells and checkpoint inhibitors in stem cell transplantation

Reduced Intensity Conditioning Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation for Adults with Relapsed and Refractory Mantle Cell Lymphoma: A Single Center Retrospective Analysis in the Rituximab Era

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Ibrutinib Unmasks Critical Role of Bruton Tyrosine Kinase in Primary CNS Lymphoma.

Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) links the B-cell antigen receptor (BCR) and Toll-like receptors with NF-κB. The role of BTK in primary central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma (PCNSL) is unknown. We performed a phase I clinical trial with ibrutinib, the first-in-class BTK inhibitor, for patients with relapsed or refractory CNS lymphoma. Clinical responses to ibrutinib occurred in 10 of 13 (77%) patients with PCNSL, including five complete responses. The only PCNSL with complete ibrutinib resistance harbored a mutation within the coiled-coil domain of CARD11, a known ibrutinib resistance mechanism. Incomplete tumor responses were associated with mutations in the B-cell antigen receptor-associated protein CD79B

Tightly integrated single‐ and multi‐crystal data collection strategy calculation and parallelized data processing in JBluIce beamline control system

Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/109583/1/S1600576714022730.pd

Off-Resonance Control and All-Optical Switching: Expanded Dimensions in Nonlinear Optics

The theory of non-resonant optical processes with intrinsic optical nonlinearity, such as harmonic generation, has been widely understood since the advent of the laser. In general, such effects involve multiphoton interactions that change the population of each input optical mode or modes. However, nonlinear effects can also arise through the input of an off-resonant laser beam that itself emerges unchanged. Many such effects have been largely overlooked. Using a quantum electrodynamical framework, this review provides detail on such optically nonlinear mechanisms that allow for a controlled increase or decrease in the intensity of linear absorption and fluorescence and in the efficiency of resonance energy transfer. The rate modifications responsible for these effects were achieved by the simultaneous application of an off-resonant beam with a moderate intensity, acting in a sense as an optical catalyst, conferring a new dimension of optical nonlinearity upon photoactive materials. It is shown that, in certain configurations, these mechanisms provide the basis for all-optical switching, i.e., the control of light-by-light, including an optical transistor scheme. The conclusion outlines other recently proposed all-optical switching systems

Multi-centre parallel arm randomised controlled trial to assess the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a group-based cognitive behavioural approach to managing fatigue in people with multiple sclerosis

Abstract (provisional) Background Fatigue is one of the most commonly reported and debilitating symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS); approximately two-thirds of people with MS consider it to be one of their three most troubling symptoms. It may limit or prevent participation in everyday activities, work, leisure, and social pursuits, reduce psychological well-being and is one of the key precipitants of early retirement. Energy effectiveness approaches have been shown to be effective in reducing MS-fatigue, increasing self-efficacy and improving quality of life. Cognitive behavioural approaches have been found to be effective for managing fatigue in other conditions, such as chronic fatigue syndrome, and more recently, in MS. The aim of this pragmatic trial is to evaluate the clinical and cost-effectiveness of a recently developed group-based fatigue management intervention (that blends cognitive behavioural and energy effectiveness approaches) compared with current local practice. Methods This is a multi-centre parallel arm block-randomised controlled trial (RCT) of a six session group-based fatigue management intervention, delivered by health professionals, compared with current local practice. 180 consenting adults with a confirmed diagnosis of MS and significant fatigue levels, recruited via secondary/primary care or newsletters/websites, will be randomised to receive the fatigue management intervention or current local practice. An economic evaluation will be undertaken alongside the trial. Primary outcomes are fatigue severity, self-efficacy and disease-specific quality of life. Secondary outcomes include fatigue impact, general quality of life, mood, activity patterns, and cost-effectiveness. Outcomes in those receiving the fatigue management intervention will be measured 1 week prior to, and 1, 4, and 12 months after the intervention (and at equivalent times in those receiving current local practice). A qualitative component will examine what aspects of the fatigue management intervention participants found helpful/unhelpful and barriers to change. Discussion This trial is the fourth stage of a research programme that has followed the Medical Research Council guidance for developing and evaluating complex interventions. What makes the intervention unique is that it blends cognitive behavioural and energy effectiveness approaches. A potential strength of the intervention is that it could be integrated into existing service delivery models as it has been designed to be delivered by staff already working with people with MS. Service users will be involved throughout this research. Trial registration: Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN7651747

Outcome of Allogeneic Transplantation for Mature T-cell Lymphomas: Impact of Donor Source and Disease Characteristics

Mature T-cell lymphomas constitute the most common indication for allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) of all lymphomas. Large studies evaluating contemporary outcomes of allo-HCT in mature T-cell lymphomas relative to commonly used donor sources are not available. Included in this registry study were adult patients who had undergone allo-HCT for anaplastic large cell lymphoma, angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL), or peripheral T-cell lymphoma not otherwise specified (PTCL-NOS) between 2008 and 2018. Hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) platforms compared were posttransplant cyclophosphamidebased haploidentical (haplo-)HCT, matched sibling donor (MSD) HCT, matched unrelated donor HCT with in vivo T-cell depletion (MUD TCD+), and matched unrelated donor HCT without in vivo T-cell depletion (MUD TCD-). Coprimary end points were overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS); secondary end points included nonrelapse mortality (NRM), and relapse/progression incidence (RI). A total of 1942 patients were eligible (237 haplo-HCT; 911 MSD; 468 MUD TCD+; 326 MUD TCD-). Cohorts were comparable for baseline characteristics with the exception of higher proportions of patients with decreased performance status (PS) and marrow graft recipients in the haplo-HCT group. Using univariate and multivariate comparisons, OS, PFS, RI, and NRM were not significantly different among the haplo-HCT, MSD, MUD TCD+, and MUD TCD- cohorts, with 3-year OS and PFS of 60%, 63%, 59%, and 64%, respectively, and 50%, 50%, 48%, and 52%, respectively. Significant predictors of inferior OS and PFS on multivariate analysis were active disease status at HCT and decreased PS. AITL was associated with significantly reduced relapse risk and better PFS compared with PTCL-NOS. Allo-HCT can provide durable PFS in patients with mature T-cell lymphoma (TCL). Outcomes of haplo-HCT were comparable to those of matched donor allo-HCT