Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation: A Breakthrough in Treating Synchronous Hematologic Malignancies

Introduction

Case Overview

A 44-year-old woman was diagnosed with persistent mild neutropenia, leading to further examination. A bone marrow biopsy revealed myelodysplastic syndrome with an excess of blasts type 2 (MDS-EB type 2) and an associated smoldering myeloma. Given the high-risk nature of the disease, an allogeneic HCT was considered the most viable curative option.

The Transplant Approach

  • Pre-Transplant Treatment: The patient underwent five courses of subcutaneous Azacitidine therapy, which led to a reduction in both blastic and plasma-cell infiltrates.
  • Donor Selection: A 10/10 HLA-matched unrelated donor was identified through the Bone Marrow Donor Registry.
  • Conditioning Regimen: The patient received a customized conditioning protocol, including Melphalan, Thiotepa, Busulfan, and Fludarabine, to optimize transplant success.
  • Transplantation: On day 0, 1.8 × 10⁶/kg CD34+ cells were infused, followed by standard graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) prophylaxis with cyclosporine A, ATG, and methotrexate.

Post-Transplant Recovery & Long-Term Outcomes

  • The patient experienced only mild skin-limited grade I GvHD, which resolved spontaneously.
  • Over time, bone marrow examinations confirmed hematopoietic recovery, with no evidence of blasts or dysplasia.
  • Progressive donor chimerism was achieved, with plasma-cell infiltrate gradually decreasing until complete resolution in January 2021.
  • Notably, the patient’s Bence Jones proteinuria assessment turned negative, and serum free light chain ratios showed continued improvement.

Significance of the Study

This case underscores the complexity of treating synchronous hematologic malignancies and reinforces the critical role of allogeneic HCT in disease management. The success of the graft-versus-myeloma effect without severe GvHD demonstrates the potential for personalized conditioning regimens.

Further Reading & References

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