Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Christina Hadjiaggelidou, Eirini Katodritou
Summary: The presence of regulatory T-cells (Tregs) in the immune microenvironment of multiple myeloma (MM) is discussed, emphasizing the importance of the tumor microenvironment in tumor progression. The potential role of Tregs in suppressing anti-tumor immune responses against cancer cells and their prognostic significance in cancer patients remain subjects of debate.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Alba Rodriguez-Garcia, Maria Linares, Maria Luz Morales, Sophie Allain-Maillet, Nicolas Mennesson, Ricardo Sanchez, Rafael Alonso, Alejandra Leivas, Alfredo Perez-Rivilla, Edith Bigot-Corbel, Sylvie Hermouet, Joaquin Martinez-Lopez
Summary: This study reports on the association between HCV infection and the progression of MGUS and MM. The results suggest a causal relationship and show that antiviral treatment can lead to better disease progression. When HCV is eliminated, clonal plasma cells can be controlled, providing new possibilities for the treatment of MGUS and myeloma.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Cirino Botta, Cristina Perez, Marta Larrayoz, Noemi Puig, Maria-Teresa Cedena, Rosalinda Termini, Ibai Goicoechea, Sara Rodriguez, Aintzane Zabaleta, Aitziber Lopez, Sarai Sarvide, Laura Blanco, Daniele M. Papetti, Marco S. Nobile, Daniela Besozzi, Massimo Gentile, Pierpaolo Correale, Sergio Siragusa, Albert Oriol, Maria Esther Gonzalez-Garcia, Anna Sureda, Felipe de Arriba, Rafael Rios Tamayo, Jose-Maria Moraleda, Mercedes Gironella, Miguel T. Hernandez, Joan Bargay, Luis Palomera, Albert Perez-Montana, Hartmut Goldschmidt, Herve Avet-Loiseau, Aldo Roccaro, Alberto Orfao, Joaquin Martinez-Lopez, Laura Rosinol, Juan-Jose Lahuerta, Joan Blade, Maria-Victoria Mateos, Jesus F. San-Miguel, Jose-Angel Martinez Climent, Bruno Paiva
Summary: T cell recognition of tumors is crucial for antitumor immunity. In this study, single-cell RNA and T cell receptor sequencing were used to analyze bone marrow T cells in patients with multiple myeloma. The findings suggest that large T cell clones in multiple myeloma patients exhibit dysfunctional phenotypes and express multiple immune checkpoints. Dual targeting of specific immune checkpoints partially restored the function of these T cells.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Baptiste Le Calvez, Philippe Moreau, Cyrille Touzeau
Summary: ICI monotherapy does not benefit myeloma patients clinically. The combination of ICI with immunomodulatory drugs (IMID) failed to show clinical efficacy and caused increased toxicity. Predictive markers would be useful for selecting patients who would benefit the most from these treatments.
EXPERT OPINION ON INVESTIGATIONAL DRUGS
(2021)
Review
Immunology
Zhigang Yi, Tao Ma, Jia Liu, Wenting Tie, Yanhong Li, Jun Bai, Lijuan Li, Liansheng Zhang
Summary: Multiple myeloma (MM) is a common malignant neoplasm of the hematological system, and its development and progression are influenced by the immune microenvironment. The interaction between the immune microenvironment and tumor cells can both promote tumor development and inhibit it. Studying the relationship between the immune microenvironment and tumors is important for understanding the pathogenesis of MM and developing new therapeutic approaches.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Dawn M. Dudley, Michelle R. Koenig, Laurel M. Stewart, Matthew R. Semler, Christina M. Newman, Phoenix M. Shepherd, Keisuke Yamamoto, Meghan E. Breitbach, Michele Schotzko, Sarah Kohn, Kathleen M. Antony, Hongyu Qiu, Priyadarshini Tunga, Deborah M. Anderson, Wendi Guo, Maria Dennis, Tulika Singh, Sierra Rybarczyk, Andrea M. Weiler, Elaina Razo, Ann Mitzey, Xiankun Zeng, Jens C. Eickhoff, Emma L. Mohr, Heather A. Simmons, Michael K. Fritsch, Andres Mejia, Matthew T. Aliota, Thomas C. Friedrich, Thaddeus G. Golos, Shantha Kodihalli, Sallie R. Permar, David H. O'Connor
Summary: Currently, there are no approved drugs to treat Zika virus infection during pregnancy. However, administering ZIKV-specific human immune globulin has shown promise in controlling the infection and preventing congenital Zika syndrome (CZS) by generating antibodies. Further studies are needed to fully assess the impact of this treatment.
Article
Immunology
Andre F. Rendeiro, Charles Kyriakos Vorkas, Jan Krumsiek, Harjot K. Singh, Shashi N. Kapadia, Luca Vincenzo Cappelli, Maria Teresa Cacciapuoti, Giorgio Inghirami, Olivier Elemento, Mirella Salvatore
Summary: This study investigated the blood metabolomic data of COVID-19 patients using high-throughput targeted nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and high-dimensional flow cytometry. The findings showed significant changes in serum metabolome composition associated with disease severity and response to therapy. The study established a clinically annotated, biologically-interpretable space for precise disease monitoring and characterized the temporal dynamics of metabolomic change and treatment response. The results demonstrate that joint immuno-metabolic measurements can be used for patient stratification and early prediction of severe disease.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Kaili Yang, Heng Dong, Weijun Xiu, Lihui Yuwen, Yongbin Mou, Zhaowei Yin, Bin Liang, Lianhui Wang
Summary: Multifunctional smart hollow Cu2MoS4 nanospheres (H-CMS NSs) were developed as a self-adaptive approach to eliminate biofilms and regulate macrophage inflammation in implant infections. These nanospheres exhibit enzyme-like activities and can generate reactive oxidative species (ROS) to kill bacteria and modulate macrophage polarization. Under ultrasound (US) irradiation, the antibacterial property and POD-like activity of H-CMS NSs can be further enhanced. After biofilm elimination, the H-CMS NSs exhibit catalase (CAT)-like activity to eliminate excessive ROS and promote tissue healing.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Dominika Bebnowska, Rafal Hrynkiewicz, Ewelina Grywalska, Marcin Pasiarski, Barbara Sosnowska-Pasiarska, Iwona Smarz-Widelska, Stanislaw Gozdz, Jacek Rolinski, Paulina Niedzwiedzka-Rystwej
Summary: The article discusses the prognostic value of immune system components in patients with multiple myeloma to aid in the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic directions.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Editorial Material
Medicine, General & Internal
Sham Mailankody, Ola Landgren
Summary: BCMA has been recognized as a prognostic marker in multiple myeloma for over two decades, and is now a major target for various treatments including CAR T cells, antibody drug conjugates, and bispecific antibodies. The rapid translation from preclinical studies to FDA-approved treatments demonstrates significant success in the field.
NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE
(2022)
Review
Oncology
Zhicheng Du, Sumin Zhu, Xi Zhang, Zhiyuan Gong, Shu Wang
Summary: Multiple Myeloma (MM) is the second most common hematological malignancy globally. Current FDA-approved CAR-T cell therapies for MM rely on patients' own T cells, which have limitations such as high costs and long manufacturing times. This review explores the possibility of using other immune cells for anti-BCMA CAR-T therapy to overcome these limitations and achieve off-the-shelf treatment. Some of these alternative cell therapies have shown promising results in clinical trials for MM treatment.
Review
Immunology
Samuel S. McCachren, Kavita M. Dhodapkar, Madhav V. Dhodapkar
Summary: MGUS is a precursor state to MM, providing a unique opportunity to monitor changes in the bone marrow tumor microenvironment. Early use of immune-modulatory drugs may delay progression to clinical MM, emphasizing the importance of understanding the coevolution of immune response and tumors for developing novel immune-based approaches to prevent clinical malignancy effectively.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Oncology
Kazuhito Suzuki, Kaichi Nishiwaki, Shingo Yano
Summary: Improving the immunological environment and eradicating minimal residual disease (MRD) are crucial for long-term survival in multiple myeloma patients. Treatment options such as immunomodulatory drugs, monoclonal antibodies, and stem cell transplantation are important in achieving these goals, but effective strategies for persistent MRD positivity need further research and analysis.
Review
Oncology
Jakub Krejcik, Mike Bogetofte Barnkob, Charlotte Guldborg Nyvold, Thomas Stauffer Larsen, Torben Barington, Niels Abildgaard
Summary: The treatment of multiple myeloma has advanced significantly in the last two decades, especially with the introduction of immunotherapies. Immune dysfunction is a key feature of multiple myeloma, prompting extensive research into treatment and prevention.
Article
Hematology
Zoe McQuilten, Cameron Wellard, Elizabeth Moore, Bradley Augustson, Krystal Bergin, Hilary Blacklock, Simon Harrison, P. Joy Ho, Tracy King, Hang Quach, Peter Mollee, Brian Rosengarten, Patricia Walker, Erica Wood, Andrew Spencer
Summary: This study investigated the frequency and causes of early mortality in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma. An analysis of patient registry data from Australia and New Zealand revealed that 9.1% of patients died within 12 months of diagnosis, with 4.5% of deaths occurring within 6 months. Age, performance status, serum albumin, cardiac disease, and International Staging System were identified as independent predictors of early mortality.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF HAEMATOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Jacinta Perram, Duncan Purtill, Ashish Bajel, Jason Butler, Tracey O'Brien, Benjamin Teh, Nicole Gilroy, Phoebe J. Ho, Richard Doocey, Thomas Hills, Travis Perera, Genevieve Douglas, Shanti Ramachandran, Lynette Chee, Judith Trotman, Robert Weinkove, Steven Keogh, Chris Fraser, Tara Cochrane, Anne-Marie Watson, Peter Diamond, Maya Latimer, Ian Irving, Emily Blyth, Chan Cheah, Theresa Cole, Sam Milliken, Hung Yang, Matthew Greenwood, Peter Bardy, Glen Kennedy, Stephen Larsen, Rachel Conyers, Nada Hamad
Summary: Patients undergoing post-haemopoietic stem cell transplant or CAR-T therapy are at a significant risk of morbidity and mortality from COVID-19 due to their weakened immune system. As COVID-19 cases continue to rise in Australia and New Zealand, guidance specifically tailored to local healthcare systems, medication availability, and emerging therapies is crucial to ensure optimal management of these high-risk patients.
INTERNAL MEDICINE JOURNAL
(2023)
Review
Infectious Diseases
Gemma Reynolds, Beatrice Sim, Mary Ann Anderson, Tim Spelman, Benjamin W. Teh, Monica A. Slavin, Karin A. Thursky
Summary: CAR-T-treated patients with haematological malignancies are at risk of infections, with prior therapies, neutropenia, steroid administration, and immuneeffector cell-associated neurotoxicity being the most associated risk factors. Biochemical markers and cytokine profiles do not reliably predict infections. Predictors of viral, bacterial, and fungal infections are poorly studied.
CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY AND INFECTION
(2023)
Review
Infectious Diseases
Chin Fen Neoh, Wirawan Jeong, David C. M. Kong, Monica A. Slavin
Summary: In the past two decades, there have been urgent needs for new antifungal agents due to the emergence of resistant fungi, the growing at-risk patient populations for invasive fungal diseases (IFD), and the high morbidity and mortality associated with IFD. This review discusses five promising antifungal agents for IFD (i.e. fosmanogepix, ibrexafungerp, olorofim, rezafungin, and opelconazole), currently in late-phase clinical studies and likely to be available for clinical use soon. The mechanisms of action, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties, spectrum of activity, safety, and efficacy data of each agent, including ongoing clinical trials, are described. The potential roles of these novel antifungals in clinical practice and the key considerations for clinical use are also discussed.
EXPERT REVIEW OF ANTI-INFECTIVE THERAPY
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Benjamin Teh, Gemma Reynolds, Monica A. Slavin, Louise Cooley, Matthew Roberts, Eunice Liu, Karin Thursky, Dipti Talaulikar, Peter Mollee, Ferenc Szabo, Chris Ward, Henry Chan, H. Miles Prince, Simon J. Harrison
Summary: This guideline, developed by a multidisciplinary group of clinicians, aims to help manage patients with myeloma and infection. It summarizes the epidemiology and risk factors for infection in patients with myeloma and provides recommendations for the prevention of infection, including screening for latent infection, antimicrobial prophylaxis, immunoglobulin replacement, and vaccination against respiratory infections and other preventable infections. This guideline offers a practical approach to prevent infectious complications and harmonizes the clinical approach to screening, prophylaxis, and vaccination in myeloma patients.
INTERNAL MEDICINE JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
A. Khanina, A. P. Douglas, D. K. Yeoh, M. So, J. Abbotsford, T. Spelman, D. C. M. Kong, M. A. Slavin, K. A. Thursky
Summary: The Antifungal National Antimicrobial Prescribing Survey (AF-NAPS) tool was assessed for its validity and reliability. The tool was found to be generally accurate, but some incorrect classifications were identified. The aim is to address the reasons for incorrect classification through online tools and educational materials.
JOURNAL OF ANTIMICROBIAL CHEMOTHERAPY
(2023)
Letter
Oncology
V. G. Hall, C. Lim, N. R. Saunders, E. Klimevski, T. H. O. Nguyen, L. Kedzierski, J. F. Seymour, V. Wadhwa, K. A. Thursky, M. K. Yong, K. Kedzierska, M. A. Slavin, B. W. Teh
LEUKEMIA & LYMPHOMA
(2023)
Review
Immunology
Clea Melenotte, Vishukumar Aimanianda, Monica Slavin, Jose Maria Aguado, Darius Armstrong-James, Yee-Chun Chen, Shahid Husain, Christian Van Delden, Faouzi Saliba, Agnes Lefort, Francoise Botterel, Olivier Lortholary
Summary: Invasive aspergillosis is a rare but serious infection in liver transplant recipients, with a high mortality rate. Risk factors before, during, and after transplantation have been identified, and accurate diagnosis requires collaboration between radiology and clinical biology. It is recommended to reduce the dose of tacrolimus and closely monitor blood levels when using certain drugs, and surgery should be considered on a case-by-case basis. Antifungal prophylaxis and environmental measures should be implemented to prevent outbreaks.
TRANSPLANT INFECTIOUS DISEASE
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Eliza Watson, Leslie Dowson, David Dunt, Karin Thursky, Leon J. Worth, Janet K. Sluggett, Amanda Appathurai, Noleen Bennett
Summary: The study identified barriers to participation in aged care infection surveillance programs, such as time-consuming data collection, competing tasks, limited understanding among some staff, difficulty engaging clinicians, and staff fatigue post-COVID-19. Enablers included previous experience with surveillance, sharing responsibilities, educational materials, and using data for benchmarking and practice improvement.
Article
Immunology
Victoria G. Hall, Benjamin W. Teh
Summary: Patients with cancer are more susceptible to infection and severe disease by SARS-CoV-2. Understanding the immune response of cancer patients to COVID-19 vaccination is crucial for clinical and public health practices.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Christie Allan, Amelia Hyatt, Amanda Appathurai, Megan Crane, Chhay Lim, Rachel Woolstencroft, Monica A. Slavin, Amanda Piper, Danielle Spence, Benjamin W. Teh
Summary: This study investigated the drivers and barriers for COVID-19 vaccination in people with cancer in Australia. The survey results showed that the majority of participants had a positive attitude towards the vaccine and had received at least one dose. Drivers for vaccination included perceived risk of COVID-19 infection and engagement with trusted health professionals, while concerns about vaccine development, safety, and side effects were identified as barriers.
SUPPORTIVE CARE IN CANCER
(2023)
Editorial Material
Immunology
Paul M. Kinsella, Michelle K. Yong, Monica A. Slavin, Victoria G. Hall
TRANSPLANT INFECTIOUS DISEASE
(2023)
Editorial Material
Immunology
Benjamin W. Teh, Malgorzata Mikulska, Nicolas J. Mueller, Monica A. Slavin
TRANSPLANT INFECTIOUS DISEASE
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Chin Fen Neoh, Sharon C. A. Chen, David C. M. Kong, Kate Hamilton, Quoc A. Nguyen, Tim Spelman, Michelle Tew, Emma L. Harvey, Su Ann Ho, Natalie R. Saunders, Surekha Tennakoon, Amy Crowe, Debbie Marriott, Jason A. Trubiano, Monica A. Slavin
Summary: The economic burden of invasive Scedosporium/L. prolificans infections is substantial, with an adjusted median excess cost of AUD36,422 and a length of stay of 16.27 days during index hospitalization. The cumulative cost can increase significantly to AUD203,292 over 1.5 years in cases with these infections.
JOURNAL OF ANTIMICROBIAL CHEMOTHERAPY
(2023)
Review
Immunology
Jessica C. O'Keeffe, Nikhil Singh, Monica A. Slavin
Summary: This review provides a comprehensive overview of pretransplant workup, identification, and prevention of invasive fungal diseases (IFDs) in patients with hematological malignancy. Assessing risk factors and implementing appropriate prophylactic measures during the pretransplant period are essential for effectively preventing IFD.
TRANSPLANT INFECTIOUS DISEASE
(2023)
