
Basics to Brilliance: Haematology Podcast
Welcome to Basics to Brilliance, the Haematology podcast created to supplement & bolster your knowledge for the FRCPath Part 1.
Featuring a two way, non-didactic conversational-style Q&A between the SpR and SHO, this podcast will be your pocket companion no matter where you are.
We aim to cover:
- Malignant and non-malignant topics
- The whole syllabus for FRCPath part 1
- Review UK guidelines
- Go into science/lab detail
- Discuss how guidelines often translate into practice
- Review and appraise hallmark trials
- Discuss future research directions
All readily accessible and completely free of charge!
For every budding haematologist out there, we hope this podcast aids you in your endeavours and fills you with interest and excitement for the brilliant world of Haematology.
Warmest Regards,
Dr. Everden
Dr. Fasey
Dr. Jafri
Disclaimer: This podcast is intended as a revision aid and should not be used for the medical management of patients. Guidelines in the initial episodes span 2023/2024. We aim to update our content in accordance with the most recent available guidelines when possible.
Basics to Brilliance: Haematology Podcast
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)- Chronic Relapsing Remitting
Most common leukemia in adults
Incurable but treatable
*Remember Supportive Care*
Median age of 72
M > F
80% incidental
SLL: lymphocytes in lymph nodes and spleen instead of blood
Presentation:
1) Fatigue
2) B symptoms
3) High WC
4) Cytopenias (Marrow infiltrate, AIHA, ITP, Hyposplenism)
Rule out: Reactive (viral serology)- Hepatitis, HIV
Investigate:
1) FBC + blood film (mature lymphocytes) w/ trend
2) Haemolysis screen + Coombs test
3) B2 Microglobulin (prognostic marker)
4) IGs + serum electrophoresis
5) Flow cytometry (immunophenotyping)
6) LN Bx (core) especially if lymphadenopathy (*SLL)
7) BMBx
8) Tp53 (17p del or mut)
9) CTNTAP if treatment indicated
Confirm :
1) Lymphocyte morphology (blood film)- monomorphic mature small w/out nucleolous r/o aggressive pro-lymphocytes r/o prominent nucleoli in reactive lymphocytosis
2) 5x10^9 / L circulating clonal B cells for over 3 months on Flow…if below, need annual FBC monitoring
3) Immunophenotype scoring out of 5 (1 point each): +ve CD5, +ve CD23, weak IG expression, absent/weak CD22, absence of FMC-7...need 4 or 5/5
Staging :
1) BINIT A/B/C
2) RAI 0-4
Prognosis: CLL International Prognostic Index
1) Age
2) B2 Microglobulin
3) TP53 status- continuous therapy better if TP53 mut
4) IGHV mutation- better if present
5) RAI or BINIT
The International Working Group for CLL (iwCLL) treatment- Risk vs. Benefit
1) Cytopenias Hb <100, Plts <100
2) Bulky disease >10cm LN length
3) Constitutional sx disease related
4) AIHA (10-20%) and ITP (2-5%)
5) Symptomatic or fnxnal extranodal involvement
6) Massive Splenomegaly >6cm from costal margin or progressive SM + Sx
7) Lymphocyte doubling time < 6 months or > 50 percent rise in 2 months
WATCH and WAIT if not reaching criteria
Infection risk (bacterial):
1) Vaccination (NB: NO LIVE VACCINES)
2) IVIG in immune paresis
3) Prophylactic Abx (azithromycin)
4) PCP prophylaxis while on treatment
Need IRRAD blood products
Trials for Traditional treatments vs. BTK1 and BCL2
1) Alliance
2) Mayo clinic study
3) FLARE
4) CLL14 (German) and Illuminate trials
Treatment:
1) Traditional: FCR
2) Targeted:
a. 1st gen BTK1- Ibrutinib 420mg OD (continuous)
b. 2nd gen BTK1- Acalabrutonib 100mg BD (continuous)
c. BCL-2 inhibitor- Venetoclax 400mg OD
i. Frontline : OVen.. Ven + Obinutuzumab (CD20 mAb) - 1 yr
ii. Relapse: VenR... Ven + Rituximab (CD20 mAb)- 2 yrs
d. PI3K inhibitor- Idelalisib - 3rd line as bridging for 2x refractory/2x exposed
*High Risk*: Doublet therapy (targeted combined)
i. Jain et al. – Phase 2 trial
ii. CAPTIVATE trial: Ibru + Ven <65, TP53 mut/del OR unmutated IGHV
TRIPLET Therapy trials
-ALLO SCT- early referrals in high risk with first progression
· Primary Progression: <6m of response
· Relapse: >6m respon
'Basics to Brilliance: Haematology Podcast' has been accredited for CPD credit by the Royal College of Pathologists UK.
Medical professionals and clinical scientists holding career-grade positions, who are registered with any of the Royal Colleges for CPD, will be eligible to earn 1 credit for every hour of learning.
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