Publications
Impact of post-transplant cyclophosphamide (PTCy)-based prophylaxis in matched sibling donor allogeneic haematopoietic cell transplantation for patients with myelodysplastic syndrome: a retrospective study on behalf of the Chronic Malignancies Working Par KU Leuven
We retrospectively compared outcomes of 404 MDS patients undergoing 1st matched sibling donor allo-HCT receiving either PTCy-based (n = 66) or other "conventional prophylaxis" (n = 338; mostly calcineurin inhibitor + methotrexate or MMF). Baseline characteristics were balanced, except for higher use of myeloablative regimens in the PTCy group (52.3% vs. 38.2%, p = 0.047). Incidences of neutrophil (Day +28: 89% vs. 97%, p = 0.011) and platelet ...
Bayesian interim analysis for prospective randomized studies: reanalysis of the acute myeloid leukemia HOVON 132 clinical trial. KU Leuven
Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are the gold standard to establish the benefit-risk ratio of novel drugs. However, the evaluation of mature results often takes many years. We hypothesized that the addition of Bayesian inference methods at interim analysis time points might accelerate and enforce the knowledge that such trials may generate. In order to test that hypothesis, we retrospectively applied a Bayesian approach to the HOVON 132 ...
Treatment for First Cytomegalovirus Infection Post-Hematopoietic Cell Transplant in the AURORA Trial: A Multicenter, Double-Blind, Randomized, Phase 3 Trial Comparing Maribavir With Valganciclovir KU Leuven
BACKGROUND: Neutropenia may limit the use of valganciclovir treatment for cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection following hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT). A phase 2 study indicated efficacy of maribavir with fewer treatment-limiting toxicities than valganciclovir. METHODS: In this multicenter, double-blind, phase 3 study, patients with first asymptomatic CMV infection post-HCT were stratified and randomized 1:1 to maribavir 400 mg twice daily or ...
How I manage acute respiratory failure in patients with hematological malignancies. KU Leuven
Acute respiratory failure (ARF) is common in patients with hematological malignancies notably those with acute leukemia, myelodysplastic syndrome, or allogeneic stem cell transplantation. ARF is the leading reason for intensive care unit (ICU) admission, with a 35% case fatality rate. Failure to identify the ARF cause is associated with mortality. A prompt, well-designed diagnostic workup is crucial. The investigations are chosen according to ...
Lower respiratory tract single-cell RNA sequencing and neutrophil extracellular trap profiling of COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis: a single centre, retrospective, observational study. KU Leuven Flanders Institute for Biotechnology
BACKGROUND: COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA) is a severe superinfection with the fungus Aspergillus affecting patients who are critically ill with COVID-19. The pathophysiology and the role of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) in this infection are largely unknown. We aimed to characterise the immune profile, with a focus on neutrophils and NET concentrations, of critically ill patients with COVID-19, with or without CAPA. ...
Point-of-care testing for viral-associated pulmonary aspergillosis KU Leuven
INTRODUCTION: Over the last years, severe respiratory viral infections, particularly those caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and the influenza virus, have emerged as risk factor for viral-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (VAPA) among critically ill patients. Delays in diagnosis of VAPA are associated with increased mortality. Point-of-care-tests may play an important role in earlier diagnosis of VAPA and ...
Circulatory Inflammatory Proteins as Early Diagnostic Biomarkers for Invasive Aspergillosis in Patients with Hematologic Malignancies-an Exploratory Study. KU Leuven
OBJECTIVES: Invasive aspergillosis (IA) is a major cause of mortality in immunocompromised patients and it is difficult to diagnose because of the lack of reliable highly sensitive diagnostics. We aimed to identify circulating immunological markers that could be useful for an early diagnosis of IA. METHODS: We collected longitudinally serum samples from 33 cases with probable/proven IA and two matched control cohorts without IA (one with ...