How to prevent relapse after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in patients with acute leukemia and myelodysplastic syndrome

Abstract

Disease relapse remains the first cause of mortality of hematological malignancies after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HCT). The risk of recurrence is elevated in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients with high-risk cytogenetic or molecular abnormalities, as well as when allo-HCT is performed in patients with refractory hematological malignancies or with persistent molecular or radiological (PET-CT scan) residual disease. For high risk AML and myelodysplasia (MDS), a post transplant maintenance strategy is possible, using hypomethylating agents or tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) anti-FLT3 when the target is present. For Philadelphia positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), there is a consensus for the use of TKI anti BCR-ABL as post transplant maintenance.

Keywords: Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation; Maintenance strategy; Preemptive strategy; Relapse.