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Hematology Reports
Special Issues
Treatment and Prognosis of Hematological Malignancies
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Treatment and Prognosis of Hematological Malignancies

A special issue of Hematology Reports (ISSN 2038-8330).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 October 2026 | Viewed by 4737

Editor

Dr. Magdalena Witkowska

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Hematology, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
Interests: lymphoma; leukemia; CLL; multiple myeloma; hematological malignancies; Hodgkin’s lymphoma; hematologic diseases

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

During the last two decades, we have witnessed a complete transformation in how we approach hematological diseases. A deeper understanding of the biology of specific hematological malignancies has exposed numerous novel therapeutic agents.

Monoclonal antibodies, bispecific T cell engagers, antibody–drug conjugates, as well as immunotoxins are increasingly used for cancer immunotherapy. Cellular immunotherapeutic agents, including the chimeric antigen receptor-engineered T cell (CAR-T) therapy and NK cell therapy, have fundamentally changed the landscape of hematological malignancies therapy from cytotoxic chemotherapy to biomarker-driven precision agents.  In this Special Issue, “Treatment and Prognosis of Hematological Malignancies”, experts discuss recent innovations in this field and lay out the remaining key questions for the near future.

Dr. Magdalena Witkowska
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-anonymized peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Hematology Reports is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • lymphoma
  • hematological malignancies
  • leukemia
  • novel drugs

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

Jump to: Review, Other

11 pages, 343 KB  
Article
Diminished Prognostic Value of Interim PET in Hodgkin Lymphoma Treated with Brentuximab Vedotin Plus AVD: A Retrospective Analysis
by Kareem Latif, Isaiah Courtad, Avery Stuart, Faisal Ansari, Ravand Samaeekia and Mojtaba Akhtari
Hematol. Rep. 2026, 18(4), 53; https://doi.org/10.3390/hematolrep18040053 - 31 Jul 2026
Viewed by 233
Abstract
Background: Interim PET after two cycles (PET2) has historically guided risk-adapted therapy in Hodgkin lymphoma (HL). Its value with frontline brentuximab vedotin plus doxorubicin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine (BV + AVD) is uncertain, as BV + AVD improves progression-free survival and may reduce [...] Read more.
Background: Interim PET after two cycles (PET2) has historically guided risk-adapted therapy in Hodgkin lymphoma (HL). Its value with frontline brentuximab vedotin plus doxorubicin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine (BV + AVD) is uncertain, as BV + AVD improves progression-free survival and may reduce the prognostic relevance of early metabolic response. Our aim was to assess whether PET2 retains prognostic utility in HL patients treated with BV + AVD. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 55 newly diagnosed classical HL patients treated with frontline BV + AVD. The primary endpoint was PET2 performance for predicting EOT PET positivity. Sensitivity, specificity, predictive values, and likelihood ratios were calculated with 95% confidence intervals. Results: Median age was 22 years (range 11–77), 49% were male, and 73% had stage III–IV disease. PET2 was negative in 51 patients (92.7%) and positive in 4 (7.3%). EOT PET was negative in 48 (87.3%) and positive in 7 (12.7%). Of seven EOT PET-positive patients, three were PET2-positive and four PET2-negative. Of 48 EOT PET-negative patients, 47 were PET2-negative and 1 PET2-positive. PET2 sensitivity was 42.9%, specificity 97.9%, positive predictive value 75.0%, and negative predictive value 92.2%. Positive likelihood ratio was 20.6; negative likelihood ratio was 0.58. Conclusions: In HL patients treated with BV + AVD, most achieve PET2 negativity, limiting interim PET discrimination. Negative PET2 adds little reassurance beyond the high baseline success rate, while positive PET2 is uncommon and identifies only a subset of eventual treatment failures. These findings question the routine use of PET2 to guide therapy in the BV + AVD era. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Treatment and Prognosis of Hematological Malignancies)
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12 pages, 1377 KB  
Article
Evaluation of mTOR, NFκB and BCL-2 Inhibitor Activity In Vitro in Karpas 1106P, a Primary Mediastinal B-Cell Lymphoma Cell Line
by Agata Majchrzak, Sylwia Mańka, Barbara Cebula-Obrzut, Paweł Robak, Damian Mikulski and Magdalena Witkowska
Hematol. Rep. 2026, 18(2), 25; https://doi.org/10.3390/hematolrep18020025 - 24 Mar 2026
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Abstract
Introduction: PMBCL is an aggressive type of lymphoma characterized by high heterogeneity in clinical, molecular, and genetic features. In PMBCL, disturbances in the NFkB pathway and deregulation of BCL-2 and mTOR family proteins are observed, which may contribute to impaired apoptosis. Therefore, [...] Read more.
Introduction: PMBCL is an aggressive type of lymphoma characterized by high heterogeneity in clinical, molecular, and genetic features. In PMBCL, disturbances in the NFkB pathway and deregulation of BCL-2 and mTOR family proteins are observed, which may contribute to impaired apoptosis. Therefore, many strategies have been established to target the functioning of these pathways. Early clinical trials of mTOR, NFkB and Bcl-2 inhibitors suggest their activity in many hematological cancers, but their activity as monotherapy agents may still be insufficient; therefore, combinations of these compounds with other molecules acting on those active in a given cancer subtype are being sought. Materials and Methods: In vitro studies were conducted on a single PMBCL cell line, Karpas 1106P. We administered three novel drugs: AZD2014 (vistusertib), an inhibitor of the serine-threonine kinase mTOR; IMD-0354, an NFκB inhibitor; and ABT-199 (venetoclax), a highly selective inhibitor for BCL-2. Drugs were administered alone, in pairs and in combination of all three agents. Results: Based on the results of our own research, for the Karpas cell line individually, ABT-199 had the strongest pro-apoptotic effect on cancer cells, while in pairs the most potent induction of apoptosis occurred following treatment with AZD2014+ABT-199. The combination of three drugs did not have a stronger effect than either a single drug used alone or any two-drug combination. Conclusions: These results provide preliminary in vitro evidence that targeting the BCL-2 and mTOR pathways may enhance pro-apoptotic activity in a PMBCL cell model; however, further validation in additional cell lines and in vivo models is needed before translational implications can be considered. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Treatment and Prognosis of Hematological Malignancies)
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Review

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13 pages, 745 KB  
Review
Surrogate Endpoints in CLL: From Promise and Pitfalls to a Context-Specific Validation Framework
by Stefano Molica
Hematol. Rep. 2026, 18(4), 50; https://doi.org/10.3390/hematolrep18040050 - 21 Jul 2026
Viewed by 324
Abstract
Surrogate endpoints are increasingly used in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) to accelerate treatment evaluation, but their validity is context-dependent. This review examines key endpoints—progression-free survival (PFS), time to next treatment (TTNT), measurable residual disease (MRD), and quality of life (QoL)/patient-reported outcomes (PROs). PFS, [...] Read more.
Surrogate endpoints are increasingly used in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) to accelerate treatment evaluation, but their validity is context-dependent. This review examines key endpoints—progression-free survival (PFS), time to next treatment (TTNT), measurable residual disease (MRD), and quality of life (QoL)/patient-reported outcomes (PROs). PFS, while standard, is limited by competing risks and poor reflection of toxicity and patient experience. TTNT captures both efficacy and tolerability but is influenced by external factors. MRD is a strong predictor of outcomes in fixed-duration venetoclax-based regimens but less reliable in continuous therapies. QoL and PROs provide essential patient-centered insight often missed by traditional endpoints. We propose a practical framework in which endpoint selection depends on treatment type, patient characteristics, and intended use. MRD is most informative after fixed-duration therapy, TTNT in continuous treatment, and PROs in vulnerable populations. Overall, surrogate endpoints in CLL require setting-specific validation to ensure they reflect meaningful clinical benefit. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Treatment and Prognosis of Hematological Malignancies)
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Other

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9 pages, 4369 KB  
Case Report
Leukemic Non-Nodal Mantle Cell Lymphoma Presenting with Traumatic Splenic Rupture
by Moinul Haque, Razie Amraei and Krasimira A. Rozenova
Hematol. Rep. 2026, 18(3), 32; https://doi.org/10.3390/hematolrep18030032 - 13 May 2026
Viewed by 982
Abstract
Background: Leukemic non-nodal variant mantle cell lymphoma (nnMCL) is an uncommon subtype of mantle cell lymphoma that lacks lymphadenopathy and generally follows an indolent clinical course. Adverse genetic alterations such as TP53 inactivation and del(13q) may have prognostic significance. Clinical findings such as [...] Read more.
Background: Leukemic non-nodal variant mantle cell lymphoma (nnMCL) is an uncommon subtype of mantle cell lymphoma that lacks lymphadenopathy and generally follows an indolent clinical course. Adverse genetic alterations such as TP53 inactivation and del(13q) may have prognostic significance. Clinical findings such as splenomegaly may serve as a clue to the diagnosis and should prompt further evaluation. Case Presentation: We describe a 91-year-old woman who presented with a one-month history of anemia (hemoglobin 12.3 g/dL), mild thrombocytopenia (platelets 136 × 109/L), isolated splenomegaly and no palpable lymphadenopathy. Despite a normal total white blood cell count, intermittent relative lymphocytosis with atypical lymphocytes (4%) and smudge cells was detected on the complete blood count. Peripheral blood flow cytometry demonstrated a monoclonal kappa-restricted B-cell population negative for CD5 and CD10, comprising approximately 20% of lymphocytes. Conventional karyotyping and fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis identified del(13q), del(17p)/TP53, and IGH-CCND1 rearrangement in 8–19.5% of peripheral blood leukocytes. A month after the initial assessment, the patient presented following a fall. CT imaging of the abdomen revealed marked splenomegaly, a large subcapsular/perisplenic hematoma, and moderate-to-large hemoperitoneum. Emergent laparotomy showed an enlarged spleen (1490 g, 23 × 16 × 7.5 cm) with laceration. Histologic evaluation showed atypical lymphoid cells positive for CD20 and cyclin D1, with strong p53 expression, negative for CD5 and SOX11, and a low Ki-67 index. Similar involvement was identified in the small bowel and appendix. Targeted sequencing of splenic tissue, performed as part of a retrospective molecular characterization, identified a pathogenic TP53 variant (p.His179Gln). Conclusions: This case provides a rare opportunity to evaluate splenic and small intestinal involvement by nnMCL at both the gross and histologic levels. It highlights the importance of integrating clinical findings with flow cytometry, imaging, cytogenetic, and molecular data in establishing the diagnosis. Even when peripheral blood findings suggest a low disease burden, imaging may better define the extent of disease and support appropriate clinical assessment, particularly in elderly patients at risk for complications related to splenomegaly. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Treatment and Prognosis of Hematological Malignancies)
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9 pages, 2841 KB  
Case Report
Paraneoplastic Hepatitis Associated with Relapsed Nodular Lymphocyte-Predominant Hodgkin Lymphoma
by Jasmin Nelissen, Sandra Coenen, King Lam, Michael Doukas, Harry L. A. Janssen and Yasmina Serroukh
Hematol. Rep. 2026, 18(2), 18; https://doi.org/10.3390/hematolrep18020018 - 28 Feb 2026
Viewed by 1064
Abstract
Background: Nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma (NLPHL) is an indolent B-cell lymphoma with long-term survival and a tendency for late relapse. Hepatic manifestations of varying etiologies have been described in lymphoproliferative disorders. However, paraneoplastic hepatitis is rare, and reports typically describe acute presentations. [...] Read more.
Background: Nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma (NLPHL) is an indolent B-cell lymphoma with long-term survival and a tendency for late relapse. Hepatic manifestations of varying etiologies have been described in lymphoproliferative disorders. However, paraneoplastic hepatitis is rare, and reports typically describe acute presentations. We describe an unusual case of paraneoplastic hepatitis with an indolent and progressive clinical course occurring in the setting of relapsed NLPHL. Case Presentation: A 32-year-old man with a history of NLPHL was found to have marked transaminase elevation with preserved liver function during routine follow-up. Extensive evaluation excluded viral, autoimmune, and metabolic causes of liver disease. Liver biopsy demonstrated confluent and bridging necrosis with lymphoplasmacytic infiltrates, without evidence of direct lymphoma involvement. Excisional biopsy of a cervical lymph node revealed relapse of NLPHL without histologic transformation. Treatment with corticosteroids resulted in partial biochemical improvement, and subsequent rituximab monotherapy achieved lymphoma remission. Despite this, low-grade transaminase elevation persisted, and follow-up imaging and liver biopsy demonstrated progression to fibrosis, suggesting a tendency towards chronicity. Conclusions: Paraneoplastic hepatitis should be considered in patients with NLPHL who present with unexplained liver abnormalities. This report illustrates a fibrosing form of paraneoplastic hepatitis associated with NLPHL and broadens the clinical spectrum of paraneoplastic hepatic injury. Early recognition, histological confirmation, and tailored immunosuppressive management are critical to optimizing hepatic and lymphoma-related outcomes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Treatment and Prognosis of Hematological Malignancies)
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