{"title":"Iron deficiency anemia perturbs erythrocyte morphology and may promote eryptosis.","authors":"Baishali Basak, Payel Biswas, Sutithi Dey, Ayantika Paul, Ipsita Chakraborty, Anjana Ray, Tuphan Kanti Dolai, Rajen Haldar","doi":"10.1007/s12185-025-04126-6","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12185-025-04126-6","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) represents a major public health concern in India, affecting mostly women of reproductive age due to increased iron demands throughout their reproductive life. However, specific erythrocyte morphology and its possible consequences in this population remain unexplored.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study systematically examined erythrocyte abnormalities in reproductive-age women with IDA.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Twenty-five women diagnosed with IDA and 25 age-matched healthy women were recruited. Scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy (AFM), flow cytometry, confocal laser scanning microscopy, and spectrophotometry were used in this study.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Patients with IDA showed significant counts of elliptocytes, microcytes, stomatocytes, and spherocytes, which were negatively correlated with hemoglobin concentration. Serum iron and total iron binding capacity were strongly correlated with microcytes and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration. AFM revealed a notable presence of disrupted membrane topology and roughness in IDA patients. Redox balance assessed by ferric reducing antioxidant power of plasma and intracellular ROS levels was significantly impaired. IDA erythrocytes also showed increased intracellular Ca<sup>2</sup>⁺ and phosphatidyl serine externalization.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Patients with IDA exhibited not only significant hematologic impairment but also morphologically altered erythrocytes and redox imbalance, which could promote eryptosis.</p>","PeriodicalId":13992,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Hematology","volume":" ","pages":"521-534"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145667907","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"A retrospective analysis of autologous stem cell transplantation conditioning with reduced-dose busulfan/thiotepa for patients with central nervous system lymphomas at a single institution.","authors":"Keiichiro Hattori, Naoki Kurita, Fumiaki Matsumura, Kenichi Makishima, Sakurako Suma, Yuya Sasaki, Yasuhito Suehara, Yumiko Maruyama, Tatsuhiro Sakamoto, Takayasu Kato, Hidekazu Nishikii, Narushi Sugii, Masahide Matsuda, Eiichi Ishikawa, Naoshi Obara, Mamiko Sakata-Yanagimoto","doi":"10.1007/s12185-025-04130-w","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12185-025-04130-w","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Busulfan (BU)- and thiotepa (TT)-containing regimens have been approved for autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) in central nervous system lymphoma (CNSL). However, optimal doses of these regimens remain unclear. This study retrospectively analyzed the efficacy and toxicity of the Bu2TT regimen.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>The study included 12 patients with CNSL who received Bu2TT (BU 3.2 mg/kg, days - 7 and - 6; TT 5 mg/kg, days - 5 and - 4) followed by ASCT at our institution after April 2020.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Four patients were newly diagnosed (primary 3; secondary 1), and eight relapsed (primary 6; secondary 2). The median age was 62 years. Nine patients received high-dose MTX-based regimens as pre-transplant therapy. The other three received tirabrutinib, which was combined with localized radiotherapy (CyberKnife) in one patient. Disease status before ASCT was complete remission (CR) in 7 patients and partial remission in 5. Complications included febrile neutropenia (10/12 patients) and grade 3 anorexia (5/12 patients). Disease status after transplantation was CR in 10 patients and progressive disease in 2. OS and PFS rates at 2 years were 100% and 71%, respectively.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Our data suggest that Bu2TT had acceptable safety and efficacy. These results provide a rationale for further analyses in prospective multi-institutional trials.</p>","PeriodicalId":13992,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Hematology","volume":" ","pages":"593-599"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145762525","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Development of a blood test-based predictive scoring tool for treatment response in chronic myeloid leukemia.","authors":"Kohjin Suzuki, Tomoiku Takaku, Naoki Watanabe, Noriyoshi Iriyama, Eisaku Iwanaga, Yuta Kimura, Maho Ishikawa, Hitomi Nakayama, Eriko Sato, Takayuki Tabayashi, Toru Mitsumori, Tomonori Nakazato, Michihide Tokuhira, Hiroyuki Fujita, Miki Ando, Yoshihiro Hatta, Tatsuya Kawaguchi","doi":"10.1007/s12185-025-04132-8","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12185-025-04132-8","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The European LeukemiaNet recommendations for the management of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) consider achievement of major molecular response (MMR) within 12 months to be an optimal response (OR). However, no currently available tool can predict treatment response at diagnosis. This study aimed to develop a predictive scoring tool for OR and subsequent deep molecular response (DMR) using peripheral blood parameters at diagnosis. A retrospective analysis was conducted in 535 patients with CML from the CML Cooperative Study Group database. Patients were categorized into OR (MMR within 12 months; n = 355) and non-OR groups (MMR after 13 months; n = 180). Logistic regression analysis identified white blood cell count, platelet count, eosinophil percentage, and imatinib use as significant predictors of OR. These variables were used to construct a novel score. The score was significantly higher in the non-OR group and showed superior predictive accuracy for OR compared with existing prognostic scores. Furthermore, lower scores correlated with higher rates of DMR achievement. Notably, the score effectively predicted OR achievement among patients with low/intermediate ELTS risk treated with imatinib. This new scoring tool may facilitate individualized treatment selection in CML, guiding upfront tyrosine kinase inhibitor selection and advancing precision medicine.</p>","PeriodicalId":13992,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Hematology","volume":" ","pages":"544-555"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145742293","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Ruxolitinib in relapsed/refractory TAFRO syndrome: a report of two cases, including one positive for Epstein-Barr virus, and a literature review.","authors":"Akihisa Kawajiri, Kenta Takenaka, Yoshihiro Narumi, Makiko Tsukita, Rie Shibuya, Yuko Hashimoto, Joji Yamamoto","doi":"10.1007/s12185-025-04147-1","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12185-025-04147-1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>TAFRO syndrome is a rare systemic inflammatory disorder characterized by thrombocytopenia, anasarca, fever, reticulin fibrosis, renal dysfunction, and organomegaly. Its pathogenesis remains elusive, and its non-specific symptoms overlap with idiopathic multicentric Castleman disease, complicating its management. This report discusses two cases of TAFRO syndrome resistant to conventional treatments, including corticosteroids, tocilizumab, and rituximab. Both patients showed significant clinical improvement after treatment with ruxolitinib, a JAK-STAT pathway inhibitor. The first patient was a 55-year-old man who showed clinical improvement with ruxolitinib after the failure of multiple lines of treatment, including corticosteroids, tocilizumab, rituximab, and cyclosporin A. The second was another 55-year-old man who experienced disease relapse 18 months after initial treatment but responded rapidly to ruxolitinib. These cases highlight the potential role of ruxolitinib as a therapeutic option for refractory TAFRO syndrome. In addition, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) DNA was detected in the serum of the first patient, making this the first report to demonstrate the effectiveness of ruxolitinib in EBV-associated TAFRO syndrome. These findings highlight the need for further studies to confirm the efficacy of ruxolitinib in such cases and elucidate the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying TAFRO syndrome, which could guide future therapeutic strategies.</p>","PeriodicalId":13992,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Hematology","volume":" ","pages":"617-626"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145998030","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Viral-driven oncogenesis in T/NK-cell lymphomas: parallels and divergences between HTLV-1 and EBV.","authors":"Takafumi Shichijo, Jun-Ichirou Yasunaga","doi":"10.1007/s12185-025-04156-0","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12185-025-04156-0","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Viruses induce approximately 12% of human cancers, including lymphomas. In the case of T/NK cell neoplasms, human T-cell leukemia virus type I (HTLV-1) causes adult T-cell leukemia-lymphoma (ATL), and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is associated with extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma (ENKTCL) and chronic active Epstein-Barr virus disease (CAEBV). Common mechanisms for lymphoma development have been proposed. Viral genes, such as tax and HTLV-1 bZIP factor (HBZ) of HTLV-1, and latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1) and BamHI A rightward transcript microRNA (miRNA-BART) of EBV, contribute to host immune evasion and modulation of host signaling pathways, resulting in the persistence of viral-infected cells. This viral strategy is closely associated with oncogenesis. Furthermore, the long-term survival of infected cells leads to the accumulation of somatic mutations and aberrant epigenetic alterations. These events eventually lead to ATL, ENKTCL, and the lymphoma-like subset of CAEBV. Interrupting these common oncogenic mechanisms is a promising therapeutic strategy for viral-driven lymphomas with poor prognoses.</p>","PeriodicalId":13992,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Hematology","volume":" ","pages":"476-486"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13083541/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145911472","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Comprehensive anticoagulant effect of heparinoid in blood samples from patients with hemophilia.","authors":"Tomoya Miyatake, Masahiro Takeyama, Kaoru Horiuchi, Shoko Furukawa, Kenichi Ogiwara, Keiji Nogami","doi":"10.1007/s12185-025-04121-x","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12185-025-04121-x","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Heparinoid (Hirudoid®), a topical heparin-like agent, is labeled as contraindicated in bleeding disorders, yet its propensity for clinically relevant systemic anticoagulation remains uncertain.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>To assess heparinoid's anticoagulant potential in blood from healthy individuals and people with hemophilia (PwH).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>In normal plasma exposed to heparinoid (≤ 6.5 μg/mL) or heparin, and in plasma from PwH supplemented with FVIII or FIX (0-50 IU/dL), we quantified activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and adjusted maximum coagulation velocity (Ad|min1|) by clot waveform analysis. In heparinoid-treated whole blood from healthy volunteers (≤ 9 μg/mL), clotting time (CT) and clot formation time (CFT) were assessed by rotational thromboelastometry.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In normal plasma, heparinoid dose-dependently prolonged APTT and reduced Ad|min1|; at the estimated C<sub>max</sub> (2.5 μg/mL), APTT increased ~ 1.2-fold and Ad|min1| approximated the effect of ~ 0.2 IU/mL heparin. In FVIII- or FIX-supplemented plasma from PwH, Ad|min1| showed a mild, factor-level-dependent decrease (~ 85% of control). In whole blood, CT + CFT changed minimally at therapeutic concentrations. Heparin controls provided an internal benchmark for assay sensitivity.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>At therapeutic levels, heparinoid exerts only mild anticoagulant effects in both normal and hemophilic matrices, supporting the view that topical use is unlikely to pose systemic bleeding risk in PwH.</p>","PeriodicalId":13992,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Hematology","volume":" ","pages":"535-543"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145603661","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ashrei Bayewitz, Sai Shalini Pillarisetty, Fatemeh Moeini Nia
{"title":"A case of SCD controlled by IMiDs and hydroxyurea.","authors":"Ashrei Bayewitz, Sai Shalini Pillarisetty, Fatemeh Moeini Nia","doi":"10.1007/s12185-025-04146-2","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12185-025-04146-2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>IMiDs (immunomodulatory drugs from the thalidomide class) enhance hemoglobin F (HbF) production but are not yet approved for sickle cell disease (SCD). Here, we describe a case of severe SCD and multiple myeloma (MM) in which over 6 years of treatment with IMiDs and hydroxyurea led to sustained remission of SCD.</p>","PeriodicalId":13992,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Hematology","volume":" ","pages":"607-610"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145846598","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Recent progress in T-cell malignancies including adult T-cell leukemia-lymphoma.","authors":"Kisato Nosaka","doi":"10.1007/s12185-026-04197-z","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12185-026-04197-z","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>T-cell lymphomas represent a heterogeneous group of lymphoid malignancies characterized by marked biological diversity and generally poor clinical outcomes. Recent updates to the fifth edition of the World Health Organization Classification and the 2022 International Consensus Classification have refined the disease entities based on transcription factor profiles, cytokine signatures, and molecular features. Comprehensive genomic and epigenomic analyses have revealed recurrent alterations affecting T-cell receptor signaling, epigenetic regulation, cell-cycle control, and immune pathways, thereby facilitating the development of molecularly targeted therapies. Viral oncogenesis plays a central role in selected subtypes, particularly adult T-cell leukemia-lymphoma and Epstein-Barr virus-associated natural killer/T-cell lymphomas. The accelerated development of molecularly targeted therapies has led to the introduction of several novel agents, while hematopoietic stem cell transplantation also continues to provide an important potentially curative strategy. This issue of Progress in Hematology provides a comprehensive overview of recent advances in molecular pathogenesis, viral biology, therapeutic developments, and transplantation strategies in T-cell lymphomas.</p>","PeriodicalId":13992,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Hematology","volume":" ","pages":"473-475"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147503828","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Current status of hematopoietic cell transplantation in patients with peripheral T-cell lymphoma including adult T-cell leukemia-lymphoma.","authors":"Shigeo Fuji, Akihiro Ohmoto","doi":"10.1007/s12185-025-04118-6","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12185-025-04118-6","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Peripheral T-cell lymphomas (PTCLs) are biologically diverse and clinically aggressive, and are difficult to control long-term with conventional immunochemotherapy. Hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is a key treatment option. Autologous HCT (auto-HCT) as first-line consolidation has shown durable progression-free survival in phase 2 studies and in the auto-HCT arm of the randomized AATT trial (intent-to-treat PFS 30-49%), although its routine use after complete metabolic response remains controversial. A phase 3 trial comparing auto-HCT with observation is ongoing. For relapsed/refractory PTCL, expert consensus supports allogeneic HCT (allo-HCT) as the treatment of choice for eligible patients, with early referral and limited salvage therapy. While complete remission is ideal, partial remission is acceptable. Upfront allo-HCT is not recommended for unselected PTCL in light of the results of the AATT trial, but adult T-cell leukemia-lymphoma (ATL) is an exception. Multiple studies have shown graft-versus-ATL effects, supporting allo-HCT in aggressive ATL. Donor sources now include unrelated and haploidentical donors, with outcomes comparable to matched siblings. Despite advances, relapse after HCT remains a major challenge. Novel maintenance strategies and optimized transplant approaches are needed to further improve outcomes in PTCL and ATL.</p>","PeriodicalId":13992,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Hematology","volume":" ","pages":"504-508"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145587245","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}