Children and adolescents who are being treated or have been treated for acute leukemia have a secondary immunodeficiency linked to chemotherapy, resulting in an increased risk of infections. Some of which can be prevented by vaccination but its effectiveness is not optimal during chemotherapy. Upon cessation of chemotherapy, the time required for immune reconstitution varies from three months to more than a year, depending on lymphocyte subpopulations, the patient's age, and the intensity of the treatment received. Although they may have regained their immune functions, studies show that most patients have lost part of their vaccine-induced protection post-chemotherapy and require booster doses of vaccines. Most practitioners agree on the importance of vaccinating or revaccinating these children, but practices are heterogeneous among pediatric hematologist-oncologists in France. Based on a practice study and a recent review of the literature, this work aims to propose new French recommendations for the vaccination strategy to be adopted for children and adolescents treated or recently treated for acute leukemia, excluding allogeneic transplant recipients, in 2024. These recommendations specifically include the vaccination protocols for human papillomavirus and meningococcal infections but do not address the COVID-19 vaccination, as its guidelines are subject to rapid changes.

The covalent Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitors (iBTKs) have profoundly transformed the management of B-cell lymphoid malignancies, particularly chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). These targeted therapies, with ibrutinib as the pioneer, have paved the way for significant improvement in the prognosis of many patients. With second-generation iBTKs such as acalabrutinib and zanubrutinib, the therapeutic landscape has expanded, offering potential new options for patients with CLL. This review focuses on the cardiovascular adverse effects associated with these treatments. It delves into the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms of these effects, highlighting the complex interactions between these molecules and the cardiovascular system. Additionally, it examines the frequency of adverse effects according to the type of iBTK, drawing on data from clinical trials and real-world clinical practice. Finally, the importance of close cardio-oncological monitoring is emphasized, with essential collaboration between hematologists and cardiologists. Strategies for screening and managing cardiovascular adverse effects are also discussed, emphasizing the need for a proactive approach in managing these complications. Experts propose a pragmatic follow-up of these patients, through a central illustration and a figure adapted from European cardio-oncology guidelines, to simplify hematologists' practice.

A large body of literature highlights the importance of energy metabolism in the response of haematological malignancies to therapy. In this review, we are particularly interested in acute myeloid leukaemia, where mitochondrial metabolism plays a key role in response and resistance to treatment. We describe the new concept of mitohormesis in the response to therapy-induced stress and in the initiation of relapse in this disease.

Therapeutic options for breast cancer have recently been enriched by new antibody-drug conjugates (ADC), which are now being utilized across all known molecular subtypes. ADCs represent a groundbreaking class of therapies that combine a cytotoxic agent with a monoclonal antibody via a combination molecule (linker). The primary objective is to selectively deliver chemotherapy to cells expressing the target antigen, thereby enhancing the therapeutic index. Trastuzumab-emtansine marked the pioneering use of this approach for HER2-overexpressed breast cancer. More recently, trastuzumab-deruxtecan and sacituzumab-govitecan have demonstrated efficacy in progression-free survival and overall survival in HER2-overexpressed and HER2-low breast cancer for the former, and HER2-non-overexpressed (including HER-low) for the latter. Numerous other ADCs are currently under development in breast cancer. While ADCs were initially designed to widen the therapeutic index and mitigate toxicities, managing ADC-related adverse events in the clinical setting remains a challenge. This review article aims to provide an overview of the toxicity profiles of these drugs already in current clinical practice or under development, drawing from results observed in various studies.

Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) are frequent and dreaded side effects in cancer treatments. CINV has a major impact on patient's condition and quality of life. Prophylaxis is tailored to patient's profile and the emetogenic level of their chemotherapy. The aim of this study is to update the recommendations for CINV prevention and management in pediatric onco-hematology for use in France, by adapting the guidelines of the Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario (POGO). Clinical practice guideline adaptation is a recognized method for tailoring existing clinical practice guidelines to local context. A multidisciplinary French-speaking panel was formed to discuss about POGO guideline recommendations for the acute and delayed phases, breakthrough, refractory and anticipatory CINV and the evidence supporting them. Panel members were asked whether they wanted to adopt, modify or reject each of the POGO guideline recommendations. Panel members translated each recommendation and adapted recommendations for an implementation in France. Their acceptance required agreement at least 80 % of panel members. Algorithms and tables were created, listing all the recommendations and providing a better overview for decision-making process adapted to the patient's profile. These recommendations should be reviewed for implementation at French institutions caring for pediatric cancer patients and once implemented, the rates of adherence to recommendations and CINV control should be reported.

In France, the breast cancer is the most common cancer among women under the age of 40. From 38 to 70% of women have not fulfilled their parental plans at the time of diagnosis. The gonadotoxicity of the treatments and the follicular physiological decline linked to age can become an obstacle to this project.

Quality of life (QoL) and patient satisfaction are major concerns in oncology.

The announcement of a cancer diagnosis is traumatic for the patient. In France, an announcement system has been in place, providing medical time for announcement and treatment proposal, nursing time for support, without including the pharmacist. In order to improve management of patients treated with intravenous anticancer drugs, we set up introductory pharmaceutical consultations in digestive oncology. The aims were to assess the situation one year after the introduction of these consultations, and to assess their contribution.

The treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia relies on orally available tyrosine kinase inhibitors targeting the BCR::ABL1 oncoprotein. Bosutinib is a second generation adenosine triphosphate-competitive inhibitor approved for use in frontline adult chronic phase-chronic myeloid leukemia and all phases-chronic myeloid leukemia in the second line setting or beyond. Its efficacy was demonstrated in several pivotal clinical trials at 400mg once daily in the first line context and at 500mg once daily beyond first line. Bosutinib-related adverse events frequently occur early after treatment initiation and include gastro-intestinal symptoms and cytolytic hepatitis. These drug-related adverse events must be properly managed in order to preserve safety, efficacy and treatment acceptability. The French chronic myeloid leukemia study group gathered a panel of experts in hematology, pharmacology and hepatology in order to elaborate practical recommendations on the management of bosutinib treatment. These recommendations aim at optimizing the short and long-term tolerance and benefit/risk balance of bosutinib, mainly focusing at gastro-intestinal and liver toxicities.

Immune checkpoint inhibitors are now an integral part of the anti-cancer therapeutic arsenal. They have revolutionized the prognosis of certain cancers at the cost of a specific spectrum of dysimmune side effects that can affect the ophthalmological sphere. Patient education associated with increased vigilance of health care providers will allow faster detection and therefore optimal care to limit morbidity, maintain the best possible visual acuity and above all to be able to continue therapy prolonging survival. In this article, we describe the main ocular side effects as well as an outline of their management.

For therapeutic purposes, the development of new anti-cancer drugs requires their evaluation in terms of activity, cytotoxicity and pharmacokinetics. The candidate drugs are tested in vitro on cell lines and primary cells isolated from patients, and in vivo, often, using xenografts in immuno-compromised mice. In recent years, administrative constraints have become increasingly stringent and the 3R rule (reduce, refine, replace) requires the elaboration of alternative models capable to replace mouse models or at least to limit their use. Among them, xenograft on chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM assay) seems particularly efficient. It makes it possible to monitor and quantify tumor growth and tumor-associated parameters such as neoangiogenesis, invasion and migration. It allows the screening of drugs effective both on tumor cells and their microenvironment. Finally, the model seems adapted to the development of personalized medicine to which current research in cancerology is tending. In this context, this review focuses on the technique itself and its advantages.

Despite an increasing number of therapeutic indications, there are no specific recommendations regarding the management of PARP inhibitors other than what is specified in the SmPC of each substance. A Delphi French consensus was conducted to establish practical guidelines to meet the needs identified by healthcare professionals and patients.

Dermatomyositis is an autoimmune disease mainly characterized by muscle and skin involvement. Its association with cancer is known but the term «paraneoplastic» remains debated. We report here the case of a 71-year-old woman with a new diagnosis of dermatomyositis with, at the same time, the discovery of a lung adenocarcinoma. Lung cancer was treated with pembrolizumab, an immune checkpoint inhibitor directed against the "Programmed cell Death protein 1" (PD-1) receptor. Three weeks later, the patient presented a severe flare of dermatomyositis. Administration of intravenous corticosteroids and infliximab were ineffective. Intravenous immunoglobulins were then administered, followed by subcutaneous methotrexate, with a progressive positive evolution. Flares of pre-existing autoimmune diseases are observed under immune check point inhibitors, even when the evolution of the cancer is favourable. These immune-related adverse events are often «mild to moderate» and severe immune related side effects are not more frequent when the patient has a pre-existing autoimmune disease. Treatment can be maintained in the majority of cases. However, as demonstrated in this clinical case, although immune checkpoint inhibitors are not contraindicated in autoimmune diseases, the presence of myositis requires special attention given the potential severity of flares.

Chemotherapy-induced neutropenia (FN) is the most common infectious complication in pediatric oncology. To our knowledge, no pediatric research has been published in Tunisia. The purpose of our study was to describe the features of FN among Tunisian children and to investigate factors correlated with FN. We conducted a prospective study of children with chemotherapy-induced FN at the Department of Pediatric Medicine A of the Tunis Children´s Hospital from July 2019 to December 2019. We recorded 50 episodes of FN in 32 patients whose mean age was 5.3 years (3 months-16 years). We included 26 patients with solid tumors (81%) and six patients with hemopathies (18.7%). The mean time between last treatment and fever onset was 10.67 days. Bacteriological investigation was contributory in 18% of cases and mainly showed gram positive cocci. Therapeutic protocol including 1st line empirical antibiotic therapy (3rd generation cephalosporin with aminoglycoside) was effective in 62% of cases. Mortality rate of patients with FN was 2%. The statistical study did not reveal any factor of correlation with late-onset neutropenia. In conclusion, our results are consistent with literature data on bacteriological documentation and mortality. Our 1st line treatment option based on 3rd generation cephalosporin associated with aminoglycoside was effective in 2/3 of the cases. In the future, oral antibiotics may be considered in patients at low risk for infection.

cancer is a major cause of death in the world. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the epidemiological, clinical, therapeutic and prognostic features of cancers of the pancreas (CP) at the National Hospital and University Center of Cotonou.

We conducted a retrospective descriptive analytical study in the Department of Clinical Haematology at the Mohammed V Military Training Hospital in Rabat over a period of 10 years. This study included 76 patients diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) between 2008 and 2018. The average number of cases per year was 7.6. Out of 76 patients, 57% were men and 43% were women. The average age of our study population was 65.75 ± 12.55. The average age was 66.88 ± 13.10. No cases of profession exposed to disease was reported. Ninety-seven point three percent of patients had primary myelodysplastic syndrome and only 2 or 2.7% had myelodysplastic syndrome secondary to chemotherapy. The average time between the first visit and the diagnosis of myelodysplastic syndrome was, on average, 33.6 days ± 51, with a median of 19 days. The IPSS prognostic score was: low risk in 37.4% of cases, intermediate risk 1 in 46.6% of cases, intermediate risk in 12% of cases and high risk in 4% of cases. Thus, 84% of patients had low-risk MDS and 16% had high-risk MDS. Regular monitoring of patients showed many complications such as bleeding in 13% of patients, infections in 8% of cases, secondary hemochromatosis as a result of iterative transfusions in 6.6% of patients and transformation to acute myeloid leukemia in 2.7% of patients. In our study, abstention was the therapeutic choice in 42.1% of patients, transfusion was recommended in 35.5% of patients: red cells in 70% of cases, platelet concentrates in 40% of cases, iron chelators in 25% of transfused patients and EPO in 27% of patients. azacitidine was prescribed in 18% of patients, 50% had low-risk MDS and 50% had high-risk MDS. Bone marrow transplant was the only curative treatment for MDS. It was performed in a single patient with high risk MDS.

Retinoblastoma is the most common intraocular cancer of childhood. Its estimated incidence is 1 case per 15 000 to 18 000 births. The purpose of this study is to highlight the epidemiological and clinical features of this disease as well as its management in Burkina Faso. We conducted a retrospective study over a period of 5 years at the Yalgado Ouedraogo University Hospital Center. The average age of patients was 33 months, with predominance of male sex (68.75%). Exophthalmia was the most frequent reason for consultation (59.37%). The predominant pattern was unilateral (75%) associated with eye protrusion (59.38%). Chemotherapy associated with surgery was the treatment of choice, with a 5-year survival rate of 34.37%. Retinoblastoma is one of the most common cancers in children younger than 5 years. In our low-income country this disease is diagnosed late. Patients´ management is complex and is commonly associated with poor prognosis. Mortality and morbidity from this disease are disproportionate in our country facing a shortage of technical equipment. In our low-income country, patient´s management should be based on early detection of the disease as well as on adequate treatment.

Research on viruses, bacteria and protozoa-based immunotherapy has been on the rise for several years. The antitumoral efficacy of these microorganisms relies on three main mechanisms: Destruction of tumor cells, stimulation of the immune response and reprogramming of the tumor microenvironment. In order to optimize their immunotherapeutic action, these microorganisms can be genetically engineered to enhance their tumor-targeting efficacy or to vectorize immunostimulating molecules and/or antibodies. To this aim, molecular engineering allows the design of new antibody formats optimizing their functions. From whole antibodies to tandem single-chain variable fragments, various antibody formats can be vectorized by microorganisms to target receptors such as immune checkpoints or recruit immune effector cells within the tumor. Such possibilities broaden the arsenal of immunotherapeutic cancer treatment. This review focuses on these innovations and their advantages for immunotherapy.