Acute leukemias (both myeloid and lymphoblastic) are a group of diseases for which each year more successful therapies are implemented. However, in a subset of cases the overall survival (OS) is still exceptionally low due to the infiltration of leukemic cells in the central nervous system (CNS) and the subsequent formation of brain tumors. The CNS involvement is more common in acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), than in adult acute myeloid leukemia (AML), although the rates for the second case might be underestimated. The main reasons for CNS invasion are related to the expression of specific adhesion molecules (VLA-4, ICAM-1, VCAM, L-selectin, PECAM-1, CD18, LFA-1, CD58, CD44, CXCL12) by a subpopulation of leukemic cells, called "sticky cells" which have the ability to interact and adhere to endothelial cells. Moreover, the microenvironment becomes hypoxic and together with secretion of VEGF-A by ALL or AML cells the permeability of vasculature in the bone marrow increases, coupled with the disruption of blood brain barrier. There is a single subpopulation of leukemia cells, called leukemia stem cells (LSCs) that is able to resist in the new microenvironment due to its high adaptability. The LCSs enter into the arachnoid, migrate, and intensively proliferate in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and consequently infiltrate perivascular spaces and brain parenchyma. Moreover, the CNS is an immune privileged site that also protects leukemic cells from chemotherapy. CD56/NCAM is the most important surface molecule often overexpressed by leukemic stem cells that offers them the ability to infiltrate in the CNS. Although

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Background: Therapy for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) are currently initially efficient, but even if a high percentage of patients have an initial complete remission (CR), most of them relapse. Recent data shows that immunotherapy with either bispecific T-cell engagers (BiTEs) of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells can eliminate residual chemotherapy-resistant B-ALL cells.Objective: The objective of the manuscript is to present improvements in the clinical outcome for chemotherapy-resistant ALL in the real-life setting, by describing Romania's experience with bispecific antibodies for B-cell ALL. Methods:We present the role of novel therapies for relapsed B-cell ALL, including the drugs under investigation in phase I-III clinical trials, as a potential bridge to transplant. Blinatumomab is presented in a critical review, presenting both the advantages of this drug, as well as its limitations.Results: Bispecific antibodies are discussed, describing the clinical trials that resulted in its approval by the FDA and EMA. The real-life setting for relapsed B-cell ALL is described and we present the patients treated with blinatumomab in Romania.

Under normal physiological conditions, the bone marrow (BM) will have between 1% and 6% eosinophils, translating into a peripheral count of 0.05 – 0.5 ×109/L eosinophils in the blood smear. This process is coordinated by transcription factors with specific roles in differentiation and activation. Secondary eosinophilia may be a paraneoplastic syndrome, related to the presence of a subsequent malignancy, as presented in this case report. Such paraneoplastic manifestations should be addressed properly in order for the patient to receive the best treatment of choice. Even if eosinophilia was associated with B-cell malignancies before, this is a report associating this symptom to a peripheral T-cell lymphoma, not other specified, thus emphasizing the importance of a complex approach for the management of the oncological patient.

Burnout syndrome has an increasing incidence among intensive therapists because of high expectations and stress which leads to physical, mental and emotional exhaustion. Our aim was to examine the causes and severity of burnout in intensive care units. Maslach Burnout Inventory questionnaires were distributed among intensive care workers of an university and a town hospital. Socio-demographic data were also collected. The questionnaires were completed by 67 professionals, 28 doctors, 39 nurses. 43.4% suffered serious burnout, 23.52% high level of depersonalization, only 19.11% were satisfied with their accomplishments. Females showed higher incidence of burnout, especially those with chronic diseases (OR=3.33). According to our data, burnout was not related to family status and working hours, however there was significant correlation between satisfaction and weekly relaxation time (p = 0.0115). Burnout syndrome is spreading among intensive care employees, therefore its prevention should be a priority.