Modern Hematology — a Complex Interdisciplinary Tool

Abstract

Hematological disorders are involved in a large number of systemic diseases in which complex interdisciplinary approaches are required to ensure the most effective treatment strategy. Stem cell therapy has emerged as a promising therapeutic tool, not only in patients with hematological disorders, but also in patients with acute myocardial infarction, severe heart failure, critical limb ischemia, neurological disorders, or for cartilage regeneration in various orthopedic applications. 1,2 Modern bioengineering technologies made it possible to generate scaffolds impregnated with stem cells for various applications (such as patches for wound repair or for open heart surgery). 3,4 It has also been demonstrated that in patients with heart failure or with coronary artery disease, correction of anemia can lead to a significant improvement of symptoms and outcomes. 5,6 Several hematological parameters carry also prognostic impact for other diseases. For instance, interventional cardiology studies demonstrated that neutrophil count, leucocyte count, or blood count-derived parameters such as red cell distribution width-platelet ratio (a new biomarker for inflammation) or neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio are significant predictors for the occurrence of no-reflow phenomenon after successful recanalization of an occluded coronary artery in the setting of an acute myocardial infarction. [7][8][9][10][11] Therefore, hematology can be considered as an important link between various diseases, serving also as a reflection of the severity of these pathologies. This special issue of JIM is focused on the most relevant topics in modern hematology.Bzduch et al. performed a study on the importance of FLT3-ITD gene mutation in the survival of patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The authors analyzed 210 patients with AML, from which 10 presented FLT3-ITD mutation, and the results showed an overall survival rate of 7% (n = 15), while patients with the specified mutation presented a 100% mortality rate (n = 10) within the first two months. Moreover, none of the subjects with FLT3-ITD mutation presented complete remission of the disease. 12 Stem cell therapies have been used for the treatment of hematologic neoplastic diseases for over three decades, including Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin limphomas. 13 Pakucs et al. aimed to evaluate complications occurring after au-CORRESPONDENCE