A thorough examination of the available literature has revealed a well-established association of obesity and high body mass index (BMI) with an increased risk of various types of cancers, including hematologic malignancies. Specifically, the studies reviewed indicate a clear correlation between obesity and an increased risk of leukemias, lymphomas, multiple myeloma, myelodysplastic syndrome, and myeloproliferative diseases. Despite the established association of obesity and high BMI with hematologic malignancies, the underlying mechanisms remain largely undetermined. The development of hematologic malignancies may be influenced by several mechanisms associated with obesity and high BMI, including chronic inflammation, hormonal imbalances, adiposopathies, and metabolic dysregulation. Furthermore, there is mounting evidence indicating that obesity and high BMI may have a negative impact on the response to treatment and overall survival in patients with hematologic malignancies. This article aims to increase awareness and summarize the current state of research on the impact of obesity on hematologic malignancies, including the mechanisms by which obesity may influence the development and progression of these diseases. In addition, the current review highlights the need for effective weight management strategies in patients with hematologic malignancies to improve outcomes and mitigate the risk of complications.

Background and aim: In the past, acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) was considered as one of the most rapidly lethal form of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The objective of this study was to assess clinical parameters affecting early death (ED) in patients with APL. Materials and methods: Forty-three patients with APL who were diagnosed at Hacettepe University Hospital between the years of 2005 and 2018 were evaluated. Results: In univariate analyses, presentation with hemorrhage, DIC or infection at diagnosis, ECOG performance score, blast percentage on bone marrow, Sanz score, leukocyte, thrombocyte, fibrinogen and LDH levels were found to be statistically significantly different between patients with ER and patients without ED. In multivariate analysis, presentation with hemorrhage, DIC or infection at diagnosis, ECOG performance score, blast percentage on bone marrow, Sanz score, leukocyte, thrombocyte, fibrinogen, and LDH levels were found to be independent factors that are related with higher rate of ED in 30 days after treatment. Conclusion: Induction chemotherapy should be started as soon as possible after diagnosis of APL. Improving ED rates may become the greatest challenge for the future treatment of the diseases.

Multiple myeloma (MM) associated with extramedullary (EM) plasmacytoma has a poor therapeutic response and poor outcomes when treated with conventional chemotherapy. EM plasmacytoma is divided into two groups: the first group comprised tumors that are extending directly from osteolytic bone lesions (EM-B, bone-related), while the second results from plasmacytoma infiltration into soft tissues, with no relationship to the bone (EM-S, soft tissue-related). This study aimed to compare the general characteristics and survival outcomes of transplant eligible MM patients who had EM-S or EM-B and MM patients who did not have plasmacytoma at the time of diagnosis. This study has been performed in a retrospective manner. The MM patients who were treated at our tertiary care center between January 2003 and January 2017 were evaluated retrospectively for the presence of a plasmacytoma at diagnosis. There were 141 (78.3%) MM patients who did not have plasmacytoma, 22 (12.2%) MM patients who had EM-B and 17 (9.4%) MM patients who had EM-S at the time of diagnosis in this study. The 5-year OS was 63% in patients who had bone EM-B, 63% in patients who had EM-S and 80% in patients who did not have plasmacytoma, respectively (p=0.02) The 5-year DFS was 47% in patients who had EM-B, 35% in patients who had EMS and 54% in MM patients who did not have plasmacytoma, respectively (p=0.15). In conclusion, these finding make us to suggest that MM patients who had EM plasmacytoma at the time of diagnosis had poor prognosis than patients without plasmacytoma, even if ASCT was performed. The presence of EM involvement negatively affects survival outcomes.