1. Genetic profiling of NUDT15 in the Slovenian populationAlenka Šmid, Dunja Urbančič, Jaka Vrevc Žlajpah, Natalia Stollarova, Tomaž Prelog, Marko Kavčič, Janez Jazbec, Irena Mlinarič-Raščan, Nataša Karas Kuželički, 2024, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: Determining variant TPMT alleles to predict patient response to thiopurine therapy represents one of the first successful implementations of pharmacogenomics in clinical practice. However, despite the TPMT-adjusted thiopurine dosing, some TPMT wild-type patients still exhibit toxicity at standard doses. Over the past decade, the pharmacogene NUDT15 has emerged as a significant co-modulator of thiopurine therapy. Initially, NUDT15 was considered important predominantly in Asian populations, but recent studies have highlighted its relevance in European populations as well. To evaluate the pharmacogenetic significance of NUDT15 in the Slovenian population, we sequenced extended regions of exon 1 and exon 3 in 109 healthy individuals and 37 patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. We identified eight variants, including one with established clinical significance (allele *3) and one extremely rare variant (Chr13 at 48045861; GRCh38, NC_000013.11). The frequencies of most previously described variants in both the general population and in the ALL cohort were consistent with those reported in other European populations, except for rs45465203, which was less frequent in the Slovenian population. None of the variants, except for NUDT15*3, were associated with cumulative thiopurine doses in ALL patients. However, these variants warrant further investigation in larger ALL cohorts. Ključne besede: 6-mercaptopurine, acutelymphoblastic leukemia, dose reduction, minorallele frequency, NUDT15, population genetics, thiopurines Objavljeno v DiRROS: 16.06.2026; Ogledov: 163; Prenosov: 162
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2. PAX5 alterations in a consecutive childhood B-Cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia cohort treated using the ALL IC-BFM 2009 protocolKlementina Črepinšek, Nika Klobučar, Tine Tesovnik, Robert Šket, Barbara Jenko Bizjan, Jernej Kovač, Marko Kavčič, Tomaž Prelog, Lidija Kitanovski, Janez Jazbec, Maruša Debeljak, 2024, izvirni znanstveni članek Ključne besede: childhood B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, PAX5 genetic alterations, prognostic significance Objavljeno v DiRROS: 04.06.2026; Ogledov: 205; Prenosov: 134
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4. Thiopurine S-methyltransferase – An important intersection of drug-drug interactions in thiopurine treatmentDunja Urbančič, Marko Jukič, Alenka Šmid, Stanislav Gobec, Janez Jazbec, Irena Mlinarič-Raščan, 2025, pregledni znanstveni članek Povzetek: Understanding the molecular mechanisms of medicines is crucial for developing novel drugs, for repurposing existing medicines, and for predicting toxicities. Thiopurine S-methyltransferase (TPMT) serves as an exemplary case in personalized medicine, as its activity is influenced by genetic variants, co-factors, substrates, and inhibitors, which lead to diverse outcomes in thiopurine therapy. This comprehensive review explores the role of TPMT in drug-drug interactions by investigating its interactions with co-factors, substrates, and inhibitors. We focus on the principal interactions of TPMT with clinically relevant inhibitors, and add to this information with molecular docking analyses for the substrate and co-factor binding sites of TPMT. Notably, methotrexate and sulfasalazine emerged as the top-ranked compounds with favorable docking scores for the co-factor binding site, while furosemide is presented as the highest ranked inhibitor for the substrate binding site. Furthermore, we highlight the chemical and structural properties governing ligand binding to TPMT. We support the molecular characteristics by using a summary of clinical implications. Examining the molecular interactions between substrates or inhibitors and TPMT not only addresses therapeutic consequences, but also reveals potential novel indications of interacting compounds. These insights are also invaluable for identifying endogenous ligands and enhancing our understanding of TPMT’s biological function. Ključne besede: thiopurine S-methyltransferase, drug-drug interactions, thiopurines, treatment outcome, molecular docking, methotrexate, allopurinol Objavljeno v DiRROS: 21.04.2026; Ogledov: 205; Prenosov: 192
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5. Risk factors for venous thromboembolism in Slovenian children and adolescents : a single center experienceMineja Leban, Marko Kavčič, Jakob Peterlin, Janez Jazbec, Barbara Faganel Kotnik, 2026, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) are rare but potentially life-threatening conditions in children, usually associated with underlying medical conditions. Some children with diagnosed VTE have genetic risk factors for the development of VTE, as well as for recurrent complications. This study reports risk factors for developing VTE in a homogeneous population of children and adolescents. A total of 155 children and adolescents, aged 0–21 years, who were diagnosed with VTE at the University Children's Hospital, UMC Ljubljana, between July 2006 and October 2021, were included. The median age at the time of the VTE diagnosis was 12.0 years (interquartile range: 1–7 years). Associated medical conditions were present in 75.5% of patients, and thrombophilia was diagnosed in 43.2% of patients. Oncological disease accounted for 27.7% of cases, while infections were found to be the most significant acquired risk factor (17.4%), followed by the presence of a central venous catheter (15.5%). Genetic thrombophilia markers were identified in 27.1% of patients, with the highest frequency in adolescents (62.5%). Factor V (FV) Leiden heterozygote was the most common marker (9.6% of patients), followed by elevated factor VIII (FVIII) activity (5.8%) and elevated Lp(a) levels (5.2%). Combined thrombophilia markers were found in 52.2% of patients. In addition to inherited thrombophilia, 83.3% of patients had acquired risk factors. Compared to previously reported prevalence, a lower occurrence of FV Leiden heterozygote, elevated Lp(a) levels, elevated FVIII activity and antiphospholipid syndrome was observed in our population. Ključne besede: acquired risk factors, genetic thrombophilia markers, inherited thrombophilia, pediatrics, venous thromboembolism Objavljeno v DiRROS: 13.03.2026; Ogledov: 342; Prenosov: 223
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6. Interdisciplinarne poti razvoja nove generacije fluorescenčnih označevalcev za ciljno diagnostiko Burkittovega limfomaMaša Pelan, Tomaž Prelog, Veronika Škrjanc, Gašper Tavčar, Janez Jazbec, Maja Čemažar, Tanja Jesenko, Marko Jeran, 2025, objavljeni povzetek znanstvenega prispevka na konferenci Ključne besede: onkologija, imunoterapija raka, kemoterapija raka, Burkittov limfom, ciljna diagnostika, fluorescenčni označevalci Objavljeno v DiRROS: 11.03.2026; Ogledov: 357; Prenosov: 150
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7. Bridging the gap in pediatric relapsed acute lymphoblastic leukemia treatment : isights and outcomes from the ALL-IC REL 2016 guidelinesMarko Kavčič, Dániel J. Erdélyi, Volkan Hazar, Mirella Ampatzidou, Boryana Avramova, Anca Colita, Tomaž Prelog, Janez Jazbec, 2025, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: Background: The Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia InterContinental (ALL-IC) Study Group exemplifies the potential of broad international collaboration. Patient outcomes have improved by standardizing therapeutic options and employing flow cytometry-based minimal residual disease (MRD) for treatment stratification. Nevertheless, relapse occurs in 10%–20% of cases, with survival rates falling short of benchmarks set by top-tier published studies. Objectives: We aimed to unify treatment guidelines for children with first relapse of ALL across the ALL-IC network, analyze post-relapse outcomes, and report findings from an observational registry. Methods: Patients were stratified as standard-risk (SR) or high-risk (HR) based on relapse features and genetics. HR criteria included T-cell immunophenotype, very early or early isolated bone marrow relapse, and relapse post-stem cell transplant (SCT). SR was assigned to all others. SCT was indicated in the whole HR group and in SR patients with poor responses (MRD ≥ 0.1% on Day 29). Results: Among 370 patients (mean age 9 years; 33.2% female) diagnosed with first relapse between 2017 and 2021, 90.5% had received ALL-IC-Berlin-Frankfurt-Münster (BFM) 2009 treatment initially. Upon relapse, 46.8% were classified as SR and 53.2% as HR. Complete remission rates post-induction were 84% (SR) and 56% (HR). MRD < 0.1% was achieved by 53% (SR) and 29% (HR). Five-year overall survival was 50.5% (74% SR, 32% HR). HR outcomes were hindered by disease progression, treatment toxicity, and posttransplant complications. Conclusions: This inaugural ALL-IC REL Consortium report demonstrates promising SR outcomes, akin to the International Study for the Treatment of Childhood Relapsed ALL (IntReALL) findings, but highlights poor HR outcomes with standard chemotherapy. Novel therapeutic strategies are urgently needed in upcoming ALL-IC-BFM REL protocols. Ključne besede: acute lymphoblastic leukemia intercontinental, ALL-IC, acute lymphoblastic leukemia, relapse, treatment guidelines Objavljeno v DiRROS: 24.02.2026; Ogledov: 473; Prenosov: 275
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8. Prognostic factors and survival outcomes of first CNS relapse in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia : results from the ALL-IC REL 2016 studyVolkan Hazar, Monika Makiya, Koray Yalçın, Juan Tadecilla Cadiu, Federico Manni, Andrea Reyes Barragan, Marko Kavčič, Tomaž Prelog, Janez Jazbec, 2026, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is among the most curable pediatric cancers, yet relapse involving the central nervous system (CNS) remains a major therapeutic obstacle. In this prospective cohort, 97 children (aged 1.1–18.2 years) experiencing their first CNS relapse were enrolled in the ALL-IC REL study. Relapses were classified as isolated CNS (i-CNS, n = 43) or combined CNS (c-CNS, n = 54), and patients received treatment through standard- or high-risk regimens, encompassing chemotherapy, cranial irradiation, and allogeneic stem cell transplantation. The estimated 2-year event-free survival was 40.0%, and overall survival 49.4%, closely matching outcomes reported internationally. Survival rates were comparable across i-CNS and c-CNS relapses, while induction failure occurred more frequently in c-CNS. Multivariable analysis identified female sex, T-cell phenotype, and very early relapse as independent predictors of poor prognosis. These results underscore the critical necessity for risk-adapted therapy techniques and the incorporation of innovative medicines into forthcoming procedures. Ključne besede: childhood, acute lymphoblastic leukemia, central nervous system relapse, prognostic factors, survival, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation Objavljeno v DiRROS: 24.02.2026; Ogledov: 527; Prenosov: 293
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9. Case report : agranulocytosis in a child following metamizole use – a diagnostic challengeAljaž Pirnat, Tomaž Prelog, Janez Jazbec, Alenka Trampuš-Bakija, 2025, drugi znanstveni članki Povzetek: Objective: This case report describes a young female who developed agranulocytosis with blast cells in peripheral blood following prolonged metamizole use after ankle surgery. Case Report: A 17-year-old female patient was admitted to the Department of Infectious Diseases due to high fever and sore throat. Initial diagnostics revealed agranulocytosis, followed by occurrence of blast cells and left shifted neutrophils in the peripheral blood, in subsequent days. Extensive further diagnostics were performed due to suspicion of leukaemia, which was excluded after flow cytometry and cytogenetic analysis of bone marrow aspirate. After all tests were completed, the patient disclosed that she had been using metamizole for four months following ankle surgery. Conclusion: In cases of agranulocytosis, involving a prolonged history of metamizole use accompanied by the presence of blast cells and granulocyte precursors in peripheral blood, we would recommend an initial diagnostic approach that includes a complete blood count with differential and flow cytometry of peripheral blood. Bone marrow aspiration may be postponed or deemed unnecessary if peripheral blood flow cytometry shows no aberrant populations and there are no other signs of leukaemia. Ključne besede: metamizole, agranulocytosis, leukaemia, blast cell, flow cytometry Objavljeno v DiRROS: 15.12.2025; Ogledov: 707; Prenosov: 336
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10. Gene therapy of rare diseases as a milestone in medicine : overview of the field and report on initial experiences in SloveniaUrh Grošelj, Marko Kavčič, Ana Drole Torkar, Jan Kafol, Duško Lainšček, Roman Jerala, Matjaž Sever, Samo Zver, Gregor Serša, Maja Čemažar, Primož Strojan, Aleš Grošelj, Mojca Žerjav-Tanšek, Špela Miroševič, Simona Ivančan, Tomaž Prelog, David Gosar, Jasna Oražem, Matej Mlinarič, Sara Bertok, Jernej Kovač, Jana Kodrič, Saba Battelino, Marko Pokorn, Alojz Ihan, Janez Jazbec, Tadej Battelino, Damjan Osredkar, 2025, pregledni znanstveni članek Povzetek: Gene therapy has transitioned from a long-awaited promise to a clinical reality, offering transformative treatments for rare congenital diseases and certain cancers, which have a significant impact on patients’ lives. Current approaches focus on gene replacement therapy, either in vivo or ex vivo, mostly utilizing viral vectors to deliver therapeutic genes into target cells. However, refining these techniques is essential to overcome challenges and complications associated with gene therapy to ensure long-term safety and efficacy. Slovenia has witnessed significant advancements in this field since 2018, marked by successful gene therapy trials and treatments for various rare diseases. Significant strides have been made in the field of gene therapy in Slovenia, treating patients with spinal muscular atrophy and rare metabolic disorders, including the pioneering work on CTNNB1 syndrome. Additionally, immune gene therapy, exemplified by IL-12 adjuvant therapy for cancer, has been a focus of research in Slovenia. Through patient-centred initiatives and international collaborations, researchers in Slovenia are advancing preclinical research and clinical trials, paving the way for accessible gene therapies. Establishing clinical infrastructure and genomic diagnostics for rare diseases is crucial for gene therapy implementation. Efforts in this regard in Slovenia, including the establishment of a Centre for Rare Diseases, Centre for the Technologies of Gene and Cell Therapy, and rapid genomic diagnostics, demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive patient care. Despite the promises of gene therapy, challenges remain, including cost, distribution, efficacy, and long-term safety. Collaborative efforts are essential to address these challenges and ensure equitable access to innovative therapies for patients with rare diseases. Ključne besede: gene therapy, rare genetic diseases, Slovenia, CAR-T cells, cancer, immune gene therapy Objavljeno v DiRROS: 04.12.2025; Ogledov: 672; Prenosov: 409
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