Hematology

Investigators have made tremendous strides improving patient care in multiple myeloma (MM), but the authors of a new review article say much more work is needed.

Clinical updates for August 2020 featured in Evidence-Based Oncology.

Most oncologists in a recent survey said they lack the knowledge and data to use measurable, or minimal, residual disease (MRD) as a decision-making tool in the treatment of multiple myeloma.

A small study out of Sweden adds to context to the puzzle of how best to treat patients with multiple myeloma who contract COVID-19.

Yale New Haven Hospital’s reorganization of its sickle cell disease program led patients to report feeling better off and needing fewer hospitalizations. However, the change left some with the disease still feeling unsatisfied.

New research suggests white and African American patients have similar rates of access to new treatments for multiple myeloma.

A new study finds even if renal function is restored, patients who have severe renal impairment when diagnosed with multiple myeloma have lower overall survival rates.

Bristol Myers Squibb and bluebird bio submitted a second Biologics License Application (BLA) to the FDA for idecabtagene vicleucel (ide-cel), the companies’ investigational B-cell maturation antigen–directed chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell immunotherapy, indicated for adults with relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma (MM).

Coverage of our peer-reviewed research and news reporting in the health care and mainstream press.

A new study may have uncovered reasons why some patients with multiple myeloma have poor outcomes following allogeneic stem cell transplantation.

According to the study, vaporized cannabis, when compared with placebo, could be a safe and potentially effective way to address pain linked with sickle cell disease. While the decreases in pain were not statistically significant, the drug did significantly decrease pain interference in mood over a 5-day inpatient stay.

During ASCO, Janssen presented results from the CHRYSALIS study on amivantimab, a bispecific antibody being developed to treat non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The pharma giant, along with its parent company, Johnson & Johnson (J&J), had previously received a breakthrough therapy designation in December for teclistamab, another bispecific antibody indicated for potential treatment of multiple myeloma.

Only about one-third of patients with multiple myeloma who experience a very good partial response to therapy following first relapse, according to a new study.

While minimal residual disease has become an important way to track how patients respond to therapies for multiple myeloma, the treatment implications of the metric are not yet clear, according to a review article.

A new analysis of bone marrow plasma cells has helped to identify two biomarkers for multiple myeloma, which appear to play a role in the prognosis and clinical characteristics of the disease.

Scientists do not yet have a full understanding of how multiple myeloma develops, but a new article suggests the gut microbiome is one factor that may play a role.

A new study that looked at a cohort of 58 patients with multiple myeloma (MM) who contracted COVID-19 found the disease itself does not appear to be linked with higher mortality when these individuals are hospitalized.

There are promising signs that chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapies might lead to meaningful advances in the therapy of multiple myeloma. However, investigators will first need to clear a number of key hurdles.

Minimal residual disease (MRD) status has been shown to be a better indicator of the prognosis of a patient with multiple myeloma (MM) than “complete remission.” Yet, it’s still not widely used in the clinic. A new article examines the problem.

Bayer AG agreed to settle the majority of claims alleging its product Roundup causes blood cancer; Census Bureau data show a historic demographic shift; a federal lawsuit claims Regeneron funneled millions of dollars to a charity.

The American Society of Hematology has adopted 10 of the recommendations from Choosing Wisely to encourage more high-value care, but barriers to adoption remain.

A new survey finds patients, caregivers, and medical professionals have somewhat different priorities when considering treatment options for multiple myeloma.

Patients with sickle cell disease who do not receive treatment can die from the disease, but diagnostic resources are scarce in some parts of the world where the disease is most prevalent. A new smartphone-based method could change that.

A new large randomized trial indicates induction therapy including lenalidomide is optimal in patients with multiple myeloma who are transplant-eligible. Maintenance with lenalidomide was preferable to observation alone following transplant.

Patients with multiple myeloma (MM) face higher risks of certain metabolic syndromes, but new research suggests those risks exist even in patients with smoldering MM.