Hematology

Patients with multiple myeloma (MM) can experience diminished immune responses during prolonged treatment; however, mRNA vaccines could bolster immunity in this vulnerable population.

A study demonstrated that pre-transplant measurable residual disease (MRD) status is a strong prognostic factor for overall survival, disease-free survival, and relapse risk in patients with AML and MDS undergoing allogeneic stem cell transplantation.

A new study evaluating the quadratic phenotypic optimization platform shows it can accurately predict personalized drug combination sensitivities, paving the way for improved treatment strategies and outcomes in acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

In our ongoing conversation with James Cancer Hospital’s Don M. Benson, MD, PhD, he explains his philosophy of always striving to deliver personalized patient care.

The 66th American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting & Exposition took place December 7-10, 2024, in San Diego, California; the 2025 meeting is currently scheduled to take place in Orlando, Florida, December 6-9.

Through interviews and articles infused with expert insight, progress against this cancer that develops in the bone marrow was showcased.

Secondary immunodeficiency disease (SID) status was associated with significantly higher risk for severe bacterial infections in adult patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)/small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL).

A national survey of Canadian hematologists reveals gaps and variability in supportive care strategies for older adults with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML), emphasizing the need for evidence-based guidelines.

Findings from a phase 2 trial show that luspatercept effectively improves anemia in patients with lower-risk myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), enabling them to delay or prevent transfusion dependence while maintaining a favorable safety profile.

The expert knowledge presented at this year’s International Myeloma Society (IMS) annual meeting focused on minimal residual disease testing and status, defining and treating high-risk disease, CEPHEUS trial findings, and an investigational off-the-shelf chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy.

Conventional parameters for risk stratification prognosis for patients with low-risk myelodysplastic neoplasms, especially bone marrow blast percentage, drop their clinical significance once molecular lesions are included in prognostic scores.

Long-term data support the safety and efficacy of venetoclax (Venclexta) and obinutuzumab (Gazyva) in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), though questions remain about which patients would benefit most from the regimen.

Matias Sanchez, MD, assistant professor in the Department of Medicine at the University of Illinois Chicago, discussed recent advancements in multiple myeloma treatment, including the potential of cell therapies and bispecific antibodies.

Despite found associations, due to small sample sizes the researchers suggest readers interpret their findings with caution.

Matias Sanchez, MD, assistant professor in the Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Illinois Chicago, emphasizes the importance of patient education and caregiver involvement in managing complex therapies and advises oncologists to confidently integrate advanced treatments.

The FDA approval marks the first oral solution indicated for patients with different forms of leukemia.

In the most recent update to the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines for treating patients who have multiple myeloma, a quadruplet regimen became the preferred first-line treatment option for transplant-eligible and -ineligible patients.

Despite challenges such as high attrition rates and adverse events, the trial highlights the value of established therapies in improving outcomes, particularly in regions with limited access to chimeric antigen receptor T cells and bispecific antibodies.

This multiyear follow-up of more than 3300 patients with relapsed/refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia (R/R CLL) who received ibrutinib—the longest study of its kind—confirms the agent’s efficacy as a salvage treatment but reveals new information about its impact in different subpopulations with varying clinical characteristics.

In this second part of our discussion with Don M. Benson, MD, PhD, from our recent Institute for Value-Based Medicine® event in Cleveland, Ohio, he explains how his ultimate goal for his patients is for them to live as long and as well as possible.

Coverage from the IVBM Regional event in Denver, Colorado.

Long-term survival rates for patients with leukemia after hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) are encouraging but personalized transplant strategies remain important to improve outcomes.

The key secondary end point of overall survival (OS) was met in the DREAMM-7 trial of belantamab mafodotin (Blenrep; GSK) for the treatment of patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (R/R MM).

Don M. Benson, MD, PhD, has cared for patients at James Cancer Hospital in Ohio for 22 years, where he and his team see approximately 10,000 patient visits each year.

Findings of a recent study indicate that NUP98 rearrangements can significantly impact outcomes in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML).