Interviews

Patients with relapsed/refractory (R/R) multiple myeloma and lower socioeconomic status reported significantly worse quality of life and a higher burden of symptoms, according to Francesco Sparano, MSc, of the GIMEMA Foundation.

Early results from the phase 1 SANRECO trial suggest that divesiran is safe and well tolerated, and may reduce the need for phlebotomy in patients with polycythemia vera by increasing hepcidin levels and improving iron regulation, according to lead investigator Marina Kremyanskaya, MD, PhD.

Sundar Jagannath, MBBS, highlights long-term follow-up data from the phase 1b/2 CARTITUDE-1 trial, showing durable responses and potential cures with ciltacabtagene autoleucel in patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma.

Marla Black Morgan, MD, looks to the future of research in both myasthenia gravis and rare neurological disorders by expanding data collection and identifying areas of potential difference in patient outcomes.

An artificial intelligence (AI)-driven machine learning model was refined and validated internationally to accurately classify acute leukemia subtypes from routine laboratory data, according to Merlin Engelke, MS, offering a potential tool for improving diagnosis worldwide.

Effective toxicity management in oncology requires pharmacists to document interventions clearly and collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams, says David Awad, PharmD, BCOP.

In this clip, Adela Perolla, MD, PhD, discusses the urgent need to address and destigmatize burnout in hematology, especially among early-career professionals, by promoting self-awareness, work-life balance, and peer support.

Burnout is rising sharply in hematology due to emotional strain, long hours, and high patient demands, according to Adela Perolla, MD, PhD, impacting both physician well-being and patient care.

Ola Landgren, MD, PhD, shares ADVANCE trial results, which show that adding daratumumab to carfilzomib-lenalidomide-dexamethasone (DKRd) improves outcomes in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma.

Mansi Shah, MD, discusses the role of stem cell transplant in multiple myeloma (MM) and the logistical barriers to wider adoption of bispecific therapies.

Andrew Kuykendall, MD, Moffitt Cancer Center, explains the goals of the VERIFY trial and why its data on rusfertide could have paradigm-changing implications for patients with polycythemia vera (PV) who currently rely on frequent phlebotomies for relief.

Collecting comprehensive patient data, including social determinants of health, is crucial for equitable value-based cancer care, yet administrative burdens could worsen existing disparities, said Coral Omene, MD, PhD, of Rutgers Cancer Institute and RWJBarnabas Health.

Constance Blunt, MD, medical oncologist, Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center, discusses the potential consequences of losing free health care screening coverage.

Dirk Arnold, MD, PhD, medical director, Asklepios Tumour Biology Centre, discusses the trial design of a study comparing amivantamab with standard chemotherapy to potentially improve treatment outcomes.

In the final part of an interview with Brian Slomovitz, MD, he highlights that the phase 3 ROSELLA trial demonstrates a safe, effective treatment for platinum-resistant ovarian cancer that does not require biomarker testing.

Julia Lucaci, PharmD, MS, of Becton, Dickinson and Company, discusses the benefits of blister packaging for chronic medications, advocating for payer incentives to boost medication adherence and improve health outcomes.

With the FDA approval of retifanlimab (Zynyz; Incyte) as the first and only first-line treatment for advanced anal cancer, researchers are now focusing on resistance mechanisms and future therapies, according to Sheela Rao, MBBS, MD, FRCP, of The Royal Marsden Hospital.

Artificial intelligence (AI) provides a major tool in the evolution of thoracic care, as clinicians work to catch lung cancer earlier to provide better prognosis.

Merrill H. Stewart, MD, Ochsner Health, explains misconceptions about stents and bypass surgery and highlights when cardiac positron emission tomography (PET) stress testing is most appropriate.

In the final part of her interview, Margrit Wiesendanger, MD, PhD, discusses the need to improve lupus care by addressing social determinants of health and expanding access to treatment.

Defining "value" in cancer care goes beyond survival and should encompass patient quality of life metrics, said Coral Omene, MD, PhD, of Rutgers Cancer Institute and RWJBarnabas Health.

Ahead of the 30th European Hematology Association (EHA) Congress in Milan, Ola Landgren, MD, PhD, shares what he is most looking forward to and reflects on key advancements and ongoing challenges in hematology.

David Awad, PharmD, BCOP, says pharmacists play a growing role in managing access, safety, and toxicity for these therapies, ensuring treatments are appropriate and sustainable in real-world oncology practice.

The PURPOSE trials illuminated the ways in which lenacapavir could be used as a means of pre-exposure prophylaxis effectively, but also featured several adverse events.

To truly shift the landscape in obesity care, explains Jaime Almandoz, MD, MBA, UT Southwestern, care models and policies must also consider quality of life and total health outcomes.

Insurance hurdles in value-based cancer care create delays and anxiety for patients and providers, complicating access to essential treatments, explained Coral Omene, MD, PhD, of Rutgers Cancer Institute and RWJBarnabas Health.

Brian Slomovitz, MD, of Mount Sinai Medical Center, compares relacorilant plus nab-paclitaxel with existing treatments for platinum-resistant ovarian cancer and highlights the ROSELLA trial’s global scope.

Systemic barriers beyond just the price of drugs can impact health care costs, emphasizing the need for comprehensive affordability solutions, explained H. John Beardsley, MBA, of CoverMyMeds, and Fauzea Hussain, MPH, of McKesson.