Clinical

Favorable genetic characteristics may be able to predict which patients with relapsed/refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia (R/R CLL) who were treated with venetoclax-rituximab will attain undetectable minimal residual disease (MRD).

Three biologics appeared to increase herpes zoster risk, but 2 other therapies were shown to lower the risk, according to a study of patients in a Taiwanese national database.

Real-world data confirmed the clinical effectiveness of Celltrion Healthcare’s rituximab biosimilar (Truxima, CT-P10) in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL).

Previous research has suggested the efficacy of chimeric antigen receptor natural killer (CAR-NK) cells in hematological malignancies, and more recently, preclinical findings have raised the question of whether the type of treatment could be a viable, potentially more attractive option for solid tumors.

New studies into chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)–engineered natural killer (NK) cells has shown promising results, explained Ulrike Köhl, PhD, MD, professor of immune oncology and director of the Institute for Clinical Immunology at the University of Leipzig in Germany.

Ibrutinib is currently a standard of care in relapsed/refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia, but zanubrutinib is an effective second-line and second-generation option, said Peter Hillmen, PhD, MB ChB, professor at the University of Leeds.

Executives from Merck, Bellus Health, Bayer, and Shionogi highlighted their P2X3 data for chronic cough.

OTC cough medicines may have some temporary benefit, but they don't penetrate the nerves in the airways, which are believed to be the mechanism behind refractory chronic cough, says Jacky Smith, MB, ChB, FRCP, PhD, professor of respiratory medicine at the University of Manchester and an honorary consultant at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust.

High-risk patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) may benefit from being treated with a regimen that adds zanubrutinib and lenalidomide to R-CHOP (a combination of the monoclonal antibody rituximab plus the chemotherapy regimen of cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone).

New antitussive trials are challenged by large placebo effects and the risk of the trial being unblinded due to adverse effects, explained Ron Eccles, BSc, PhD, DSc, emeritus professor at Cardiff University.

The latest phase 2 MAGNOLIA results continue to show strong efficacy and tolerability for the Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitor in marginal zone lymphoma.

In the frontline setting, daratumumab added to backbone combination therapies has resulted in high rates of minimal residual disease (MRD) negativity, said Ola Landgren, MD, PhD, of the University of Miami and Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center.

The study explores data on liquid biopsy approaches outside of circulating tumor DNA—a commonly used approach for liquid biopsy—and includes novel methods like non-coding RNA.

Updated guidelines for adults and children highlight confusion over the name of the condition and the need for greater evidence.

The placebo effect is a major problem in cough trials and can make it impossible to tell the true pharmacological effect of the medicine being studied, said Ron Eccles, BSc, PhD, DSc, emeritus professor at Cardiff University.

An interim analysis of the phase 3 ALPINE study demonstrated that zanubrutinib has a superior response rate, improved progressive-free survival, and lower rate of atrial fibrillation/flutter compared with ibrutinib in patients with relapsed/refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia/ small lymphocytic leukemia (CLL/SLL).

Human synthetic insulin may offer low-cost, effective treatment for certain patients with diabetes and financial constraints.

Results from 2 studies presented at this year’s European Hematology Association meeting demonstrate the long-term tolerability and efficacy of the Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitor.

The P2X3 antagonists are the furthest along in the drug development process, but there are other potential drugs being evaluated to treat chronic cough, which currently has no FDA-approved therapies on the market, said Peter Dicpinigaitis, MD, chair of the American Cough Conference.

Desensitizing the cough reflex and new technologies based on artificial intelligence are some of the oral abstracts that Jacky Smith, MB, ChB, FRCP, PhD, professor of respiratory medicine at the University of Manchester and an honorary consultant at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, who chairs that session, is looking forward to at the American Cough Conference.

The populations represented in randomized controlled trials often do not match the populations being treated in the real world due to eligibility criteria, which can be challenging when translating those results to real-world decisions, explained speakers during a session at the European Hematology Association 2021 Virtual Congress.

The phase 2 ZUMA-3 trial of brexucabtagene autoleucel showed that it is possible to intervene early to prevent some toxicity, said Bijal Shah, MD, associate member in the Department of Malignant Hematology at Moffitt Cancer Center.

The prevalence of individuals with multiple chronic conditions continues to increase. Evidence-based modifications to care delivery processes can help to improve care management effectiveness.

New FDA guidance includes updates for assessing patient-reported outcomes in cancer trials.

Understanding why this difference exists could assist with finding new therapies, said the authors.