The phase 3 ECOG-ACRIN E2905 Intergroup Study found that lenalidomide plus epoetin alpha resulted in improved major erythroid response rates and a similar toxicity profile compared to lenalidomide alone. This combination therapy showed significant benefits for patients with lower-risk, erythropoietin-refractory MDS.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University developed a portable sensor called ClotChip that can quickly and accurately assess blood's clotting ability. This technology has the potential to revolutionize the diagnosis and treatment of blood clots, allowing for faster and more precise assessments.
A study by The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center found pre-leukemic mutations can predict the development of therapy-related myeloid neoplasms (t-MNs), a leukemia with poor prognosis. Patients with these mutations are at higher risk, and detecting them earlier could help prevent or treat t-MNs.
A small early-phase trial of CAR T-cell immunotherapy developed at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center showed a high percentage of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) experienced tumor shrinkage or disappearance after treatment. The therapy targeted CD19, a molecule found on the surface of CLL cells.
The study estimates 17.5 million cancer cases and 8.7 million cancer-related deaths worldwide in 2015, with prostate cancer being the most common in men and breast cancer in women. The report also highlights an increase in cancer incidence due to aging and demographic changes.
Researchers reported the highest and most sustained levels of clotting factor IX in hemophilia B patients after a single dose of experimental gene therapy. Patients were able to discontinue factor infusions and engage in normal activities without disabling bleeding episodes, significantly improving their quality of life.
CPX-351 significantly improved 100-day mortality rates and overall survival in older untreated secondary AML patients receiving hematopoietic cell transplants. The treatment also demonstrated better median overall survival compared to standard 7+3 cytarabine and daunorubicin therapy.
Researchers from UH Rainbow presented data on improving clinical outcomes for pediatric hematologic disorders, including findings on acquired aplastic anemia treatment algorithms and red blood cell transfusions in critically ill children. The studies aimed to improve long-term outcomes and transplant options for these rare diseases.
A global multicenter trial of CAR T cells reported high complete response rates (82%) in children and young adults with relapsed or refractory acute lymphoblastic leukemia. A single-center pilot trial using humanized CAR T cells showed comparable effectiveness with reduced side effects.
Patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) who were initially ineligible for clinical trials due to existing medical conditions responded well to treatment with azacitidine (AZA) and vorinostat. Sixty-day survival rates were 83% and 79% respectively, with low-grade gastrointestinal side effects reported.