Dana-Farber researchers will present findings related to stem cell transplant, lymphoma, leukemia, and multiple myeloma treatment, including a study on the benefit of hematopoietic cell transplantation in older patients with high-risk myelodysplastic syndrome. Another study explores the impact of clonal hematopoiesis in donors on recip...
A clinical trial is underway to test psilocybin therapy for depression in cancer patients. The study aims to investigate the combination of individualized treatment and group administration to provide long-term relief from depression symptoms.
The American Society of Hematology has released new clinical practice guidelines for treating acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in older adults. The guidelines aim to provide personalized care by addressing patients' goals and wishes throughout their disease course.
Researchers found that cancer therapy can trigger the formation of large, aggressive cells with multiple chromosomes. A scientist is now developing a drug to prevent or treat these rogue cells, which can lead to cancer recurrence.
Researchers developed a novel treatment that compacts and stabilizes neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) to enhance bacterial capture, resist degradation, and improve sepsis outcomes. The treatment improved survival in mice with sepsis by reducing severity of illness and decreasing bacteria levels.
A study published in Blood Advances found that hematologists with caregiving responsibilities had fewer first- or senior-author publications and less percent effort in research compared to those without. Men were negatively affected by caregiving duties, while women showed similar performance regardless of their caregiving status.
Researchers discovered a death receptor pathway in cancer cells that prevents them from dying, leading to T cell dysfunction and resistance to CAR T cell therapy. The study's findings may provide guidance for future immunotherapies in patients resistant to CAR T therapy.
A study published in Clinical Cancer Research identified neoantigens in 184 patients with multiple myeloma, showing an increase in these genetic markers in patients who had relapsed. The researchers found common neoantigens between patients, which could lead to new vaccine therapies.
Researchers developed a bispecific T-cell engager, AMG 701, to target myeloma cells. Administered with lenalidomide or pomalidomide, it showed promising pre-clinical results in mice implanted with human myeloma cells.
Clinical fellow Harry Lesmana at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital has been selected for the 2019 ASH Research Training Award to advance his research training in hematology genetics. He will have protected time for hands-on research and gain expertise in the field.
The E1912 follow-up analysis shows that ibrutinib-based therapy lived longer and with sustained benefit in previously untreated CLL patients. The majority of patients were well-tolerated, with only 14% stopping due to side effects.
Researchers identified genetic mutations that predict patient outcomes after a stem cell transplant for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in patients over age 60. Patients with specific gene mutations were classified into low, high, or intermediate-risk groups, enabling personalized treatment approaches.
A study by Dana-Farber researchers suggests that adding venetoclax to a reduced-intensity drug regimen prior to stem cell transplant can increase the chances of transplant success. The treatment has been found to be safe and does not impair donor cells' ability to engraft in recipients.
A three-year longitudinal study found that having a hematologist mentor during medical education is associated with an increased likelihood of fellows specializing in hematology. Fellows who co-authored papers or engaged in research activities with mentors in hematology were more likely to pursue careers in the field.
This study examined changes in internal medicine subspecialty choices from 1991 to 2016, with women and men showing varying trends across nine subspecialties. The findings suggest shifting interests in areas like geriatric medicine and hematology and oncology, potentially driven by demographic changes.
Anna Wojcicki, a University of Minnesota medical student, has been selected for the 2019 ASH Minority Medical Student Award Program to conduct translational research at Stanford University. She aims to develop new therapies for Acute Myeloid Leukemia by repurposing old drugs.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University have discovered two gene variations that may modulate platelet cell behavior and affect the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. The study suggests that these genetic variants could be potential targets for modulating expression of CD36, a key regulator of platelet levels and activation.
Researchers found adding pembrolizumab to definitive treatment increased overall average PFS by 19.1 months, compared to 6.6 months in historical averages. The study showed the treatment did not lead to new safety issues or decreased patient quality of life.
A DNA rearrangement in immunoglobulin lambda (IgL) translocations is associated with poorer outcomes and reduced survival benefit from immunomodulatory drugs like lenalidomide. Patients with this genetic marker are more likely to relapse and die within the first three years after diagnosis.
Joanne Kurtzberg, MD, has been awarded the 2019 Bernard Sanberg Memorial Award for her groundbreaking work in pediatric hematology and regenerative medicine. The award recognizes her clinical trials that have led to positive results in treating adult ischemic stroke patients with cord blood therapy.
Researchers found threshold levels of circulating factor VIIa that prevented bleeding episodes in animal models, potentially leading to a new preventive treatment for patients with hemophilia who develop antibodies to standard maintenance therapy.
A new study found that people of southern-European and non-European descent are unlikely to have a suitable match if they need a life-saving bone marrow transplant. Alternative donor transplants are considered for these patients.
The Blood editors have selected the top 10 manuscripts of 2018, showcasing notable advances in various hematological disorders. These studies highlight promising treatments for B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia and classical Hodgkin lymphoma, as well as novel therapeutic strategies for immune thrombocytopenia.
The combination of ibrutinib plus rituximab was superior to standard treatment in improving progression-free survival and overall survival for patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. The treatment also showed fewer serious side effects compared to the standard FCR regimen.
Researchers reported promising early results from a clinical study of genetically engineered immune cells that recognize and fight cancer cells. The treatment generated excellent responses when used after chemotherapy, with 71% of patients achieving complete response.
The study found nearly 40% of large B cell lymphoma patients remained in remission beyond 2 years after receiving Yescarta treatment. Patients with refractory disease showed durable responses, giving hope for a cure.
Researchers found that checkpoint blockade therapy can sensitize patients to better respond to future use of drugs, even when initial attempts failed. This breakthrough has significant implications for treating relapsing non-Hodgkin lymphoma and Hodgkin lymphoma patients.
The new guidelines from the European Hematology Association and European LeukemiaNet provide standardized approaches to clinical management of Chronic Myelomonocytic Leukemia (CMML). The recommendations are based on expert consensus and include steps to improve evidence supporting clinical guidelines.
The American Society of Hematology has released new clinical practice guidelines for venous thromboembolism, covering evidence-based recommendations for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. The guidelines aim to improve care for patients with blood clots, addressing current uncertainties and variations in clinical practice.
Research from the Abramson Cancer Center presents findings on CAR T combinations, timing of therapy, and patient access. Studies evaluate effectiveness in multiple myeloma patients, Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) patients, and lymphoma patients with high-risk profiles.
A recent study found that cancer stem cells rely on amino acids for energy, rather than glucose, and this difference makes them susceptible to targeting without harming healthy cells. Researchers have already shown promise with this approach in clinical trials against acute myeloid leukemia, with potential applications to other cancers.
Researchers have devised a novel method to block abnormal biological signals driving the rare and fatal disease Fanconi anemia. Inhibiting a regulatory protein called Sh2b3/Lnk restored bone marrow cell function and improved genome integrity in animal studies, providing hope for better treatments for children with the disease.
Leukemia undercuts normal cells' ability to consume glucose, leading to a diabetic-like condition that favors cancer growth. Researchers have identified key strategies, including manipulating insulin production and gut bacteria, which can be targeted with low-tech therapies like serotonin supplementation.
Loyola will produce a more purified CAR-T cell product potentially reducing toxicities and costs. The Leukemia Research Foundation is supporting the research with a $250,000 grant.
Researchers have discovered a new combination treatment targeting pre-leukemia stem cells by inhibiting protein synthesis and oxidative phosphorylation pathways. The treatment, involving FDA-approved drugs omacetaxine and venetoclax, has shown promising results in killing cancerous cells while leaving healthy stem cells unharmed.
Patients taking JAK inhibitors for myelofibrosis are at increased risk of developing aggressive B-cell lymphomas. Screening for a preexisting B-cell clone before treatment may help prevent this side effect.
Researchers identify essential switch AMPK that activates mitophagy in leukemia stem cells, offering potential new treatments for acute myeloid leukemia. Without AMPK, LSCs are stressed to death, highlighting the need for targeted therapies.
Researchers have developed a new epigenetic drug that slows down cell growth in Mantle Cell Lymphoma by inhibiting the HDAC6 gene. The substance shows high efficacy in cultured cells, murine studies and patient-derived cells with minimal toxicity to healthy cells.
A new study suggests that adolescents and young adults with acute leukemia have a survival advantage when receiving treatment at pediatric cancer centers versus adult centers, particularly those affiliated with the National Cancer Institute. This is due to the more experienced care teams in these settings.
Researchers found that giving patients a single dose of anti-PD-1 therapy before surgery can predict tumor response and patient outcomes. The study also revealed that immune cells active against cancer were present in patients with longer recurrence-free survival.
The St. Baldrick's Foundation has awarded grants to support pediatric cancer research and novel immunotherapies for childhood cancers such as medulloblastoma and osteosarcoma. The funding will enable researchers to study the immune system's response to these tumors and develop targeted immunotherapy techniques.
The Harry T. Mangurian Jr. Foundation has donated $20 million to Mayo Clinic to name a new medical building for cancer and neurologic care. The building will double the size of existing departments and support increased staff and research.
Researchers present promising results from clinical trials suggesting patients with blood disorders and several types of cancer will soon have expanded treatment options. The studies show significant breakthroughs in reducing risks during rare blood disorders, such as thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, and improving treatment for mul...
Dr. Benjamin Ebert has made significant contributions to understanding the genomic landscape of adult myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and its impact on both hematologic malignancies and cardiovascular disease. He is also known for his work on precision medicine and his innovative approaches to treating diseases.
Researchers report remarkable benefits from new therapies for bleeding and clotting disorders, including emicizumab's high effectiveness in preventing bleeds in children with hemophilia A. Additionally, a gene therapy treatment provides durable improvement in clotting factor levels and long-term protection from bleeds.
Researchers announce innovative tools and therapies for hard-to-treat blood disorders, including gene editing platform CRISPR/Cas9. Interim results from a Phase I/II clinical study show restoration of all immune cell types in infants with X-linked severe combined immunodeficiency.
CAR T-cell therapies have demonstrated durable remission and survival rates of over 59% for patients with refractory NHL. Researchers found that sustained responses were consistent across long-term follow-up analyses, suggesting potential for these therapies as the standard of care for hematologic malignancies.
Research reveals significant gaps in participation among older adults with blood cancers, underscoring the need to close the gap and increase enrollment. Most patients under 65 are over-represented, while those aged 75+ account for only 4% of trials despite being diagnosed at a higher rate.
A software program can accurately predict tumor-specific markers on leukemia cells in patients who have received stem cell transplants. The researchers plan to use their findings to develop immune-based therapies that target these antigens.
Patients with advanced leukemia who rely on blood transfusions face barriers to quality end-of-life care, including limited hospice services and higher hospital deaths. Research suggests that improving access to blood transfusions could increase hospice care use among these patients.
Novel targeted cancer therapies have been shown to improve progression-free survival, response rate, and quality of life for patients with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. Mogamulizumab has demonstrated significant clinical activity in clearing malignant T-cells in the blood and lymph nodes.
A new gene therapy has successfully produced sustained levels of clotting factor in adult hemophilia B patients, eliminating the need for regular infusions. The treatment, which uses a highly active variant of the clotting factor, achieved significant clinical benefits with no adverse effects.
A study of people with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) found that effectiveness and adverse events are top concerns when choosing treatment. Patients are willing to trade off some drug efficacy for reduced risk of serious side effects, but out-of-pocket costs can significantly influence their choices.
A national cooperative group trial is making a handful of experts in rare leukemia available around the clock to reduce high mortality rates. The goal is to decrease induction mortality from 30% to 6.7% by providing timely management and care for patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia.
A high dose of hydroxyurea significantly increased fetal hemoglobin levels and reduced hospitalizations among young sickle cell anemia patients. The study found that maximizing the dose resulted in a substantial reduction in hospitalizations, with nearly all patients experiencing improved health outcomes.
A year-long trial suggests that hydroxyurea treatment is safe and effective for Ugandan children with sickle cell anemia, contrary to concerns about increased malaria risk. The study found no correlation between hydroxyurea treatment and the rate or severity of malaria infection.
Researchers have created an engineered form of ADAMTS-13 (BAX 930) to restore the missing enzyme in patients with congenital thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), a rare and life-threatening blood disease. The therapy was found to be safe and effective, with no allergic reactions or serious adverse events.
Dr. Betty S. Pace will receive the ASH Leadership in Promoting Diversity Award for her commitment to diversity and inclusion in hematology. She has trained over 80 underrepresented minority individuals, including 45% of those she has personally mentored.
The 'Programme for Translational Hematology' aims to strengthen cooperation between basic and clinical research to gain new knowledge on leukaemia. The programme will focus on identifying new treatment forms for AML and MDS, using DNA sequencing, pre-clinical models, and international research capacities.
A study using liquid biopsies found distinct genomic profiles in 99.7% of patients with CUP, harboring potentially targetable alterations. These findings suggest that liquid biopsies can guide treatment response in this patient population.