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.
Researchers found that hematopoietic stem cells can directly detect bacterial infections and begin dividing without signals from growth factors. This reaction damages the cells' regenerative ability, potentially leading to malignant diseases at advanced age.
Researchers developed a two-pronged approach to treat multiple blood cancers by targeting cancer cells directly and driving them out of the bone marrow environment. The new antibody PF-06747143 has been shown to eradicate more cancer cells compared to standard care in preclinical studies.
Orly Leiva, a fourth-year medical student at Boston University School of Medicine, has been named to the 2017 Minority Medical Student Award Program. The program supports underrepresented minority students pursuing hematology research projects with $7,000 funding and mentorship.
A clinical trial comparing traditional ferrous sulfate with a new iron polysaccharide complex preparation found that traditional treatment is more effective in treating iron-deficiency anemia in young children. The study, published in JAMA, showed that a low-dose daily treatment can be effective in restoring normal hemoglobin levels wi...
Researchers at the American Society of Hematology report on the effectiveness of enasidenib in treating a rare form of leukemia. Enasidenib demonstrates significant benefits as a targeted treatment for this aggressive disease, offering new hope for patients with limited options.
Scientists developed a new way to enhance the function of immune cells that destroy tumors in multiple myeloma. By blocking a hormone-related mechanism, they restored the ability of these cells to battle tumor growth. The research sheds light on a new form of cancer immunotherapy with promising prospects for cancer patients.
The American Society of Hematology has awarded $150,000 in Bridge Grants to five researchers to sustain their hematologic research proposals. The grants will help preserve programs at institutions across the US and encourage the retention of promising researchers in uncertain NIH funding environments.
A new analysis found that apixaban, a non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulant (NOAC), is superior to warfarin in reducing brain bleeds and stroke risk in patients with atrial fibrillation. The study showed that apixaban reduced intracranial hemorrhage by 58% compared to warfarin.
A Chicagoan has become the first adult patient to be cured of congenital dyserythropoietic anemia with a novel stem cell transplant protocol. The patient, David Levy, underwent the procedure in 2014 and is now free from pain and independent.
Researchers found that combining a kinase inhibitor and an oncolytic herpes virus results in significantly increased antitumor efficacy against MPNST and neuroblastoma. The study suggests that this combination could lead to improved treatment options for patients with these rare cancers.
A new study found that 84% of patients with acute lymphocytic leukemia or their parents over-reported adherence to a regimen of 6-mercaptopurine, an oral maintenance therapy. Forgetfulness was the primary reason for non-adherence, and parental involvement improved adherence rates.
Research suggests a link between congenital cytomegalovirus and acute lymphocytic leukemia, with Hispanic children at highest risk. The study indicates a 3.71-fold increased risk in CMV-positive newborns.
A recent study identifies inherited genetic mutations in the IKZF1 gene as a major risk factor for pediatric ALL. The variants affect protein Ikaros, crucial for white blood cell development, and reduce cancer cells' sensitivity to chemotherapy drug dasatinib.
Pacritinib significantly reduces spleen size among people with very low levels of platelets, while a twice-daily dose improves symptoms. The study also showed that pacritinib is effective in treating patients who have previously been treated with ruxolitinib.
Research shows that ibrutinib can benefit patients with GVHD who don't respond to corticosteroid treatment, with 71% experiencing sustained improvements. Ibrutinib targets specific immune cells involved in GVHD, offering a new therapeutic option for those with limited treatment options.
The study found no difference in progression-free survival among patients receiving standard care, additional chemotherapy, or a second round of autoHCT. Researchers suggest that adding new therapies to the standard treatment may not provide significant benefits for patients with multiple myeloma.
The study found that KTE-C19 induced a significant response rate in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, with 76% overall response and 47% complete remission. Serious adverse events were reported, but the team developed guidelines to manage side effects across multiple institutions.
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.
Researchers from Mount Sinai Health System presented various studies on multiple myeloma and other hematological disorders at the American Society of Hematology's Annual Meeting. The studies focused on treatment protocols, biomarkers, and gene expression in these diseases.
New treatments show promise for AL amyloidosis, with overall survival on the rise. Researchers found an effective alternative to bortezomib and promising results from monoclonal antibodies like NEOD001.
The American Society of Hematology launched Blood Advances, an open-access online journal, to fill a niche in hematologic research. The journal features multimedia content, rapid publication, and interactive discussion tools.
A new color-coding tool enables scientists to track live blood stem cells over time, revealing how blood disorders and cancers like leukemia arise. The tool has many implications for hematology and cancer medicine, including understanding clonal diversity and regulating its development.
The American Society of Hematology announced top trainee abstracts from the 2016 ASH Annual Meeting, showcasing innovative research in hematology and stem cells. The awards recognize excellence in various categories, including undergraduate students, medical students, and postdoctoral fellows.
The American Society of Hematology has partnered with several organizations to create a specialized curriculum for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) care. The program aims to address knowledge gaps in the entire multidisciplinary team involved in AML management, including accurate diagnosis, risk stratification, and treatment options.
Researchers develop a new therapy that prolongs thrombin production, potentially treating both hemophilia A and B, including those with antibodies against standard therapy. The treatment could also accelerate clot formation in patients with factor V Leiden, offering a more effective and long-acting alternative to current therapies.
Blocking furin protein may offer unexpected benefits for patients with hemophilia A. Gene therapy and protein replacement treatments may be more effective with this approach.
A new report published in Blood shows that some people with mildly symptomatic SCD may live long lives with proper management of the disease. Four women with milder forms of SCD surpassed the US median life expectancy, living up to 86 years old.
A group of researchers calls for an overhaul of the US process for reviewing coverage of 'off-label' cancer drug use. They found inconsistencies in the five reference guides used to determine reimbursement and weak quality evidence supporting some off-label uses.
Researchers have developed a novel genetically engineered clotting factor that can rapidly reverse bleeding in animal models. The factor, FXaI16L, safely restores blood-clotting ability and significantly reduces bleeding when infused before or during an active bleed.
The American Society of Hematology (ASH) has established a $3 million annual Bridge Grant program to support blood disease research. This initiative aims to ensure that promising researchers in hematology continue their work despite limited NIH funding.
A Phase II trial suggests that brentuximab vedotin can cure some patients with Hodgkin lymphoma who have relapsed despite previous therapies. The study reports that 13 of 34 patients who achieved complete remission remained disease-free for over five years.
A Phase II trial found that autologous stem cell transplant is effective and safe for HIV patients with relapsed/treatment-resistant lymphoma. Patients with HIV had comparable overall survival rates and reduced toxicity compared to non-HIV patients.
A research team has identified the AF1q protein as an adverse prognostic factor for multiple myeloma, particularly in cases where extramedullary disease is present. The study found that high expression of AF1q is associated with a higher incidence of EMD.
Researchers developed a new animal model to test HIV vaccines, combining the envelope of HIV with simian immunodeficiency virus to replicate in monkeys. Changing a single amino acid in the envelope coat protein improved the model's ability to infect monkeys while retaining native-like features.
Researchers discovered leukemia cells harvest mitochondria from normal cells during chemotherapy, allowing them to survive and thrive. This finding offers new hope for developing better treatments for acute myeloid leukemia by targeting the energy-boosting mechanism.
A novel laboratory blood test has shown promise in identifying HELLP syndrome, a life-threatening condition affecting 1% of pregnant women. The test measures levels of components of serum and may help reduce pre-term deliveries and complications for mothers and babies.
A new study analyzing 50 years of hemophilia care data found significant disparities in outcomes between men with severe and mild forms of the disease. Men with severe hemophilia were more likely to experience physical limitations, disability, and frequent bleeding despite access to effective therapies. The study emphasizes the need fo...
Researchers found three genetic variants linked to increased blood clot risk in African Americans, affecting thrombomodulin expression. Approximately 36% of Africans carry these variants, doubling their risk for venous thromboembolism.
Generic drugs are increasingly inaccessible due to pharmaceutical companies' strategies to delay market entry. These tactics include pay-for-delay deals, authorized generics, and product hopping, which can lead to higher prices for patients.
Researchers have successfully used gene therapy to correct a rare bleeding disorder, factor VII deficiency, in dogs. The treatment showed long-term safety and efficacy, with treated dogs expressing therapeutic levels of clotting factor VII.
Leonard I. Zon, MD, has made outstanding contributions to the field of cancer genetics with his work on stem cell biology and zebrafish research. His discoveries have led to the development of novel therapeutics for leukemia and melanoma, which are now being evaluated in clinical trials.
The new oral drug Palbociclib has shown promise in combating various types of cancer beyond breast cancer, including lymphoma, sarcoma, and teratoma. Early trials have demonstrated its effectiveness in slowing tumor growth and improving survival rates in patients with these conditions.
A study published in the Journal of the American Society of Hematology found that women on blood thinners can take hormone-containing contraception or hormone replacement therapy without an increased risk of blood clots or uterine bleeding. The study analyzed data from 1,888 women and showed similar incidence rates of blood clots and a...
Patients who discontinued ibrutinib or idelalisib due to side effects experienced durable responses after switching to another kinase inhibitor, with a 50% objective response rate and 11.9-month median progression-free survival.
Researchers presented landmark studies on newly diagnosed multiple myeloma, revealing key biological processes and disease mechanisms. Two combination therapy strategies showed high response rates in patients with difficult-to-treat myeloma.
Yale researchers developed a high-dose flu vaccine strategy that lowered infection rates by 64% among patients with immune system cancers. The novel dosing schedule improved protection against all flu strains in 66% of patients, offering promising results for cancer patient populations.
A study of 87 CLL patients found 12 genetic mutations that can be targeted by therapies already available for other cancers, including PARP and BRAF inhibitors. These mutations were detected through next-generation sequencing and may offer new treatment options for patients who fail current therapies.
Researchers from Montefiore-Einstein Center for Cancer Care presented findings on genetic risk factors, preleukemic states, and novel treatments for acute myeloid leukemia. They identified a genetic risk factor for avascular necrosis associated with treatment of ALL in children and demonstrated that moderate PU.1 inhibition can drive m...
City of Hope researchers presented phase 1 clinical trial results for novel leukemia and lymphoma treatments, including targeted radiation and antibody therapy. The studies showed promising safety and efficacy outcomes, paving the way for future trials and potential improved patient outcomes.
Researchers from Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center are presenting their latest hematology research at the American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting. Highlights include the discovery of a potent inhibitor of Lysine demethylase Lsd-1, which augments pro-differentiation effects in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and targeting ...
A new antibody called ACE910 has shown promising results in reducing the need for frequent injections in patients with severe hemophilia A. The study found that ACE910 is safe and effective in preventing excessive bleeding, even in patients who develop antibodies to existing treatments.
A multicenter clinical trial led by CHOP researcher David T. Teachey found that sirolimus, an immunosuppressant drug, is effective in treating autoimmune blood disorders such as ALPS with complete responses and rapid improvements. The treatment has minimal side effects, with most patients able to discontinue steroids within months.
A study found that sirolimus successfully resolved autoimmune conditions in children with ALPS without adverse side effects. The treatment improved blood cell counts and quality of life for patients, making it a potential early therapy option.
Researchers at Emory University's Winship Cancer Institute have discovered a potential anticancer drug in orange lichens, called parietin. The pigment kills human leukemia cells and inhibits the growth of cancer cell lines, including lung and head and neck tumors.
A study found that patients with persistent Coxiella burnetii infections, which cause Q fever, are at a higher risk of developing non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The researchers discovered that these patients often have overproduction of interleukin-10, allowing the cancer cells to evade immune detection.
A Phase 2 open-label study found that brentuximab vedotin achieved a high response rate, including complete remissions, in older Hodgkin lymphoma patients unfit for chemotherapy. The treatment was generally well-tolerated, with peripheral sensory neuropathy being the most common adverse event.