A study published in Blood found that certain chemotherapies increase a patient's risk of developing therapy-related acute myeloid leukemia (tAML), a rare but frequently fatal condition. The risk varies by type of cancer and year of diagnosis, with some patients facing higher risks more than 10 years after their initial diagnosis.
An ASH international clinical network collaboration improved APL survival rates by replicating a high cure rate of 85% in patients in Central and South America. The standard-of-care protocol, including oral ATRA and daunorubicin-based chemotherapy, showed promising results with low cumulative incidence of relapse.
Researchers have identified a new approach to treating lymphoma by combining a toll-like receptor agonist with radiation, resulting in durable anti-tumor immune responses. Additionally, scientists have developed model-based decision rules to predict the safety of therapy discontinuation for patients with chronic myeloid leukemia.
A new study reveals cultural and social factors that hinder minority participation in stem cell donation, leading to lower patient success rates. Minority donors are more likely to opt-out due to concerns about health complications and mistrust of the medical system.
Researchers have demonstrated a feasibility study for activating hemoglobin unaffected by the sickle cell mutation using an animal model. The study showed a five- to 20-fold increase in fetal hemoglobin production, paving the way for further research on correcting disease using gene therapy.
A survey of American researchers at the ASH annual meeting found that 63% relied on NIH funding for their studies. This reliance is seen across both U.S. and international respondents, with 75% expressing extreme concern about potential budget cuts.
Research identifies key challenges in providing adequate care to adult SCD patients, including increased reliance on emergency departments and hospitalizations. The studies suggest that targeted interventions can reduce unnecessary medical utilization and promote long-term disease management, ultimately improving health outcomes for th...
Researchers have made significant breakthroughs in optimizing stem cells and transplant approaches to treat patients with blood disorders. A new study has shown that the addition of vorinostat to standard therapy can safely reduce the incidence and severity of graft-versus-host disease, a life-threatening complication associated with h...
A new study finds that a reduced intensity conditioning regimen before marrow transplant significantly boosts disease-free survival rates among older AML patients. With a rate of 39%, this approach outperforms traditional methods in preventing relapse and improving patient outcomes.
Researchers present promising results from a Phase II study on quizartinib, a targeted therapy that may turn treatment-resistant leukemia into manageable conditions. The study shows great potential in turning fatal disease subtypes into chronic conditions with regular treatment.
The study found that 71% of previously untreated older patients experienced a complete or partial response to ibrutinib treatment. After 22 months of follow-up, the disease had not progressed in 96% of previously untreated patients. Ibrutinib's potential as a highly active, well-tolerated first-line therapy for CLL is promising.
Researchers found that ibrutinib effectively treats CLL with high response rates and durable remissions, particularly in elderly patients. The study also showed manageable toxicities, with only non-severe side effects observed.
Researchers found that a specific genetic marker, WT1 SNP rs16754, is correlated with improved outcomes and reduced treatment-related mortality in pediatric patients with AML. The study suggests personalized cancer treatment may improve survival and reduce toxicity by considering individual genetic makeup.
Researchers examined current treatment standards for patients with clotting disorders, aiming to reduce toxicities and relapse rates. Maintaining hematocrit levels below 45% was associated with a lower risk of thrombosis compared to a more liberal approach.
A genotyping study identified a hematology clinic outbreak of Mycobacterium mucogenicum, a gram-positive bacteria found in tap water. The bacteria was linked to contaminated faucet aerators and improved infection control practices were implemented.
Long-term survivors of hematopoietic cell transplants are at higher risk of developing high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol compared to the general population. Exposure to pre-transplant chemotherapy and radiation, as well as transplant type, contribute to this increased risk.
Researchers develop refined gene therapy approach that safely restores the immune system of children with ADA-deficient SCID. Chemotherapy conditioning regimen prior to treatment significantly increases ADA enzyme levels and partial immune reconstitution in patients.
Dr. Margaret A. Goodell is awarded the 2012 William Dameshek Prize for her groundbreaking work on hematopoietic stem cells and their role in regulating the immune response.
Dr. James George is recognized for his pioneering work on platelet glycoproteins, diagnosis and clinical management of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). He has also made significant contributions to education, research, and practice through various initiatives.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati discovered a new gene target for leukemia therapy by inhibiting the protein Vav3, which controls cell signaling. This finding could lead to cellular targets for patients with BCR-ABL lymphoid leukemia, a type of leukemia with poor treatment outcomes.
A new frontline treatment regimen combining carfilzomib, lenalidomide, and low-dose dexamethasone resulted in complete or near complete remission in a majority of patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma. The study found that the regimen was well-tolerated, with improved responses as treatment continued.
Researchers from Mount Sinai presented several landmark studies on late-stage cancer treatment trends, a promising multiple myeloma vaccine, and predictive models of soft tissue sarcomas, prostate, and bladder cancer. The studies aimed to identify factors associated with lack of treatment and explore new treatments for various cancers.
In a new analysis, rituximab shows promising results in treating chronic immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), a bleeding disorder that destroys blood cells. The treatment promotes long-term response in approximately one quarter of patients, with normalized platelet counts lasting at least five years.
Researchers identified a novel anti-leukemia compound, Lenaldekar, that demonstrates effectiveness in eliminating immature zebrafish T-cells and targeting human T-ALL cell lines. The compound showed promise in treating cells from patients with other leukemias, including those resistant to current therapies.
Researchers found that the CyBorD/CVD regimen can lead to complete hematologic response and may make AL amyloidosis patients eligible for stem cell transplants. This effective multiple myeloma treatment is already widely used, offering a potential therapy for those with few treatment options.
Scientists have developed a handheld device that can accurately count white blood cells, revolutionizing the complete blood cell count test. The device uses a 'blood lab-on-a-chip' technology to break down red blood cells and produce comparable results to full-scale hematology labs.
Researchers identify PDHK enzyme as a key player in cancer cell metabolism, enabling targeted anti-cancer therapy. Inhibiting PDHK activity slows tumor growth and reduces glucose uptake by cancer cells.
A new approach using an HIV drug has significantly reduced the incidence of graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) in blood cancer patients after allogeneic stem cell transplantation. Maraviroc dramatically reduced GvHD in organs such as the gut and liver without compromising the immune system.
A multicenter study found ruxolinitib significantly reduces symptoms of myelofibrosis, including pain and enlarged spleen, compared to placebo. The study also showed ruxolinitib is more effective than best available chemotherapies in reducing symptoms.
A new drug, KPT-SINE, targets CRM1 protein to restore normal cell death pathways in cancer cells. This study provides proof-of-concept data for phase I clinical testing of KPT-SINE in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and related diseases.
A phase Ib/II clinical trial reveals that PCI-32765 is highly active and well-tolerated in 61 relapsed CLL patients, with 70% achieving complete or partial remission after 10 months of treatment. The agent targets Bruton's tyrosine kinase, a key protein for CLL-cell survival.
Researchers have discovered that cereblon expression is required for the anti-myeloma activity of lenalidomide and pomalidomide. This finding helps understand which patients may be more or less likely to respond to therapy, enabling the development of targeted treatments.
A new study found a possible link between resistance to immunomodulator therapy and the presence of protein cereblon. Lowering cereblon levels allows IMiDs to work properly, suggesting that other mechanisms may play a role in drug resistance.
Researchers at Penn School of Medicine have developed a technique to expand immune cells in umbilical cord blood prior to transplants, leading to quicker immune system rebuilding and lower risk of infections. The method paves the way for future salvage therapy options and increased use of public cord blood banks.
A randomized Phase III study found that repeated rituximab treatment at disease progression is just as effective as ongoing maintenance therapy in managing follicular lymphoma. The study suggests that an as-needed approach to treatment may be the preferred option for patients with low-tumor-burden FL, reducing healthcare costs and impr...
A new treatment using leukemia patients' own infection-fighting cells appears to protect them from infections and cancer recurrence after fludarabine-based chemotherapy. With a restored immune system, patients can stop taking prophylactic antibiotics and may have prolonged progression-free survival.
Researchers evaluated the safety and efficacy of hydroxyurea therapy in pediatric patients with SCD and found that continued use of hydroxyurea was associated with lower rates of pain crises, episodic transfusions, and hospital admissions. The studies also showed high acceptance rates for hydroxyurea among families of children with SCD.
Researchers have discovered that administering aspirin after standard therapy for venous thromboembolism (VTE) may prevent the recurrence of potentially deadly blood clots. The WARFASA study found that low-dose aspirin reduced VTE recurrence by 6.6% compared to placebo, with a similar incidence of major and non-major bleeding.
Researchers from UH Seidman Cancer Center presented groundbreaking research on autophagy and its potential as a novel therapeutic target for lymphoma and other lymphoid neoplasia. The study showed that targeting autophagy may enhance glucocorticoids' effectiveness in killing cancer cells, offering new hope for cancer treatment.
A Phase III clinical trial found that adding gemtuzumab ozogamicin to standard chemotherapy improved event-free and overall survival in newly-diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia patients aged 50-70. The treatment also reduced toxicity while providing therapeutic benefits.
A new study found no survival advantage with filgrastim-mobilized peripheral blood stem cells compared to bone marrow transplants from unrelated donors. PBSC transplants are associated with higher rates of chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), particularly in patients receiving unrelated donor transplants.
A study found that children with sickle cell anemia are at risk for silent cerebral infarcts due to low hemoglobin levels, high systolic blood pressure, and male gender. The risk of silent strokes increases by age six, with over 25% of children suffering a stroke by then.
Researchers have combined gene therapy and stem cell transplantation to successfully reverse hemophilia A in large animals, eliminating symptoms and restoring normal activity. However, the treatment's effects may be reduced or shorter due to an immune response developed by the treated animals.
For the first time, researchers have successfully injected cultured red blood cells (cRBCs) created from human hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) into a human donor. The cRBCs were capable of progressing through the full maturation process and demonstrated survival rates comparable to conventional native red blood cells.
Patients with clinically diagnosed superficial vein thrombosis are four to six times more likely to develop venous thromboembolism, a dangerous and often life-threatening condition. Studies have shown that patients with
Researchers investigated potential effects of G-CSF on chromosomes in healthy PBSC donors and found no replication asynchrony or atypical abnormalities. The study concludes that G-CSF mobilization process is safe for healthy stem cell donors, supporting its use in transplants.
23andMe's Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPN) research initiative aims to recruit 1,000 individuals with these rare blood cancers to participate in genetic analysis and online discussions. The program will advance research and create a community for those affected by MPNs.
Researchers at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center found a specific mutation in the FLT3 receptor makes cells resistant to standard chemotherapy treatment for acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The study suggests a need for personalized approaches in treatment and may lead to new therapeutic research.
A new experimental drug, PCI-32765, has shown promising results in selectively targeting and killing malignant B cells in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) patients. By inhibiting key signaling molecules and promoting apoptosis, the agent reduces the risk of life-threatening infections associated with current CLL therapies.
Researchers developed an effective gene therapy technique using induced pluripotent stem cells to correct chronic granulomatous disease in cell culture. The corrected neutrophils produced normal levels of hydrogen peroxide, potentially offering a cure for the rare disorder.
A pilot project aims to improve the accuracy of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) diagnoses in Mexico by standardizing cytogenetic testing. Four Mexican laboratories will participate in the project, which includes a two-year program with oversight from ASH, AMEH, and NCI experts.
A study published in Blood reveals that imatinib treatment has no significant impact on the outcome of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients aged 65 and older. The research found that complete hematologic response rates, cytogenetic response rates, and overall survival rates were similar between younger and older patients treated wit...
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have discovered a novel way to treat pancreatic cancer by activating the immune system to destroy the cancer's scaffolding. The strategy was tested in a small cohort of patients with advanced pancreatic cancer, resulting in substantial tumor shrinkage and reduced metabolic activity.
A study published in Blood reveals a close relationship between pulmonary arterial hypertension and myeloid abnormalities in the bone marrow. The researchers found that blood progenitor cells are increased in patients with PAH, suggesting an abnormal feedback loop connecting blood and lung cell behavior.
Researchers at the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center found that combining rituximab with fludarabine can produce long-term remissions in CLL patients. After nearly 10 years of follow-up, 13% of patients achieved remissions lasting more than seven years.
Researchers found that early infusion of donor T cells prevented GVHD in 26 patients who achieved full-donor engraftment, with no chronic GVHD development. The study also showed improved immune system recovery and reduced CMV reactivation.
A study published in Blood demonstrates that newborn screening and early diagnosis of Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID) can improve survival rates. Babies diagnosed at birth and receiving a hematopoietic stem cell transplant have significantly reduced infections and improved survival outcomes.
The American Society of Hematology awards $100,000 to fellows and $150,000 to junior faculty for a two- to three-year research period. The 2011 Scholar Award recipients include Basic Research Fellow Omar I. Abdel-Wahab, MD, and Clinical/Translational Research Fellow Samantha M. Jaglowski, MD.
The John Theurer Cancer Center has showcased research advancements in lymphoma, multiple myeloma, stem cell transplantation, and leukemia. A study found that early autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation improved overall survival for patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma.
A clinical trial testing RG7112 has shown clinical activity and effectiveness in some patients with leukemia, including one patient in complete remission. The study suggests a potential new way to fight certain types of cancer with fewer side effects.