A Phase I/II gene therapy trial has demonstrated no evidence of toxicity in four patients with hemophilia B. The trial uses a vector developed at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and UCL to correct the inherited bleeding disorder.
Research at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital investigates managing iron overload associated with stroke prevention in young sickle cell patients. Genetic predictors of stroke risk are also being studied, with five common genetic variations validated as markers of increased risk.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic found that JAK inhibitors CYT387 and TG101348 effectively reduce spleen size and alleviate constitutional symptoms in myelofibrosis patients. These targeted treatments have shown significant clinical benefits, including improved anemia rates and reduced white blood cell counts.
The personalized vaccine is effective in preventing recurrence among certain follicular lymphoma patients with a specific protein on their tumor cells. The vaccine improves disease-free survival by nearly two years compared to placebo treatments.
Researchers present promising new treatment options for advanced asymptomatic follicular lymphoma, mantle cell lymphoma, and early Hodgkin disease. The study shows that upfront rituximab therapy can significantly prolong the time until a patient may require chemotherapy.
Studies reveal that stem cell transplantation is safe and effective in treating various hematologic malignancies, with no significant increase in overall cancer risk. Researchers found a promising new treatment to prevent chronic graft-versus-host disease, a serious complication of stem cell transplantation.
Researchers found that apixaban was more effective than enoxaparin in preventing major venous thromboembolism without increasing bleeding risk. This innovative treatment has improved methods for patients undergoing hip or knee replacement surgery, and may also be beneficial for cancer patients with VTE.
Researchers have made significant strides in understanding the optimal use of BCR-ABL inhibitors for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). A new gene target has also been identified, showing a long-term survival advantage for patients treated with imatinib earlier in the treatment protocol.
Researchers investigate genetic predictors of stroke in pediatric sickle cell disease patients, validating biomarkers and identifying new risk factors. Additionally, a potential breakthrough may inhibit malaria transmission, offering hope for controlling the disease.
Onconova Therapeutics presents updated clinical trial results for Estybon (ON 01910.Na) in patients with myelodysplastic syndromes, showing increases in overall survival and bone marrow blast responses. Additionally, ON 013105, a Cyclin D1 inhibitor, demonstrates efficacy in nonclinical models of mantle cell lymphoma.
The John Theurer Cancer Center will unveil 40 cutting-edge studies at the 52nd ASH Annual Meeting, featuring research on lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and blood disorders. Six investigators were first authors of 13 studies, solidifying their leadership role in cancer treatment.
The updated guideline advises physicians to discuss individual risks and benefits of ESAs with cancer patients, recommending cautious use due to associated risks of thromboembolism and tumor progression. ESAs are still effective in reducing red blood cell transfusions, which can impact quality of life.
Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center has been named a national Center of Excellence for Molecular Hematology to accelerate the discovery of new therapeutic approaches for conditions like sickle cell anemia and leukemia. The center will also help speed the transition of new therapies from research to clinical trials.
Two Elsevier medical titles, Color Atlas of Clinical Hematology and Kumar & Clark's Clinical Medicine, won first prize in their respective categories at the BMA Medical Book Competition. The awards recognize the quality and expertise in these medical texts.
The University of Minnesota Masonic Cancer Center will lead national hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and cell therapies research, benefiting thousands of patients worldwide. The center's leading physician-scientists will conduct clinical trials to test new treatments, including umbilical cord blood 'T regulatory cells' and NK c...
A new risk prediction model for venous thromboembolism (VTE) in cancer patients has been developed, incorporating two new biomarkers. The model improves the classification of patients into different risk categories, with a significant increase in accurate predictions of VTE development.
Chronic health conditions are widespread among stem cell transplant survivors, with 66% reporting at least one condition and 35% experiencing three or more. Chronic graft-versus-host disease also increases the risk of severe or life-threatening conditions.
A recent study published in Blood journal of American Society of Hematology found that cancer cells can contaminate ovarian tissue in women with leukemia, making fertility preservation methods unsafe. The study suggests that cancer cells from acute and chronic leukemias can be present in frozen-thawed ovarian tissue.
The American Society of Hematology (ASH) has developed recommendations for advancing regenerative medicine. The key focus areas include recognizing regenerative medicine as a priority at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), re-examining clinical trial methodologies, and improving communication between basic and clinical scientists.
For nearly three-quarters of elderly patients, intensive chemotherapy is associated with poor prognosis and low median survival time. Researchers identified several predictive factors for mortality rate, including age over 80, genetic abnormalities, and kidney function impairment.
The American Society of Hematology will honor six scientists with significant contributions to the understanding and treatment of hematologic diseases. Volker Diehl, Sanford Shattil, David T. Scadden, Leonard I. Zon, Barry S. Coller, and Joel S. Bennett will receive awards for their pioneering research in Hodgkin lymphoma, platelet cel...
Research finds that radiation therapy to lymph nodes in the chest increases cardiac hospitalization risk among patients with pre-existing heart disease. Patients treated with chemotherapy alone have lower cardiac complication rates, highlighting the need for post-treatment monitoring and intervention.
A study found that more than 40% of patients with treatment-resistant CLL enjoyed long-term freedom from relapse after receiving allogeneic stem cell transplants. The transplants were associated with significant risks but offered a potential cure for this patient population.
A phase II clinical trial by Mayo Clinic found that green tea extract, specifically epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), had a significant response rate among CLL patients. The study showed that 69% of patients experienced a biological response to EGCG, with notable reductions in blood lymphocyte count and lymph node size.
A study published in the American Society of Clinical Oncology annual meeting showed that lenalidomide significantly improved response rates and complete remission in patients with transformed lymphoma. Patients treated with lenalidomide had a remarkable response rate, with some experiencing complete remission for over a year.
Researchers from the NYU Cancer Institute will present studies on improved ways to diagnose melanoma in lymphatic vessels and investigate genetic differences between melanoma subtypes. Laura Hogan, a pediatric hematology and oncology fellow, is also honored for her outstanding work in pediatric oncology research.
A Phase II clinical trial of eliglustat tartrate, an oral therapy, demonstrates significant improvements in spleen volume, hemoglobin level, and platelet count. The treatment also normalizes glucosylceramide plasma levels and improves bone mineral density.
Two scientific teams at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center are receiving a total of $2.3 million in research funding to continue studies on novel treatments for leukemia and bone marrow failure. The researchers aim to develop new therapeutic strategies targeting CDC42 and FA protein complexes to eliminate leukemia stem cells.
The study found a strong association between the Human Development Index and rates of stem cell transplantation for acute myeloid leukemia patients. Countries with higher HDI scores had significantly better outcomes, including reduced risk of relapse and improved leukemia-free survival.
Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital discovered a possible way to kill off leukemia stem cells and prevent relapse. The study found that targeting the Wnt/beta-catenin pathway can suppress leukemia recurrence by inhibiting beta-catenin, a crucial player in leukemia stem cell development.
A gene regulator, miR-125b-2, has been identified as a key player in the development of leukemia typical of Down syndrome. The over-expression of this microRNA is found to be necessary for the disease's progression. Further studies suggest that miR-125b-2 silences tumor-suppression genes and regulatory microRNAs, spurting the leukemia.
Scientists at Rhode Island Hospital have discovered a novel mechanism of cell-to-cell communication using microvesicles, which can reprogram stem cells to behave like healthy cells. This finding offers hope for tissue regeneration and potential treatments for diseases such as cancer.
Researchers at Children's Hospital will engineer human cells into new tissues to treat blood diseases, cancer, and other disorders. Two NIH grants focus on developing embryonic stem cells for platelet supplies and induced pluripotent stem cells for custom-tissue production.
Over a two and half year period, the FDA approved 53 new oncology and hematology drugs, including 39 receiving regular approval and nine accelerated approval. Most approvals were based on single-arm, non-randomized controlled trials.
Researchers found evidence that fat tissue contains functional hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells, which can regenerate and develop into various cell types. The study suggests that adipose tissue may be a valuable alternative source of these cells, potentially replacing bone marrow transplantation in the future.
The University of Maryland School of Medicine will coordinate a consortium of national experts in stem cell research, with a focus on regenerative therapy and new clinical therapies. The seven-year grant aims to advance the field at a faster pace and realize potential for new treatments sooner.
A new study found that cancer patients with dementia have a lower survival rate than those without dementia, even after controlling for age, tumor type, and stage. Patients with mild cognitive impairment can still live independently for nearly four and a half years, while those with moderate to severe dementia have an average survival ...
Researchers at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center have found that second-line CML drugs, such as nilotinib and dasatinib, provide quicker and better responses compared to traditional front-line therapy, imatinib. The studies show improved complete cytogenetic response rates and major molecular response rates in patient...
A phase III trial showed that defibrotide was markedly more effective than standard treatment in post-stem cell transplant patients with hepatic veno-occlusive disease. The mortality rate 100 days after transplant was reduced to 62 percent for patients receiving defibrotide.
A phase II clinical trial shows that carfilzomib induces a response in 45% of patients with relapsed or resistant multiple myeloma, reducing neuropathy side effects. The drug also demonstrates good tolerability and dose flexibility.
Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital have found a promising new approach to treating sickle cell disease by silencing a gene that suppresses fetal hemoglobin production. Inactivating the BCL11A gene led to a significant increase in gamma-globin production, potentially compensating for defective adult hemoglobin.
Researchers from UCLA demonstrate that human blood stem cells can be engineered into cells that target and kill HIV-infected cells. This approach, similar to a genetic vaccine, could be effective against other chronic viral diseases. The study provides proof-of-principle for using this strategy in the human body.
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute found that midostaurin, a kinase inhibitor targeting FLT3 cell receptor, combined with chemotherapy reduced circulating leukemia cells in AML patients. Complete responses occurred in 80% of patients with mutated FLT3, and high survival rates were observed one and two years after treatment.
Scientists at Weizmann Institute of Science have developed a new method for transplanting bone marrow-based stem cells from mismatched donors, restoring the immune system faster and improving cure rates for leukemia patients. The procedure involves infusing regulatory T cells into cancer patients before receiving donor stem cells, lead...
Research from Johns Hopkins Children's Center found that children with sickle cell disease who contract H1N1 virus are three times more likely to develop acute chest syndrome and five times more likely to need ICU care. The study highlights the need for these children to be included in flu vaccination lists.
Recent studies on anticoagulants suggest that aspirin and heparin may not be effective in preventing unexplained, recurrent miscarriages. In contrast, a new study shows that dabigatran etexilate is as safe and effective as warfarin for treating venous thromboembolism.
Early clinical trial results show bortezomib-based therapy improves control of graft-versus-host disease and immune system recovery. The treatment was safe with little toxicity, and immune cell reconstitution was significantly improved in the early post-transplant period.
A new study found that only a small percentage of providers prescribe hydroxyurea to eligible children with sickle cell disease due to concerns about future reproductive issues and low patient compliance. Despite its efficacy in preventing pain, many providers prescribe the drug for other complications without sufficient evidence.
A new study by McMaster researcher Sam Schulman found that an oral drug called dabigatran etexilate is as safe and effective as warfarin for treating venous thromboembolism (VTE), a common clotting disorder affecting millions annually. The drug does not require frequent monitoring or dose adjustments, making it a convenient alternative.
Researchers have made significant breakthroughs in understanding the genetic basis of sickle cell disease, exploring the potential of activating fetal hemoglobin to reduce complications. A new study found that activating BCL11A could lead to increased production of healthy hemoglobin, providing a promising avenue for treatment.
Researchers found that vitamin D levels in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma were strongly associated with cancer progression and overall survival. Patients with deficient vitamin D levels had a 1.5-fold greater risk of disease progression.
A new three-drug combination has shown a highly effective regimen in treating newly diagnosed patients with multiple myeloma, with partial responses or better seen in all 66 patients. The treatment also resulted in encouraging complete or near-complete responses at 54 percent.
Researchers have developed a new protocol to improve the survival of patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia and chronic myeloid leukemia, particularly in developing countries. The study found a significant improvement in early mortality and long-term outcomes, with high rates of complete remission.
A JAK2 inhibitor has been shown to provide significant and durable relief for patients with myelofibrosis, a rare and debilitating bone marrow disorder. The drug has demonstrated a 33% reduction in spleen volume and improvements in quality of life, exercise capacity, and fatigue.
Researchers developed a new approach to prevent graft-versus-host disease and enhance immune recovery after haploidentical transplants. The study showed long-term protection from graft-versus-host disease in 25 of 26 patients, with improved immune system reconstitution.
A new study demonstrates advances in optimizing treatments and quality of life for patients with multiple myeloma. The research explores optimal induction therapies, advance care planning, and a potential new first-line therapy for non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Researchers identified partner genes that fuse with MLL, driving fatal leukemia in infants. Accurate predictions and treatments are expected based on this knowledge.
Researchers found that omacetaxine achieved durable responses in CML patients with the T315I mutation, who have limited treatment options. The injectable drug works by a different mechanism than current therapies and has shown promise for expanded use.
The American Society of Hematology recognizes outstanding abstract presenters with the 2009 Merit Award, offering $500 honorariums to the best trainees in hemostasis and thrombosis. The winners include Kimberly Fan, Kyle Eash, Hélène Moniz, An De Weer, Suparna Nanua, MD, PhD, Jian Xu, PhD, and Rudy Fuentes.
A new Indiana University School of Medicine study found that involving family members in medical rounds improves care and communication. Families reported increased feelings of inclusion, respect, and a better understanding of their child's care. Participation is voluntary, and family members can ask questions and offer input.