A study found that stroke rates are rising among adults with SCD, despite established treatment guidelines, with age being a significant factor. The researchers identified modifiable risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and frequent hospitalization as increasing the risk of ischemic stroke.
Research analyzing 4.184 million genetic data from 23andMe participants found that those with sickle cell trait have a higher risk of venous thromboembolism and pulmonary embolism, yet relatively lower risk of blood clotting overall compared to FVL.
A study of 13,084 adults with iron deficiency found that 42% had normal iron levels within three years, while 58% continued to have low ferritin levels. Factors associated with faster resolution included older age, male sex, and Medicare insurance. Persistent delays in treatment highlight the need for improved recognition and efficient...
A year-long pilot program found that external mentorship increased confidence, furthered career development, and facilitated networking opportunities for trainees in classical hematology. The program paired hematology/oncology fellows with mentors outside their institutions to meet virtually each month.
A recent study suggests that the two-week toxicity monitoring period for CAR-T therapy in diffuse large B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma patients is too restrictive, with most toxicities occurring within the first two weeks. Shortening this period and reducing driving restrictions could increase treatment accessibility for patients.
A study suggests that hydroxyurea alters the developmental process of ovarian follicles but not their quantity. Ovarian tissue samples from patients with SCD showed no significant difference in primordial follicle density between those who received hydroxyurea and those who did not.
After undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (alloHCT), female patients can become pregnant and give birth to healthy children. Fertility counseling is crucial for these women, particularly young adults who hope to have children, as previous studies had found pregnancies post-transplant nearly impossible.
Patients with CLL and NHL who received frequent immunoglobulin G tests had fewer infections, required fewer antimicrobial medications, and higher blood levels of IgG. Increased IgG testing is associated with a lower risk of severe infections, suggesting that clear clinician guidance may save lives.
Patients with atrial fibrillation who took low doses of direct oral anticoagulants experienced more bleeding episodes during the first three months of treatment. High blood levels of the medications were also associated with an increased risk of bleeding events.
Individuals living with sickle cell disease who experience delays in transitioning to adult care are twice as likely to be hospitalized, according to a study. Patients who transition within six months have more outpatient visits and better health outcomes.
A Danish study found that metformin use is associated with a reduced risk of developing certain types of myeloproliferative neoplasms, including all subtypes. Long-term metformin users had the strongest protective effect against MPN development.
A recent study published in Blood Neoplasia found that older adults with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) can derive benefit from the VEN-HMA regimen, which is the standard of care for older AML patients. The treatment was shown to durably prolong survival in approximately 20-25% of treated patients.
Survival after hematopoietic cell transplant improved over time for all racial/ethnic groups, with non-Hispanic African Americans still experiencing worse outcomes. Hispanic patients now have similar survival rates to non-Hispanic whites.
Researchers found that discontinuing specialist follow-up care for patients with slow-growing CLL had no negative impact on survival, hospital visits or infections. Most patients who ended follow-up developed minor infections treated with antibiotics.
A new study suggests that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and lumbar puncture may not be necessary for diagnosing and managing immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS) in CAR T-cell therapy recipients. EEG findings often led to adjustments in medications, indicating its continued importance as a diagnostic tool.
A study published in Blood Advances found that combination therapies can significantly reduce blood pressure in patients taking ibrutinib. The research suggests that different drug combinations may be more effective depending on whether patients had high blood pressure before or developed it while taking the drug.
Researchers found that obesity is associated with a 73% higher odds of having monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), a benign blood condition that often precedes multiple myeloma. Lifestyle factors such as physical activity and smoking habits also play a role in the development of MGUS.
A study published in Blood Advances found liso-cel to be a cost-effective treatment for r/r DLBCL, with a lower societal ICER of $68,212 per QALY. The treatment offered improved quality-adjusted life years and reduced lost productivity costs.
A new study suggests that hormonal contraceptives significantly increase the risk of blood clots, but stopping their use can normalize this risk within two to four weeks. After stopping birth control, clotting markers return to normal levels within one to two weeks and nearly completely by week 12.
Individuals with severe sickle cell disease express willingness to accept gene therapy risks for a potential cure. Gene therapies offer higher chances of eliminating symptoms and extending life expectancy, but also come with significant risks.
A new study found that ide-cel, a CAR T-cell therapy, showed similar survival outcomes for Black and white patients with multiple myeloma. Researchers hope this finding encourages the use of ide-cel in all patients with multiple myeloma.
A study published in Blood Advances found that diabetes is associated with poorer survival rates in white patients with multiple myeloma, but not Black patients. Researchers believe higher insulin levels may accelerate cancer growth.
A recent study has shown that pneumococcal conjugate vaccines have significantly reduced the rate of invasive pneumococcal infection among children with sickle cell disease. The overall rate of IPD decreased by 87% in children under 4 years old, and by 80% in those aged 5 to 9.
A subgroup analysis found that patients with an NPM1 mutation had a 48% reduced risk of death compared to those without the mutation. Patients receiving supplementation experienced lower rates of bacterial infections, bleeding, and inflammation during intensive chemotherapy.
Early improvements in cardiac and hematologic parameters predict better survival outcomes for patients treated for stage IIIb AL amyloidosis. Treatment regimens can be tailored to achieve optimal outcomes by understanding early responses to treatment.
A study published in Blood journal found that children with diverse gut microbiota before stem cell transplant had significantly better overall patient survival and fewer complications. Higher microbiota diversity was also associated with lower risk of acute graft-versus-host disease.
Researchers found that among individuals being treated for acute lymphoblastic leukemia, those overweight or obese had lower survival rates. The study suggests obesity may play an adverse role in response to ALL treatment regimens.
A study published in Blood reveals that SARS-CoV-2 prefers to infect blood group A cells, increasing the risk of infection. The Omicron strain of the virus also shows a stronger preference for A cells.
Researchers analyzed 23 pregnant women with relapsed/refractory lymphoma and found a 24% progression-free survival rate and an 83% overall survival rate. The study suggests that delays in treatment may allow cancer to progress, while initiating chemotherapy can harm the fetus.
A study found that clinical trial eligibility criteria may be a barrier to enrollment of patients from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups. Black patients were most likely to be deemed ineligible due to blood cell counts or lack of prior treatments, while Asian patients had the lowest rate of ineligibility.
Children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) who live in extreme poverty are at a significantly higher risk of relapse and have difficulty adhering to treatment. The study highlights the need for clinicians and researchers to assess financial hardship and adherence to treatment to improve outcomes.
A new study reveals that patients with blood cancers experience significant improvement in their reported well-being after receiving CAR T-cell therapy. The therapy not only improves physical symptoms but also anxiety and depression symptoms.
A new study published in Blood Advances found that the average life expectancy of publicly insured individuals with sickle cell disease is roughly 52.6 years, which is significantly lower than the overall US life expectancy of 73.5 years for men and 79.3 years for women. The study also revealed worse survival outcomes among those insur...
A new study found that less than 4% of people with sickle cell disease have prescriptions for newer FDA-approved pain-relieving drugs, despite their availability. The study also revealed significant gaps in prescription patterns by geographic region and age group, emphasizing the need for education and access to treatment options.
A study published in Blood Advances reveals that caregivers of patients undergoing a stem cell transplant who use approach-oriented coping strategies such as positive reframing and acceptance have fewer symptoms of anxiety and depression. These strategies can help caregivers fulfill their role while protecting their mental health.
A new study finds no significant difference in overall survival or complete remission rates between children and young adults with different levels of poverty exposure, regardless of their neighborhood opportunity. CAR T-cell therapy is equally effective for those from disadvantaged households as it is for those from more socioeconomic...
A randomized study of frequent blood donors found that iron deficiency in donors did not harm the quality of donated blood, nor did it negatively impact their health and quality of life. The study's results validate current donation practices, encouraging more people to become blood donors.
Researchers outline a five-step approach to increase racial representation in cancer clinical trials through DRIVE: Diversity officer, Ranking of clinical studies, Individual diversity plan, Verification, and Training. This can lead to more inclusive and individualized treatment for diverse patient populations.
Researchers found that administering tisagenlecleucel at the higher end of the approved dose range significantly improves overall and event-free survival in young patients. The study suggests that using higher doses of CAR-T therapy can achieve more effective and long-term responses without increasing toxicity risk.
A recent study published in Blood Advances found a significant disparity in the representation of women among medical educators, with women comprising just 37.7% of speakers at hematology and medical oncology board review lectures. The study also highlights the importance of increasing diversity in educational opportunities to promote ...
A new study published in Blood Advances found that caregivers for people with multiple myeloma experience higher levels of anxiety and depression compared to the patients they support. The study also highlights a critical gap in communication between providers and caregivers regarding the terminal nature of the disease.
A new study published in Blood Advances highlights significant inequities in diagnosis, treatment, and care between Black and white patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Young adult Black patients were five times more likely to die within 30 days of beginning treatment compared to comparable white patients. The study also found c...
A new study published in Blood Advances reveals significant disparities in end-of-life care for individuals with hematologic malignancies living in rural areas versus metropolitan regions. Rural residents are less likely to receive hospice care, instead often dying in nursing facilities or at home without palliative care.
A new study published in Blood Advances found that virtual frailty assessments are both safe and feasible when conducted virtually. The study evaluated 185 patients with blood cancers who completed a virtual assessment, finding that 81.1% successfully completed the test without falls or safety events.
A new study reveals that individuals with sickle cell disease spend approximately $1.7 million on lifetime medical expenses, highlighting the significant economic burden of living with this disease. The study found that out-of-pocket costs for those with private insurance plans can be as high as 5-10% of their annual income.
Researchers found a link between long COVID and abnormal blood clotting markers, with participants experiencing reduced exercise capacity being four times more likely to have elevated markers. The study provides new insight into the potential mechanisms behind long COVID's longer-term effects.
A new study found that individuals with sickle cell disease who were prescribed corticosteroids were significantly more likely to be hospitalized for severe pain events. The study also identified factors such as hydroxyurea use and male gender associated with lower risk of hospitalization.
A new study found that many adolescent and young adult men with sickle cell disease are unaware of potential fertility issues associated with the disorder. The research suggests a need for accessible fertility education and testing options to address this knowledge gap, particularly in how SCD and treatments may affect fertility.
Researchers discovered a link between non-O blood types and an increased risk of developing venous thromboembolism in cancer patients. This finding suggests that blood typing may serve as another important predictive measure for identifying individuals at high risk.
People with blood cancers are at higher risk of severe COVID-19 illness; research suggests they don't always achieve optimal protection from vaccination. A new study found that patients with lymphoma were more likely to develop post-vaccination COVID-19 infection compared to those with other blood cancers.