A study published in Blood Advances found that hydroxyurea therapy can improve or even reverse cardiac complications in individuals living with sickle cell anemia. The longer duration of treatment was associated with better cardiac outcomes, suggesting the need for early screening and treatment initiation for this patient population.
Researchers analyzed data from 260 AML and ALL trials and found that enrollment of Black and Hispanic patients was significantly lower after the establishment of demographic reporting requirements. The study highlights the need for targeted enrollment diversification strategies to ensure all patients are represented in clinical trials.
A new study found that half of pregnant women had low iron levels and one in four had severe iron deficiency, despite the prevalence being common. Researchers urge revisiting clinical guidelines to include ferritin testing as a routine part of maternal care.
Researchers found that children and adults with a history of severe pain episodes or coexisting organ conditions are at higher risk of severe COVID-19 illness. The study recommends vaccination for this medically vulnerable population, particularly those with these comorbidities.
Research finds mRNA COVID-19 vaccine may have reduced efficacy in individuals with chronic lymphocytic leukemia and multiple myeloma. Patients with CLL who are treatment-naive or in remission tend to respond better to the vaccine.
A new pilot study suggests that restricting calories, reducing fat and sugar intake, and increasing physical activity can improve the effectiveness of chemotherapy for older children and adolescents with leukemia. The intervention showed promise in reducing minimal residual disease, a strong predictor of relapse.
A phase III clinical trial showed that reducing steroid use in intermediate-fit older patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma yields similar outcomes to standard treatment. The adapted Rd treatment schedule spares steroid use after nine months, resulting in fewer adverse effects and improved event-free survival.
A new study suggests a potential link between blood group A and COVID-19 infection, with the SARS-CoV-2 virus preferring to bind to the A antigen found on respiratory cells. The study's findings could provide insight into how coronaviruses like SARS-CoV-2 interact with different blood types.
The American Society of Hematology, International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis, National Hemophilia Foundation, and World Federation of Hemophilia have developed joint clinical practice guidelines for von Willebrand Disease (VWD). The guidelines provide recommendations for diagnosis and management, including the use of injecta...
A new toolkit aims to harmonize data collection of blood clotting events associated with COVID-19, enabling better comparison of findings across trials. The toolkit provides a customizable set of variables to collect high-quality data on thrombosis-related endpoints, standardizing definitions and measurement tools.
Children transplanted for cancer are more likely to die from treatment-related complications if they live in poorer neighborhoods, research suggests. Having Medicaid versus private insurance was also associated with a higher chance of dying.
Researchers found that a D-dimer blood test alone can accurately identify patients at risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), allowing for targeted follow-up with ultrasound examinations. The study suggests this simplified approach could reduce unnecessary tests and improve diagnosis accuracy.
Two studies suggest individuals with blood type O may have a lower risk of COVID-19 infection and reduced likelihood of severe outcomes. In contrast, those with blood groups A and AB may be more likely to experience severe clinical outcomes and organ complications.
A longitudinal study of COVID-19 convalescent plasma donors found that antibodies against the virus decline within three months of symptom onset. Donating plasma within this timeframe ensures higher antibody titers, which are essential for effective treatment.
A new study found that adults with sickle cell disease who received medical marijuana required fewer hospital visits than those who did not. Receiving medical marijuana was also associated with an increase in the use of edible cannabis products, which may help individuals better tolerate their pain at home.
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.
A new study suggests that genetic testing for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) can be delayed without negatively impacting patient outcomes. For stable patients, waiting a week or more for test results allows doctors to assign the correct subgroup and select targeted treatment.
Children with severe hemophilia A who receive early prophylaxis are less likely to have joint damage in young adulthood than those who begin treatment later. However, prophylaxis does not fully prevent joint damage.
A new subtype of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) has been proposed based on the presence of a genetic mutation, known as SF3B1. This subtype is characterized by ineffective production of red blood cells and may benefit from treatment with luspatercept.
A new prognostic tool called IPS-E predicts how long CLL patients can wait before starting treatment, helping alleviate frustration and improve decision making. The tool is based on three widely available tests and categorizes patients into low, intermediate, or high risk of needing treatment within five years.
A case study suggests that tocilizumab may effectively address severe COVID-19 symptoms in patients with multiple myeloma and other blood cancers. The patient's IL-6 levels decreased aftertocilizumab treatment, and his symptoms resolved.
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.
Adult lymphoma patients treated with CAR-T therapy reported improved physical and social function, as well as better emotional and mental health. The study suggests that CAR-T may not only extend survival but also improve quality of life after treatment.
A new study published in Blood Advances reveals that patients with metabolic syndrome are more likely to experience recurrent blood clots. The study analyzed 151,054 patients diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis and found that those with comorbid metabolic syndrome conditions had a higher risk of VTE recurrence.
A new study reveals that peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) increase the risk of blood clots and bloodstream infections in children. Children with a prior history of VTE, larger caliber catheters, or leukemia are more susceptible to these complications.
A new study found that light-to-moderate exercise improves blood vessel density and muscle function in patients with sickle cell disease. After an 8-week regimen, participants showed significant improvements in their physical abilities and quality of life.
A new study published in Blood Advances found that patients receiving multidisciplinary, holistic evaluation before undergoing transplantation have improved outcomes and survival rates. The team-based approach coordinated recommendations from various care providers and created individualized treatment plans.
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.
African Americans and Hispanics start treatment later than whites with associated higher costs, delaying organ damage and poor outcomes. The study's lead author notes that minorities are not receiving timely treatment to achieve adequate clinical gains.
A new study found that over half of people prescribed the cancer drug ibrutinib developed high blood pressure within six months, with a heightened risk of atrial fibrillation. Initiating blood pressure-lowering medications reduced major adverse cardiovascular events by 60%.
New data from the largest population study to date reveal that having a family member with blood cancer significantly raises an individual's risk of diagnosis. The study found increased risks for certain hematologic malignancies, with the highest relative risks observed in specific subtypes of Hodgkin lymphoma and mantle cell lymphoma.
A new study found that postpartum transfusions carry a greater risk of adverse events, particularly among women with preeclampsia. The number of postpartum transfusions increased by 40% over 20 years, and the risk was twice as high for pregnant women compared to non-pregnant women.
A study published in Blood found that slower walking pace is strongly associated with poorer outcomes in older adults with blood cancers. Gait speed was found to be an independent predictor of death even after adjusting for other factors, highlighting its potential as a tool to tailor care.
A new study finds that routine sickle cell disease screening among migrants can help prevent severe complications and death. Researchers estimate that up to 80% of newborns with SCD are born in sub-Saharan countries, where the condition is highly prevalent.
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.
Researchers found a significant association between cancer development and an elevated risk of heart attack and stroke in the months leading up to the diagnosis. The risk was highest for patients with lung and colorectal cancers and those diagnosed with stage 3 or 4 disease, peaking in the month before diagnosis.
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.
A first-in-human clinical trial found sutimlimab to be effective in treating severe hemolytic anemia in cold agglutinin disease. The investigational drug rapidly halted red blood cell destruction, increased hemoglobin levels, and eliminated the need for blood transfusions.
Stem cells derived from fat tissue can now be used to produce functioning platelets in just 12 days. This breakthrough could provide a reliable and safe supply of platelets for patients with cancer and other disorders, reducing the reliance on donated platelets.
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.
A new study found that denosumab improves spinal bone mineral density and reduces pain in patients with osteoporosis caused by transfusion-dependent thalassemia. The treatment also showed promise in increasing bone density in other areas, such as the wrist and femoral neck.
A phase III trial shows duvelisib significantly extends progression-free survival, offering a new treatment option for patients with relapsed or treatment-resistant CLL and SLL. The therapy also works well in sub-group analyses for hardest-to-treat cases with limited options.
Researchers found that immediate compression therapy significantly reduced the risk of residual vein occlusion and post thrombotic syndrome in patients with DVT. The study suggests that starting compression therapy within 24 hours of diagnosis can prevent debilitating complications.
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.
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 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...
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.
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.
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.