Researchers announce innovative tools and therapies for hard-to-treat blood disorders, including gene editing platform CRISPR/Cas9. Interim results from a Phase I/II clinical study show restoration of all immune cell types in infants with X-linked severe combined immunodeficiency.
Novel targeted cancer therapies have been shown to improve progression-free survival, response rate, and quality of life for patients with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. Mogamulizumab has demonstrated significant clinical activity in clearing malignant T-cells in the blood and lymph nodes.
A study of people with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) found that effectiveness and adverse events are top concerns when choosing treatment. Patients are willing to trade off some drug efficacy for reduced risk of serious side effects, but out-of-pocket costs can significantly influence their choices.
A year-long trial suggests that hydroxyurea treatment is safe and effective for Ugandan children with sickle cell anemia, contrary to concerns about increased malaria risk. The study found no correlation between hydroxyurea treatment and the rate or severity of malaria infection.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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...
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 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.
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.
A Phase III trial shows the engineered clotting protein rvWF is safe and effective in controlling bleeding episodes in patients with severe vW disease. The protein increases naturally produced FVIII levels, reducing the need for additional infusions.
Researchers found that abdominal blood clots are associated with an increased risk of developing undiagnosed cancer, particularly liver and pancreatic cancer. Patients with these clots had poorer survival outcomes compared to those without the clots.
A new study reveals that clinical and genetic factors affecting warfarin dose vary by race, highlighting the need for race-specific dosing equations to improve anticoagulation control. The research team found that gene variants may have different effects on dose across racial groups, particularly among African Americans.
Researchers studied 293 patients with brain metastases and blood clots to determine if administering blood-thinning medication was safe. The study found no significant difference in bleeding risk between patients who received a widely used blood thinner and those who did not.
A new study comparing gene therapy to half-matched transplants for SCID-X1 reveals that gene therapy leads to faster immune development, fewer infections, and reduced hospitalizations. Gene therapy shows promise as a viable alternative treatment for infants with this rare immune disorder.
A committee of lymphoma experts identified key priority areas in infrastructure and research to advance treatments. The Roadmap for Discovery and Translation in Lymphoma outlines priorities to improve understanding of lymphoma biology across diverse subtypes.
Research reveals pregnant women with severe sickle cell disease are six times more likely to die during or after pregnancy. Women with the most severe form of SCD face increased risks of high blood pressure, stillbirth, preterm delivery, and smaller-than-average infants.
The American Society of Hematology proposes a new role for hematologists in a rapidly changing US healthcare system. The 'systems-based' clinical hematologist model offers a sustainable approach to recruit and retain talent in the field.
A recent study published in Blood found that most breakthrough blood cancer therapies have favorable cost-effectiveness ratios, with some treatments providing better value than others. The median ratio for industry-funded studies was $26,000/QALY, while non-industry-funded studies had a median ratio of $33,000/QALY.
Researchers have discovered novel combinations of targeted therapies and chemotherapy regimens that improve survival outcomes for patients with historically poor-prognosis leukemia. These findings, presented at the American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting, offer new hope for elderly and aggressive genetic mutation patients.
Researchers present new advances in treating relapsed and treatment-resistant lymphoma, including targeted therapies and stem cell transplantation, to improve patient outcomes. These studies show promising results for patients with HIV-associated lymphoma, where traditional treatments have been limited.
New immunotherapy treatments aim to enable the body's natural defenses to recognize and destroy malignant cells. Studies present promising early data that encourage long-term outcomes among patients who have not responded to other therapies, including checkpoint inhibitors and drugs targeting the PD-1 pathway.
Researchers found that therapeutic plasma exchange can rapidly reduce HIT antibody levels, making patients eligible for urgent cardiac surgery sooner. The study suggests using both functional and immunoassays to determine patient readiness, with the functional assay indicating lower antibody levels more quickly.
An experimental drug has demonstrated potential as a first treatment for anemia of inflammation, regulating blood's iron supply and maintaining its transport. The treatment, lexaptepid pegol, inactivates hepcidin hormone production, improving iron levels without interfering with the immune response.
The American Society of Hematology awards Mentor Awards to Drs. Grover C. Bagby Jr., MD, and John F. DiPersio, MD, PhD, for their dedication to mentoring early-career hematologists. Both mentors have had a significant impact on the careers of numerous mentees, advancing research and patient care in hematology.
Geraldine P. Schechter, MD, receives the 2014 Henry M. Stratton Medal for Clinical Science for her pioneering work on chronic lymphoid malignancies and autoimmune hematologic disorders. Timothy Springer, PhD, wins the award for Basic Science for his groundbreaking research on hemostasis, inflammation, and immunology.
Drs. DeBaun and Hebbel will present their lecture on sickle cell disease, highlighting improved understanding but continued challenges. Their research focuses on cerebrovascular injury and asthma, with implications for treatment and care.