Dr. Tomas Ganz is recognized for his pioneering work on iron homeostasis and the discovery of the hormone hepcidin, which plays a crucial role in regulating iron metabolism. His research has significant implications for understanding and treating iron deficiency anemia and inflammation.
Scott Armstrong, M.D., Ph.D., has made significant contributions to the field of hematology with his research on leukemia and cancer stem cell biology. His work has led to new therapies for patients diagnosed with devastating leukemias, according to the American Society of Hematology.
Researchers found a strong connection between post-transplant gut microbiota diversity and outcomes, with patients having low diversity more likely to die from transplant-related causes. The study suggests that preserving gut microbiota diversity may improve stem cell transplant outcomes.
A study found that approximately 25% of children with acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) are missing too many doses of essential maintenance medication, which minimizes the risk of relapse. Nonadherence triples relapse risk, with African Americans and Asians being more prone to non-adherence than non-Hispanic whites.
A new study published in Blood journal found that adhering to a Mediterranean diet is associated with lower levels of platelets and white blood cells, two markers of inflammation. This eating plan is linked to reduced inflammation and heart disease risk, particularly among healthy individuals.
A comprehensive 'roadmap' of blood cells has been presented by researchers, pinpointing the location of key genetic regulators that determine cell development and function. This robust genetic catalog will enable hematologists to trace the development of blood cells and identify potential triggers for malignancies.
A new pill called idelalisib shows promise in treating relapsed leukemia and lymphoma patients, with a significant response rate of 72% for CLL patients. However, MCL patients experienced less favorable responses, highlighting the need for further research to improve this therapy.
Researchers identify novel genetic mutations in the CALR gene that are common in patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms, improving diagnosis and treatment decisions. The study also explores the use of lenalidomide and idelalisib to strengthen rituximab treatment for pre-treated patients.
Researchers present new pain management treatment for SCD patients using selectin inhibitors, while also exploring targeted gene therapy strategies to produce healthy hemoglobin. These advances aim to improve the long-term outlook and quality of life for hundreds of thousands of patients worldwide.
Researchers have developed genetically engineered cell therapies demonstrating early efficacy and safety in patients with blood disorders. The treatments use a patient's own re-engineered cells to attack their disease, offering an innovative approach to precision medicine.
Researchers have made significant strides in expanding transplant eligibility and improving long-term success rates, particularly for older patients. Studies have shown that haploidentical transplants and cord blood cells can be viable alternatives to fully matched donors.
The American Society of Hematology has released a list of common hematology tests, treatments, and procedures that are not always necessary. The list highlights five tests or procedures to question, including limiting surveillance CT scans in asymptomatic patients following curative-intent treatment for aggressive lymphoma.
A new report illustrates a surprisingly large global burden of anemia, characterized by low hemoglobin levels and impaired oxygen delivery to the body. Despite decreasing prevalence between 1990 and 2010, anemia remains a significant health issue, particularly among young children and women in low- and middle-income regions.
A study by the American Society of Hematology found that bone marrow transplant is linked to diminished sexual health in both men and women. Chronic graft-versus-host disease and total body irradiation are particularly damaging, with men experiencing a decline in libido and dysfunction.
Research reveals an inherited genetic defect in the interleukin-10 (IL-10) pathway is associated with a higher risk of developing certain types of blood cancer, such as diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, in infants and children. The study suggests that chronic intestinal inflammation may play a role in cancer development.
Researchers found that a combination of calorie restriction and targeted therapy may increase cancer survival. Calorie restriction decreased Mcl-1 protein activity, sensitizing lymphoma cells to treatment. This study suggests a potential new approach to improve cancer treatment efficacy.
Dr. Andrew S. Weyrich receives the 2013 William Dameshek Prize for his seminal work on the cellular and molecular causes of blood clots, revolutionizing our understanding of platelet function. His research has far-reaching implications in hematology and beyond.
Nancy Andrews, MD, PhD, was recognized for her work on iron homeostasis and erythropoiesis, while Elaine Jaffe, MD, received the award for her clinical/traslational research on lymphoma. Both scientists have made significant contributions to their respective fields.
Kenneth Kaushansky and David J. Kuter are honored with the 2013 Ernest Beutler Lecture for their significant advances in thrombopoietin, a growth factor regulating platelet production. Drs. Kaushansky and Kuter will present their lecture on December 9 at the 55th ASH Annual Meeting.
Katherine A. High, MD, receives the 2013 E. Donnall Thomas Lecture and Prize for her pioneering research on gene therapy for hemophilia and inherited retinal degenerative diseases. Her work has led to sustained clinical improvements using adeno-associated virus vectors.
Researchers used MFC and RQ-PCR to monitor minimal residual disease in patients with Ph+ ALL, finding that a negative reading was associated with prolonged survival. The study suggests that these technologies may be effective in predicting patient outcomes and guiding treatment decisions.
A new liposomal formulation of anthracycline-based chemotherapy has shown promising results in treating pediatric leukemia patients, with high survival rates and minimal heart toxicity. The treatment regimen was found to be effective at higher-than-standard doses without causing added cardiotoxicity.
The increasing cost of leukemia treatments in the US is leaving many patients under- or untreated due to unaffordable care. CML experts call for a long-term solution to manage treatment costs, balancing investments from various parties.
A new study identifies osteopontin as a potential new leukemia treatment target. The protein helps leukemia cells avoid the effects of chemotherapy by appearing dormant in the bone marrow environment.
A large population-based study found that stillbirth and pre-term birth are associated with a significantly increased risk of blood clots after pregnancy. The study identified several factors that increase the risk of blood clots, including obesity, caesarian section delivery, and pre-term birth.
A study published in Blood journal found that cord blood stem cells are effective and safe alternatives to matched donor bone marrow stem cells in treating children with Hurler's syndrome. The research showed improved engraftment rates, enzyme levels, and survival rates among patients who received cord blood transplants compared to tho...
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.
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...
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.
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...
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
Drs. Blazar and June will present their lecture on adoptive T-cell therapy, which has potential to establish tolerance to hematopoietic or solid organs allografts, treat autoimmunity, and promote immunity to cancer and chronic infection. The researchers have made significant contributions to advancing the field of BMT.
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.
Dr. Ley's work on whole genome sequencing in AML has provided unprecedented insights into the disease, highlighting the importance of unbiased methods for discovering cancer-initiated mutations. His research also revealed that most AML mutations are benign background events, with only a handful contributing to pathogenesis.
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.
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.
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.
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 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...
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.