Novel treatments, including fostamatinib disodium, have shown significant clinical activity in treating leukemia and lymphoma. The study found improved response rates and prolonged stable disease in patients with relapsed or refractory B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Researchers studied the quality of care for hospitalized sickle cell disease patients, finding that hospitals treating low volumes have higher mortality rates. The study also identified associations between insurance coverage, patient socioeconomic status, and reduced hospital stays.
Researchers have found that bone marrow-derived stem cells can increase production of the col7 protein and form anchoring fibrils, improving the connection between the dermis and epidermis. This treatment has shown promise in increasing survival time and reducing blister formation in mouse models of the disease.
A recent study found that blood transfusions can transmit a variant of mad cow disease (vCJD) to humans with high efficiency, particularly when donors are in the later stages of infection. The research suggests that blood from BSE- and scrapie-infected sheep could be used effectively in non-human experiments to develop diagnostic tests.
The American Society of Hematology honors Clara D. Bloomfield, Kenneth Anderson, and Robert Kyle for their significant contributions to the understanding of hematologic diseases. Drs. Bloomfield and Anderson will be recognized for their work on acute myelogenous leukemia and multiple myeloma, respectively.
The American Society of Hematology has introduced a new grant program to provide protected research time for medical fellows, aiming to improve their training and skills. The ASH Research Training Award for Fellows supports junior researchers in pursuing careers in academic hematology.
The American Society of Hematology has launched an initiative to provide increased support for training programs in hematology-related disciplines. Three grant recipients will develop new curricula that integrate emerging technologies into traditional training programs, addressing the need for clinicians and clinical researchers with s...
The American Society of Hematology's Clinical Research Training Institute is providing a unique year-long education and mentoring program for promising hematologists. Participants will receive tools to develop their research skills and work on proposed clinical projects with expert faculty guidance.
The American Society of Hematology has selected 15 minority medical students for its 2008 Minority Medical Student Award Program. The program provides research mentorship, career development support, and travel stipends to attend medical meetings.
Long-term childhood cancer survivors, especially those treated with radiation therapy, experience excess health problems and poor socioeconomic outcomes. The study found that survivors are more likely to have chronic medical conditions, mental health issues, and functional impairment compared to their siblings.
A study suggests that expectant women treated with imatinib for chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) may be at moderate risk of developing fetal abnormalities. The majority of pregnancies resulted in normal live infants, but some were born with congenital abnormalities, including exomphalos, renal agenesis, and hemivertebrae.
A team of scientists has successfully derived functional immune system blood cells from embryonic stem cells using HOXB4 protein. The study showed that the transplanted cells were able to respond effectively to viruses and vaccines, demonstrating a promising new approach for patients with severe blood and immune disorders.
Two European hematologists will pursue research projects in the US through the EHA-ASH International Fellowship Award. Lapo Alinari and Serena Kimi Perna will gain invaluable experience and advance their careers in hematology, with funding support from the American Society of Hematology.
Researchers have identified a novel small molecule therapy called senicapoc that shows efficacy in maintaining hydration of red blood cells and increasing hemoglobin levels in patients with sickle cell anemia. Senicapoc, a Gardos channel blocker, works by limiting solute and water loss, thereby preserving RBC hydration.
A study of 454 patients with chronic-phase CML taking imatinib for over six years found a high estimated six-year survival rate of 76 percent and strong correlation between overall survival rates and cytogenetic response. The incidence of serious side effects was low, with no long-term new toxicities observed.
Two studies found a significant increase in five- and ten-year survival rates for MM patients over the past decade, with younger patients showing the most dramatic improvement. Novel therapies have been credited with this trend, particularly among younger patients.
A long-term study found that stem cell transplant patients experience decreased sexual function and activity, particularly in females. While males recover partially over time, females remain compromised. The study suggests systemic therapies and chronic graft-versus-host disease contribute to sexual dysfunction.
Researchers developed a genetic dosing model to predict optimal warfarin dose for patients undergoing orthopedic surgery. The model combines genotype information with clinical factors to estimate therapeutic dosage.
Two promising blood cancer researchers, Giovanni Roti and Marta Crespo, will each receive $75,000 to fund their research in the US. The EHA-ASH International Fellowship Award aims to build stronger ties between European and North American scientific communities.
Researchers explored a new approach to maintenance therapy in patients with multiple myeloma, using pamidronate alone or in combination with thalidomide. The study found that ongoing treatment significantly improved cancer-free survival and overall survival probability compared to standard care.
Deferasirox proved equally as effective as deferoxamine in reducing iron overload levels in patients with beta-thalassemia. The new drug was well-tolerated, with common side effects including skin rash and gastrointestinal issues.
A recent study found that elevated lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels can define a subgroup of sickle cell patients at risk for serious complications such as pulmonary hypertension and leg ulcerations. Patients with high LDH values had reduced survival rates compared to those with lower LDH values.
ASH's Minority Medical Student Award Program (MMSAP) aims to motivate minority medical students to enter the field of hematology. The program provides a research experience for students from the US and Canada, with the goal of increasing diversity in hematology.
Recent studies have shown that treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia has improved significantly, with a focus on reducing residual disease through continued therapy and new treatment options. These advances have led to better prognosis for patients, providing substantial prolongation of normal life.
A new study shows that hydroxyurea is an efficient and safe treatment option for young children with sickle cell anemia, improving spleen function and reducing acute chest syndrome incidents
A large study comparing thalidomide and traditional chemotherapy in multiple myeloma patients found that thalidomide was more effective, with 76% of patients achieving at least partial remission. The treatment also had fewer side effects, particularly deep vein thrombosis compared to granulocytopenia.
Researchers identified genetic variations associated with treatment resistance in childhood ALL, highlighting potential for personalized chemotherapy and simplified diagnostic tests. The study found links between specific gene variants and hematological relapse and central nervous system (CNS) cancer recurrence.
Patients who survived at least two years post-transplant showed reduced risk of death each year after the fifth anniversary. Mortality not related to relapse was increased in patients with specific chemotherapy regimens and stem cell sources.
Researchers developed T cells targeting Epstein Barr virus antigens to treat advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Six out of ten patients remained disease-free after treatment, with some experiencing partial remission.
A new technique allows for successful cord blood transplants in high-risk acute and chronic leukemia patients, with disease-free survival rates of 57% at one year. The study's findings offer hope to thousands more patients who were previously ineligible due to lack of suitable donor units.
Researchers at City of Hope Cancer Center have successfully treated 17 out of 20 HIV-positive patients with refractory lymphoma using high-dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell rescue. The study shows promising results with an 85% survival rate, paving the way for further investigation into this potential cure.
Researchers found that patients' neuromotor functions, including problem-solving and motor skills, significantly declined after cancer treatment but recovered within a year. Factors such as chemotherapy type and immune suppressant use lowered the risk of impaired function.
The study found that low- and intermediate-risk MDS patients benefit from delayed bone marrow transplantation after diagnosis, while high- and intermediate-risk patients may maximize overall survival with immediate transplantation. This research provides valuable insights for managing myelodysplasia patients.
Regular cardiac monitoring and prompt treatment can prevent and reverse severe heart dysfunction in thalassemia major patients. The study found that intensive deferoxamine mesylate treatment significantly improved survival rates among those who complied with therapy.
A study of 160 pregnant women with genetic risk factors for thrombophilia found that enoxaparin significantly reduced pregnancy loss compared to low-dose aspirin. Women taking enoxaparin had a normal live birth rate of 86% and healthy newborns, while those on aspirin suffered more pregnancy losses.
Researchers found that higher doses of imatinib were more effective in achieving complete cytogenetic response (CCR) and complete molecular response, with a CCR rate of 90% compared to 60-75%. The high dosage was also well-tolerated with similar side effects as standard dose imatinib.
Researchers identified gene expression profiles associated with short-term and long-term outcomes in adult T-ALL patients. A three-gene model was found to be highly predictive of remission duration, offering new hope for customized treatment plans.
The American Society of Hematology has awarded Gary Gilliland and Janet Rowley for their significant contributions to hematology research. Dr. Gilliland's work on the molecular pathogenesis of leukemia and discovery of a cause for hypereosinophilic syndrome have provided new ways to understand cancer, while Dr. Rowley's discoveries of ...
Researchers have identified late-life anemia as a risk factor for mortality and hospitalization in elderly adults. A new drug, CC5013, shows unprecedented activity in treating myelodysplastic syndrome, offering hope to patients.
Human bone marrow-derived single stem cell lines can proliferate and differentiate into islet-like cells capable of glucose-related insulin production. Researchers implanted these cells into mice with type 1 diabetes, observing an apparent reduction in glucose levels after two weeks.
A study on therapeutic cloning of hematopoietic stem cells showed promising results in generating compatible cells for long-term engraftment. Another study on transferring donor immunity across HLA barriers identified a safe and effective way to re-build immunity after bone marrow transplantation.
A new study using nucleic acid amplification technology (NAT) screening detected a significant rate of West Nile Virus viremic donations, preventing recipient infections. Another study investigated the role of monocytes in transfusion-transmitted cytomegalovirus infections, shedding light on the underlying processes involved.
A clinical trial found that aspirin treatment significantly reduced the risk of thrombosis, cardiovascular death, and minor bleeding events in patients with polycythemia vera. The study suggests that aspirin can be a safe and effective treatment option for these patients.
A new direct thrombin inhibitor, ximelagatran, has shown promising results in preventing recurrent venous thromboembolism in patients with acute deep vein thrombosis. The study found that oral ximelagatran was as effective as enoxaparin/warfarin in preventing this condition, while also reducing major bleeding and mortality rates.
Researchers identified three strongly predictive genes - OPAL1, GNB2L1, and IL-10 receptor alpha - that were associated with better outcomes in pediatric ALL patients. These genes may help improve risk classification and outcome prediction for acute leukemia in children.
The study found that adding rituximab to the CHOP regimen as a first-line treatment did not significantly impact overall response rates or early disease progression. Maintenance rituximab showed promise in prolonging time-to-treatment failure, but had no effect on overall survival.
Researchers analyzed data on 553 patients treated with imatinib, finding that complete cytogenetic response significantly impacted long-term outcome. Patients with low Philadelphia chromosome positivity had higher chances of achieving a complete response.
Researchers discovered a two-fold increased risk of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism with estrogen plus progestin use. Age and obesity were primary determinants of increased absolute risk, while genetic variants such as Factor V Leiden also contributed to thrombosis risk.
The American Society of Hematology presents the 2003 Public Service Award to Sen. Dianne Feinstein for her leadership on medical research and patient care issues. ASH also awards Dr. Claude Lenfant with its first-ever Lifetime Service Award for his decades-long dedication to hematology research and training.
Decitabine, an antimetabolite drug, has been found to improve fetal hemoglobin levels and reduce symptoms in patients with sickle cell disease who are resistant or intolerant of hydroxyurea. The study suggests that decitabine could be a viable alternative therapy for these patients.