The collaboration aims to improve outcomes for patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) through a five-year multidisciplinary research program. MDS affects approximately 10,000 to 15,000 people in the US each year, and research is needed to address the urgent need for more effective treatment options.
A nationwide study found that many oral blood cancer drug prescriptions were initially rejected due to insurance hurdles and high out-of-pocket costs, with fill rates dropping significantly when patients faced higher costs. The study suggests that changes to prior authorization, drug coverage rules, and cost-sharing are needed to ensur...
A large clinical study found that patients who consumed more sweets while taking antibiotics experienced a greater loss of microbiome diversity, with a 24% drop in bacterial diversity for every 100-gram increase in sweets. Preserving microbiome diversity has been linked to improved clinical outcomes for cancer patients.
A study from the University of Gothenburg found that one in four patients with invasive pneumococcal disease had a marker for blood cancer or precursor conditions. Seven patients were diagnosed with blood cancer, and twelve with a condition that can progress to blood cancer.
Research reveals that nearly half of childhood cancer survivors experience symptoms of anxiety or depression as adults. The study found that cognitive functioning, psychological symptoms, and fatigue were significantly affected, with 28% reporting difficulties with cognitive functions.
The UVA Weber Symposium will discuss the latest research and advancements in metastasis, a complex area of cancer research and care. The event will bring together top scientists and physicians to present findings on cancer metastasis, genetics, and treatment considerations.
A multi-institutional trial found that ultra-low-dose radiation therapy relieved painful bone lesions from multiple myeloma for most patients, with 81% achieving pain control without additional radiation. Treatment side effects were limited to low-grade fatigue.
A $7 million funding boost will help researchers better understand hairy cell leukemia and develop more effective treatments, particularly for patients with variant disease and those who relapse. The grants will focus on improving patient outcomes and closing the gap in treatment options.
A Phase 1 clinical trial found that an investigational CAR-T therapy, anito-cel, led to high response rates and durable benefits in patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma. Serious side effects were uncommon, and no delayed neurological complications were reported.
A phase 2 clinical trial found that vitamin C supplements reduced the frequency of anemia, pneumonia, and internal bleeding in patients with pre-cancer blood disorders. The study suggests that vitamin C may improve outcomes in these patients, warranting further investigation in a phase 3 trial.
Researchers have discovered a gene, Irx5, that enables blood cancer cells to evade treatment by boosting survival protein levels. By activating specific genes using CRISPR activation tool Partita, the team also identified new potential treatment targets for aggressive lymphoma.
The 2026 Josep Carreras Institute Symposium explores the latest immunology advances in haematological malignancies, transforming treatment landscapes with CAR-T therapies and checkpoints. Major challenges remain in understanding tumour-immune system interactions and therapeutic resistance.
The Josep Carreras Institute has joined BLOODPAC to advance liquid biopsy research and clinical implementation. As a member, the Institute will collaborate with leading partners to develop standards, validation protocols, and access the BLOODPAC Portal for knowledge sharing.
A phase 2 clinical trial found that a less-intensive combination of azacitidine and venetoclax was more effective in treating acute myeloid leukemia, with patients tolerating treatment better and spending less time in the hospital. The combination also led to more patients reaching stem cell transplantation.
Advances in blood cancer treatment have saved 25.8 million life-years, with significant gains for Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma patients. However, Black patients and those with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) continue to experience worse outcomes, highlighting the need for continued research investment.
The Lancet Haematology series examines how clinicians can better identify and track treatment effects on patients during and after blood cancer treatment. Digital tools, such as symptom-reporting apps and artificial intelligence, could support changes in care, but must be accurate and equitable.
A new study reveals that pre-cancerous blood cells can actively reshape the bone marrow environment, creating conditions that favor their growth and increasing the risk of blood cancer. By targeting the aging bone marrow environment, scientists may be able to slow down or prevent blood cancers before they arise.
A study led by the Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute identified inherited genetic variants as a key factor in therapy-related myeloid neoplasms, a type of blood cancer. Patients with inherited cancer-predisposition variants had poorer outcomes and were more likely to develop extensive chromosome abnormalities.
Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital identified a new target responsible for bone marrow scarring in myelofibrosis, a type of blood cancer. Combining traditional therapy with drugs blocking scar formation may improve treatment outcomes. The study found that inhibiting freecycling activity with drugs like hydroxychloroquine can red...
Sylvester Cancer Center has ranked #1 in Florida and #23 nationwide, thanks to discoveries of a genetic mutation that enables blood cancers to evade BTK inhibitors. Researchers are exploring new therapies and using AI to advance precision medicine.
Dr. Georg Aue, a nationally recognized blood cancer expert, has been named the inaugural director of the Stem Cell Transplant and Cellular Therapy Program at UT Health San Antonio. The program aims to increase access to new therapeutic approaches for patients across South Texas, with a focus on clinical excellence, research innovation,...
Researchers developed a first-in-class therapy targeting MYC, a protein involved in 70% of cancers, by disrupting its relationship with GSPT1. This approach showed strong anti-cancer activity in multiple types of blood cancers, including treatment-resistant models.
A new study suggests that younger, less genetically matched donors can produce encouraging outcomes for blood cancer patients. Researchers found that carefully selected mismatched donors can produce favorable outcomes, potentially widening access to a potentially lifesaving transplant.
The DKMS John Hansen Research Grant supports innovative cell therapy approaches and transplant immunology. The grant enables young researchers to build a network and advance lifesaving therapies for blood cancer.
Researchers at the University of Colorado Anschutz Cancer Center have identified a previously unknown metabolic weakness in high-risk myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), a discovery that could lead to more targeted treatments for this aggressive blood cancer. The study found that high-risk MDS stem cells are unusually dependent on nicotin...
A new study published in JNCCN finds that a cost-effective education program targeting survivors and their doctors can increase screening rates for skin cancer. The study showed that practical solutions can close the gap between elevated risks and low screening rates, especially after transitioning out of specialty care.
New research from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center sheds light on leukemia resistance to promising new drugs and the role of bone hardness in the immune battle against metastasis. A telehealth tobacco treatment program also shows promise in helping cancer patients quit smoking.
Researchers identified a rare genetic mutation, BTK A428D, that blocks both BTK inhibitors and next-generation BTK degraders. The study provides new insight into how cancers evolve under treatment pressure and may help develop strategies to overcome resistance in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
A research team led by Iowa State University's Raquel Espin Palazon identified two essential components — a pervasive protein and a crucial cellular signaling pathway — needed to make some types of blood cells. Adding these components to leukemia cells could potentially lead to new treatment options.
Research reveals that patients' inherited genetic variants can impact the benefits and toxicity of CAR-T cell therapy for blood cancers. Variants in genes such as STXBP2, ADAMTSL3, and PTPN22 were found to correlate with treatment-related toxicity or enhanced therapeutic activity.
Researchers developed a new method to assess patients with myelodysplastic neoplasms (MDS), a form of blood cancer. The MDS-Microarchitectural Perturbation Score (MDS-MAPS) tool uses AI to analyze bone marrow samples, providing a score that reflects disease severity.
Researchers found that a new treatment regimen can slow cancer progression in patients with functional high-risk (FHR) multiple myeloma. The study defines FHR multiple myeloma as progressing within 36 months of starting treatment, indicating a survival prognosis of less than 2 years after progression.
Daniel E. Sabath, a professor at UW Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, has won the Association for Molecular Pathology's 2026 Meritorious Service Award for his dedication and effort over three decades. He is being honored for his leadership roles, scientific expertise, and collaborative spirit in advancing education and s...
Researchers at UT MD Anderson Cancer Center have made significant progress in treating rare brain infections with a virus-specific T cell therapy, achieving an overall response rate of 56.8% in patients with progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). The center also introduced a novel CAR T cell therapy for hard-to-treat kidney ...
The ECOG-ACRIN ENDURANCE trial found that indefinite lenalidomide maintenance had no survival benefit and more toxicity compared to stopping treatment after 2 years in patients not undergoing a stem cell transplant. The study suggests that fixed duration treatment can significantly reduce healthcare costs.
Scientists at MD Anderson Cancer Center have identified a previously unknown mechanism by which T cells attack and eliminate acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells. The discovery reveals that AML cells use a CD64-dependent pathway to evade traditional MHC recognition, potentially explaining why AML is sensitive to immune-based treatments.
Researchers created a comprehensive single-cell map of the tumor immune microenvironment in multiple myeloma and its precursor conditions. The study identified five distinct subtypes, or 'ecotypes,' that capture meaningful insights into signaling pathways and genetic programs not fully explained by disease stage alone.
Researchers identified a new biological vulnerability in KMT2A-rearranged B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, which could lead to more effective treatments. Blocking the interaction between two proteins slowed leukaemia progression and enhanced conventional treatment efficacy.
Researchers discovered a new epigenetic therapy that remained effective in treatment-resistant acute myeloid leukemia (AML) through activating the Hippo pathway, a tumor-suppressing pathway linked to cancer growth and drug resistance. The therapy, NTX-301, consistently reduced leukemia cell survival more effectively than existing hypom...
A new form of CAR T cell therapy has been designed to target the CALR mutation driving MPNs, a group of chronic blood cancers. The therapy shows promising results in killing cancer cells while sparing healthy ones, and is expected to offer patients a route beyond symptom control towards deeper remissions.
Researchers from the University of Osaka found that adding a sentence about limited donor compatibility increased donors' willingness to progress through pre-donation testing. This simple message resulted in a 7.3% increase in donor completion rates, offsetting nearly half of projected donor declines.
A new immunotherapy combination has shown promise in delaying cancer progression and improving survival for patients with multiple myeloma. The study found that nearly nine in 10 patients receiving the treatment experienced a shrinkage of their cancer, compared to about eight in 10 on standard treatment.
Researchers have identified a protein called cathepsin B that can prevent CAR T-cells from tearing off fragments from cancer cells, allowing them to stay active longer and fight cancer more effectively. This breakthrough could lead to improved durability and outcomes for patients with recurrent or difficult-to-treat blood cancers.
Researchers create a new method to deliver therapies directly to cancer cells using lipid nanoparticles, avoiding healthy tissues. The study successfully targets multiple myeloma cells in their natural environment by attaching an antibody that recognizes a specific marker.
Dr. Josep Maria Ribera receives the EHA Clinical Excellence Award for his distinguished career in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia treatment and patient care improvements. He is also recognized for his academic mentorship, training numerous haematologists who now lead positions in the field.
A new study has found that cancers with shrunken genomes are more widespread than previously thought, often associated with highly unstable tumours. Researchers developed a method to distinguish between two leukaemias based on recurring chromosome patterns, offering important clinical insights for patient treatment decisions.
Researchers found that smaller tetraploid cancer cells are more aggressive and tumorigenic, associated with worse prognosis and lower survival rates in several cancer types. This discovery challenges the conventional understanding of tetraploidy's role in cancer progression.
City of Hope researchers showcase new findings on tailored cancer treatments based on tumor biology and patient-specific factors. Microbiome insights suggest a potential biomarker for guiding treatment selection in kidney cancer, while bispecific antibody combination improves outcomes for patients with lymphoma.
Researchers from Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute presented various studies on cancer treatments, including the efficacy of lung cancer drug neladalkib and a psychosocial digital app for patients with multiple myeloma. An electronic frailty index was also used to identify high-risk older adults receiving CAR-T cell therapy.
Researchers developed an AI-based tool to predict patient outcomes and tailor treatment strategies for newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients. The analysis revealed that low CD16 levels were associated with shorter time to next treatment, improving disease control and quality of life.
Researchers from The University of Osaka discovered that only a small proportion of CD8 T cells undergo sustained clonal expansion in multiple myeloma immunotherapy, leading to the strongest anti-tumor response. Early immune activity could help predict which cells will become effective cancer fighters.
Researchers at Winship Cancer Institute have administered the first investigational in vivo CAR-T cell therapy in the US for relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma, marking a significant milestone in next-generation cellular therapies. The therapy aims to streamline treatment processes and eliminate delays in care.
Four new OICR-funded studies using CATALYST will advance cancer insights by reanalyzing existing patient samples and data. The initiatives aim to improve cancer detection, diagnosis, and treatment by building on previous research.
A pilot study suggests that physical exercise can support stem cell donation by releasing specific types of blood stem cells into the bloodstream. The exercise stimulus increases stem cell numbers only moderately, but may offer a more targeted approach than medication.
Researchers at the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center presented several studies at ASCO 2026 exploring new treatment options for patients with advanced gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) and melanoma. These include velzatinib, a targeted therapy for GIST patients, and PRAME-directed T-cell receptor therapies for synovial sarcoma.
A study finds that a specific subtype of diffuse large B cell lymphoma is dramatically more lethal in women due to genetic differences, and identifies IRAK inhibitors as a potential treatment. The research challenges decades of assumptions about blood cancer and highlights the importance of considering biological sex in cancer trials.
A new study found that targeted maternal screening can prevent adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma, a rare and aggressive cancer caused by human T-cell leukemia virus type 1. The research identified high disease rates among non-Hispanic Caribbean-born US residents, particularly in Florida and New York.
Researchers developed a novel disease classification system and AI-assisted decision support tool to improve CMML care. The International CMML Prognostic Scoring System (iCPSS) demonstrates superior prognostic discrimination, stratifying patients into five risk groups with different survival outcomes.
A new study found a clear shift in mortality trends in multiple myeloma closely parallels major therapeutic advances. Targeted therapies, including immunomodulatory drugs and CAR T-cell therapies, have significantly improved disease control and induced deep responses.
A research team at the University of Cologne discovered that the protein cFLIP can be used to override the defences of Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL) against programmed cell death. Targeting cFLIP could re-activate cell death in lymphoma cells and provide a new therapy option.