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Two new mutations identified as possible causes of rare blood disorder

Researchers discovered two novel GNE gene mutations that may cause a rare blood disorder called macrothrombocytopenia. The mutations affect the synthesis of sialic acid, critical for brain development and angiogenesis. Further studies are needed to understand the mechanism underlying this disorder and explore therapeutic interventions.

Chinese Medical Journal article unveils metabolic strategies to enhance CAR-T cell therapy

Researchers unveil innovative strategies to overcome metabolic constraints in CAR-T cell therapy, aiming to boost its efficacy in treating solid tumors. Metabolic interventions targeting immunosuppressive metabolites, metabolite uptake, and mitochondrial metabolism are proposed to enhance anti-tumor activity.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeSystematic review·DateMar 26, 2024

MRI and lumbar puncture not necessarily required to manage CAR T-cell therapy complications

A new study suggests that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and lumbar puncture may not be necessary for diagnosing and managing immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS) in CAR T-cell therapy recipients. EEG findings often led to adjustments in medications, indicating its continued importance as a diagnostic tool.

SourceAmerican Society of Hematology·JournalBlood Advances·DateMar 19, 2024

The case of a patient with multiple myeloma cured after hepatitis treatment reveals that this cancer can be caused by viruses, and opens up new treatment options

Researchers discovered a connection between hepatitis B and C viruses and multiple myeloma, finding that antiviral treatment can improve outcomes. The study suggests that early detection of these infections may lead to better treatment and survival rates for patients with this cancer.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalHaematologica·TypeCase study·DateJan 19, 2024

Treatment with bendamustine prior to CAR T-cell therapy in patients with refractory large B-cell lymphoma associates with poorer treatment outcomes

A study found that patients with refractory large B-cell lymphoma who received bendamustine before CAR T-cell therapy had a shorter progression-free survival and overall response rate compared to those who did not receive bendamustine. The use of bendamustine should be avoided in these patients when possible.

SourceVall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateDec 19, 2023

Long-term results show combination treatment that skips chemotherapy is effective for older patients with Ph+ ALL

The study found that dasatinib and blinatumomab combination treatment resulted in excellent median overall survival and disease-free survival times for patients 65 and older with Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The regimen confirmed benefits of this treatment are durable, with a median overall survival of...

SourceSWOG Cancer Research Network·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 9, 2023

Gene splicing reduces effectiveness of CD20-targeting monoclonal antibodies designed to treat variety of blood cancers and disorders

Researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia found that gene splicing can reduce CD20 protein levels, making immunotherapies ineffective. However, CAR-T cell therapy may still be effective against patients with low CD20 levels, offering a new treatment option for these patients.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalBlood·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 16, 2023

Prediction of the risk of recurrence of venous thrombosis - validity of the Vienna Prediction Model confirmed

A large-scale clinical study confirms the validity of the Vienna Prediction Model in identifying low-risk patients with venous thromboembolism who may not require long-term blood thinning. The model's accuracy was found to be 5.2% after one year for patients with a low relapse risk, but adjustments were made to correct imprecision.

SourceMedical University of Vienna·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateOct 4, 2023

Turns out lowly thymus may be saving your life

A new Harvard-led research suggests that the thymus, often considered expendable in adults, actually plays a crucial role in maintaining adult immune health and preventing cancer. The study found that patients who had their thymus removed had a nearly threefold higher risk of death from various causes, including cancer.

SourceHarvard University Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateAug 3, 2023

THE LANCET HAEMATOLOGY: Experts urge governments to take immediate actions to provide basic levels of care for people with sickle cell disease, as recent study suggests global mortality burden is nearly 11 times higher than recorded

A recent study suggests that the global mortality burden of Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is approximately 11 times higher than previously recorded, with an estimated 376,000 deaths in 2021. The Commission highlights the need for increased funding and access to treatments such as hydroxyurea, blood transfusions, and malaria prevention meth...

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Haematology·DateJul 11, 2023

Study suggests need for iron tests in teen girls & young women

A new study reveals that nearly 40% of teen girls and young women have low iron levels, with higher rates among Black, Latina, low-income, or low-BMI individuals. The study recommends considering routine screening for iron levels in adolescents and young women to prevent life-limiting symptoms associated with iron-deficiency anemia.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 29, 2023

Research from Amsterdam UMC shows that the bottom has been reached in restrictive blood transfusion policy

A recent study from Amsterdam UMC suggests that being overly restrictive in blood transfusion policies may not always be the best approach. Researchers found that patients with severe thrombocytopenia actually experience less bleeding if they receive a platelet transfusion prior to central venous catheter placement.

SourceAmsterdam University Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 24, 2023

Growing blood stem cells in the lab to save lives

A team led by Professor Satoshi Yamazaki has established a novel culture system that supports long-term ex vivo expansion of human hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), overcoming previous limitations. The new system, which uses chemically-defined cell culture media, significantly improves HSC growth and proliferation.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalNature·DateMay 24, 2023

Criteria for selecting who can enroll in multiple myeloma clinical trials may exclude patients from racial and ethnic minorities

A study found that clinical trial eligibility criteria may be a barrier to enrollment of patients from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups. Black patients were most likely to be deemed ineligible due to blood cell counts or lack of prior treatments, while Asian patients had the lowest rate of ineligibility.

COVID vaccine induces robust T cell responses in blood cancer patients

Researchers found that COVID-19 vaccination generates robust T cell responses in haematology patients, on par with healthy individuals. The study provides key insights for future immunisation strategies and shows that mRNA vaccines can elicit strong T cell immunity in patients with co-morbidities.

SourceThe Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity·JournalCell Reports Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateMar 28, 2023

New pain medications are still widely inaccessible to individuals living with sickle cell disease

A new study found that less than 4% of people with sickle cell disease have prescriptions for newer FDA-approved pain-relieving drugs, despite their availability. The study also revealed significant gaps in prescription patterns by geographic region and age group, emphasizing the need for education and access to treatment options.

SourceAmerican Society of Hematology·JournalBlood Advances·DateMar 8, 2023

National Comprehensive Cancer Network updates annual conference with new in-person venue, hybrid format, expert-led sessions, highlighted research perspectives, and small-group conversations

The NCCN Annual Conference will debut a new hybrid format featuring in-person events at a new venue, allowing for hallway conversations and networking opportunities. The conference will also showcase more than 100 abstract poster presentations on various oncology-related categories.

Massage therapy improves symptom management for youth receiving hematology and oncology care

A new study found that massage therapy significantly reduces pain, stress, and anxiety in children, adolescents, and young adults with cancer or sickle cell disease. The study published in Pediatric Blood & Cancer reports clinically significant benefits from massage therapy, highlighting its potential as a non-pharmacologic treatment o...

SourceUniversity Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center·JournalPediatric Blood & Cancer·DateFeb 2, 2023