Articles tagged with Hematology
Researchers outline a five-step approach to increase racial representation in cancer clinical trials through DRIVE: Diversity officer, Ranking of clinical studies, Individual diversity plan, Verification, and Training. This can lead to more inclusive and individualized treatment for diverse patient populations.
A new scale called the Geriatric Oncology-Potentially Inappropriate Medications (GO-PIMs) Scale was found to be more effective at predicting frailty than conventional methods. The scale identifies high-risk medications linked to falls and fatigue, allowing oncology teams to deprescribe them and improve patients' overall health.
A cohort study found that reinfection rates are low after successful hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment in people who inject drugs, suggesting a benefit of treatment in this population. The risk for reinfection was highest among those with ongoing injecting drug use and needle sharing.
Researchers found that administering tisagenlecleucel at the higher end of the approved dose range significantly improves overall and event-free survival in young patients. The study suggests that using higher doses of CAR-T therapy can achieve more effective and long-term responses without increasing toxicity risk.
A study found that a majority of online pharmacies selling imatinib, a chronic myeloid leukemia therapy, are uncertified and operate unsafely. Patients may face risks of nonadherence, treatment failures, and adverse events if they use these pharmacies.
A recent study published in Blood Advances found a significant disparity in the representation of women among medical educators, with women comprising just 37.7% of speakers at hematology and medical oncology board review lectures. The study also highlights the importance of increasing diversity in educational opportunities to promote ...
A new study published in Blood Advances found that caregivers for people with multiple myeloma experience higher levels of anxiety and depression compared to the patients they support. The study also highlights a critical gap in communication between providers and caregivers regarding the terminal nature of the disease.
A recent study published in CANCER found that adults with hematologic malignancies mounted immune responses after a COVID-19 booster dose, with 56% of nonresponders producing antibodies. However, the initial vaccine showed limited effectiveness, with only 48% of patients developing detectable antibodies.
A new study published in Blood Advances highlights significant inequities in diagnosis, treatment, and care between Black and white patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Young adult Black patients were five times more likely to die within 30 days of beginning treatment compared to comparable white patients. The study also found c...
A study by RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences has identified barriers and motivators to blood donation for people from ethnic minority groups in Ireland. Factors that motivate people from minority ethnic backgrounds to give blood include religious reasons and a desire to help others in their own communities.
A new study published in Blood Advances reveals significant disparities in end-of-life care for individuals with hematologic malignancies living in rural areas versus metropolitan regions. Rural residents are less likely to receive hospice care, instead often dying in nursing facilities or at home without palliative care.
A new study published in Blood Advances found that virtual frailty assessments are both safe and feasible when conducted virtually. The study evaluated 185 patients with blood cancers who completed a virtual assessment, finding that 81.1% successfully completed the test without falls or safety events.
Patients with a history of unprovoked venous thromboembolism who stop treatment after negative D-dimer tests experience an eight-fold increased risk of recurrence compared to those on low-dose apixaban. Low-dose apixaban was found safe and effective for these patients
A new study reveals that individuals with sickle cell disease spend approximately $1.7 million on lifetime medical expenses, highlighting the significant economic burden of living with this disease. The study found that out-of-pocket costs for those with private insurance plans can be as high as 5-10% of their annual income.
Researchers found a link between long COVID and abnormal blood clotting markers, with participants experiencing reduced exercise capacity being four times more likely to have elevated markers. The study provides new insight into the potential mechanisms behind long COVID's longer-term effects.
The study found significant heterogeneity among non-hematopoietic cells (NHCs) in human lymph nodes, with subgroups exhibiting distinct transcriptional changes and interaction patterns with malignant cells. This discovery may lead to the identification of potential biomarkers for therapeutic approaches.
A new study found that individuals with sickle cell disease who were prescribed corticosteroids were significantly more likely to be hospitalized for severe pain events. The study also identified factors such as hydroxyurea use and male gender associated with lower risk of hospitalization.
A new study found that many adolescent and young adult men with sickle cell disease are unaware of potential fertility issues associated with the disorder. The research suggests a need for accessible fertility education and testing options to address this knowledge gap, particularly in how SCD and treatments may affect fertility.
Researchers discovered a link between non-O blood types and an increased risk of developing venous thromboembolism in cancer patients. This finding suggests that blood typing may serve as another important predictive measure for identifying individuals at high risk.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that SGLT2 inhibitors reduce hospitalizations and cardiovascular deaths in heart failure patients, regardless of diabetes status. The analysis also warned of increased genital infections associated with treatment.
Researchers discovered that a genetic mutation causing odd-shaped nuclei may lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment of certain leukemias. The study found that the loss of nuclear Lamin B1 induces defects in nuclear morphology and genome instability, setting the stage for cancer.
Dr. John E. Dick will receive the inaugural AACR Award for Outstanding Achievement in Blood Cancer Research for his groundbreaking discoveries on leukemic stem cells and their mechanisms. His research has provided crucial insights into leukemia progression, survival rates, and treatment response.
A recent study found that gene therapy delivery vectors were unlikely to cause the blood malignancies reported in trials; however, the exact cause remains a mystery. The study's results suggest that cancer risk in sickle cell disease may be more complex than initially thought, warranting further investigation.
A study of 74 healthy individuals found correlations between spleen volume and gender, age, and certain blood parameters such as HGB, HCT, RBC, ALT, but not others like LYM%, PLT. Spleen volume was estimated using the Cavalieri principle and stereological method.
Researchers at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center found that pola-R-CHP reduces the risk of DLBCL disease progression, relapse, or death by 27 percent. The treatment, combining Polatuzumab vedotin with Rituximab and other chemotherapy agents, shows improved progression-free survival rates compared to current standard R-CHOP therapy.
Researchers found a novel therapy called AVID200 safe and well-tolerated, with modest improvements in symptom burden, anemia, and spleen enlargement. The therapy needs to be combined with other drugs to optimize impact in patients.
People with blood cancers are at higher risk of severe COVID-19 illness; research suggests they don't always achieve optimal protection from vaccination. A new study found that patients with lymphoma were more likely to develop post-vaccination COVID-19 infection compared to those with other blood cancers.
A clinical trial found that convalescent plasma did not improve survival rates in most critically ill COVID-19 patients. However, immunocompromised patients showed a slight improvement with the treatment. The researchers speculate that too few high-quality antibodies and a runaway inflammatory immune response may be to blame.
A new global study found that setting targets for treating diabetes patients with cholesterol or blood pressure medication can significantly improve cardiovascular outcomes. Achieving these targets could save up to 6% of healthy lifetime lost to diabetes over 10 years, mainly due to reduced cardiovascular conditions.
Researchers used new approaches to track Lyme disease in Texas, finding an overlap between tick-bite locations and human cases. The study suggests that tick-bite location may serve as an indicator for human disease risk in nonendemic areas.
Researchers found that high levels of complement protein Ba are a reliable indicator of transplant-associated thrombotic microangiopathy development, contrary to previous reports. The study's findings provide hope for developing prophylactic treatments to prevent the disease.
Researchers at the University of Southampton have identified a unique change in B cells that allows them to receive signals from molecules called lectins, enabling tumor growth. This discovery could pave the way for new treatments and early cancer detection methods.
The American Society of Hematology, International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis, National Hemophilia Foundation, and World Federation of Hemophilia have developed joint clinical practice guidelines for von Willebrand Disease (VWD). The guidelines provide recommendations for diagnosis and management, including the use of injecta...
A clinical trial is underway to test psilocybin therapy for depression in cancer patients. The study aims to investigate the combination of individualized treatment and group administration to provide long-term relief from depression symptoms.
The American Society of Hematology has released new clinical practice guidelines for treating acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in older adults. The guidelines aim to provide personalized care by addressing patients' goals and wishes throughout their disease course.
A study published in the Journal Blood reveals the molecular landscape of myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative neoplasms (MDS/MPN), a group of rare malignancies with overlapping features. The researchers identified genotype-phenotype associations and potential diagnostic molecular markers that can improve diagnosis and risk stratificatio...
A study published in Blood Advances found that hematologists with caregiving responsibilities had fewer first- or senior-author publications and less percent effort in research compared to those without. Men were negatively affected by caregiving duties, while women showed similar performance regardless of their caregiving status.
Clinical fellow Harry Lesmana at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital has been selected for the 2019 ASH Research Training Award to advance his research training in hematology genetics. He will have protected time for hands-on research and gain expertise in the field.
A three-year longitudinal study found that having a hematologist mentor during medical education is associated with an increased likelihood of fellows specializing in hematology. Fellows who co-authored papers or engaged in research activities with mentors in hematology were more likely to pursue careers in the field.
The global demand for blood transfusions exceeds the available supply by 30 million units annually, with the largest shortages found in lower-income countries. The estimated shortfall varies sharply between countries, with some requiring up to 75 times more blood than their supply can provide.
A new study from Boston Medical Center demonstrates that hematologists can identify patients' specific needs through universal screening, connecting them to local resources. Two-thirds of patients screened positive for at least one unmet socioeconomic need, most commonly food insecurity and difficulty paying utilities.
Anna Wojcicki, a University of Minnesota medical student, has been selected for the 2019 ASH Minority Medical Student Award Program to conduct translational research at Stanford University. She aims to develop new therapies for Acute Myeloid Leukemia by repurposing old drugs.
A new study finds that routine sickle cell disease screening among migrants can help prevent severe complications and death. Researchers estimate that up to 80% of newborns with SCD are born in sub-Saharan countries, where the condition is highly prevalent.
A new study found that people of southern-European and non-European descent are unlikely to have a suitable match if they need a life-saving bone marrow transplant. Alternative donor transplants are considered for these patients.
The Blood editors have selected the top 10 manuscripts of 2018, showcasing notable advances in various hematological disorders. These studies highlight promising treatments for B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia and classical Hodgkin lymphoma, as well as novel therapeutic strategies for immune thrombocytopenia.
Dr. Nazha presents results of a personalized prediction model that surpassed current prediction models for Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS), predicting patient mortality and transformation risk with high accuracy.
The new guidelines from the European Hematology Association and European LeukemiaNet provide standardized approaches to clinical management of Chronic Myelomonocytic Leukemia (CMML). The recommendations are based on expert consensus and include steps to improve evidence supporting clinical guidelines.
The American Society of Hematology has released new clinical practice guidelines for venous thromboembolism, covering evidence-based recommendations for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. The guidelines aim to improve care for patients with blood clots, addressing current uncertainties and variations in clinical practice.
A phase III trial shows duvelisib significantly extends progression-free survival, offering a new treatment option for patients with relapsed or treatment-resistant CLL and SLL. The therapy also works well in sub-group analyses for hardest-to-treat cases with limited options.
Patients taking JAK inhibitors for myelofibrosis are at increased risk of developing aggressive B-cell lymphomas. Screening for a preexisting B-cell clone before treatment may help prevent this side effect.
A new report calls for better evaluation of side effects from modern blood cancer treatments, which have dramatically improved survival rates. The Commission proposes new approaches to reporting adverse events, including capturing chronic and cumulative effects.
A new study suggests that adolescents and young adults with acute leukemia have a survival advantage when receiving treatment at pediatric cancer centers versus adult centers, particularly those affiliated with the National Cancer Institute. This is due to the more experienced care teams in these settings.
The Harry T. Mangurian Jr. Foundation has donated $20 million to Mayo Clinic to name a new medical building for cancer and neurologic care. The building will double the size of existing departments and support increased staff and research.
Dr. Benjamin Ebert has made significant contributions to understanding the genomic landscape of adult myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and its impact on both hematologic malignancies and cardiovascular disease. He is also known for his work on precision medicine and his innovative approaches to treating diseases.
Researchers developed a genetic model that predicts outcomes in primary myelofibrosis patients under 70 using gene mutations and clinical variables. The model improves on previous predictive models, which only used clinical variables.
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.
Dr. Betty S. Pace will receive the ASH Leadership in Promoting Diversity Award for her commitment to diversity and inclusion in hematology. She has trained over 80 underrepresented minority individuals, including 45% of those she has personally mentored.
Orly Leiva, a fourth-year medical student at Boston University School of Medicine, has been named to the 2017 Minority Medical Student Award Program. The program supports underrepresented minority students pursuing hematology research projects with $7,000 funding and mentorship.
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.