Articles tagged with Hematology
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.
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.
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 are using patients' own bone marrow stem cells to treat cardiac muscle damage after a heart attack. The study, funded by biotech company Amorcyte, has progressed halfway through its four planned groups of patients and aims to assess the safety and feasibility of harvesting bone marrow cells.
A new study by Brandeis University researchers finds that many pediatric oncologists lack the necessary training to build bridges with families of critically ill children through religion and spirituality. The study suggests that providing this type of training could improve patient outcomes.
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.
Dr. Wise Young, a world-renowned expert in spinal cord injury, is being recognized for his groundbreaking research and passionate support of stem cell therapy. He will receive the Melvyn H. Motolinsky Research Foundation’s Distinguished Service Award for his compassionate approach to science.
A study estimates nearly one-third of hospitalized US patients are vulnerable to VTE, which can lead to dire complications. Researchers stress the need for reinforcing national guidelines and monitoring compliance with hospital protocols for VTE prevention, as well as educating outpatients on preventive measures.
ChemGenex's lead compound Ceflatonin demonstrates clinical activity against Gleevec-resistant CML patients with the T315I Bcr-Abl mutation. A significant reduction in T315I levels and complete disappearance of the mutation were observed, indicating a potential therapeutic alternative for these patients.
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 at Mayo Clinic Cancer Center have led efforts to test new therapies in multiple myeloma, improving effectiveness and reducing toxicity. Studies show high response rates with lenalidomide and bortezomib, and a synergistic effect when targeting both tumor cells and microenvironment.
Dr. E. Richard Stanley has been recognized with the 2006 E. Donnall Thomas Prize for his groundbreaking research on CSF-1, which plays a crucial role in regulating cell proliferation, differentiation, and function in various diseases. His studies have also shed light on the roles of CSF-1 and its receptor in development and cancer.
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.
Hematologists say coagulation-factor concentrates from plasma are now deemed safe from most infectious agents, but challenges from new agents remain. Recombinant products offer a risk-free alternative, but safety studies have not definitively made the case for either.
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.
A new diagnostic test is being developed to target a range of blood disorders by detecting a single point mutation in the JAK2 gene. The mutation was found in virtually all patients with polycythaemia vera, as well as half of those with essential thrombocythaemia and idiopathic myelofibrosis.
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.
The McMaster researchers developed a detailed bleeding history questionnaire to discriminate between patients with QPD and those without. The tool helps identify higher likelihoods of bleeding that leads to lifestyle changes, bruises or bleeding in joints, providing valuable clues for doctors diagnosing the condition.
A USC/Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center study reveals significant differences in survival rates between HIV-related lymphoma types, including DLCL and SNC. The research suggests that optimal therapy may differ for these sub-types of disease.
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.
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.
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 ...
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.
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.
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.
The American Society of Hematology's Journal of Blood is the most cited peer-reviewed publication in the field, featuring latest research on blood disorders. New articles will be made available online about three months ahead of print.
Durable responses were reported with Bexxar in a clinical trial of 582 patients with relapsed or refractory low-grade NHL. A total of 57% of patients achieved an overall response, while 28% showed a complete response. The average follow-up was 1.3 years, and half of the patients remained in remission for over 14 months.