Rafael Fonseca, MD from the Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ discusses the importance of monoclonal antibodies for multiple myeloma (MM). At the American Society of Oncology (ASCO) 2016 Annual Meeting held in Chicago, IL, Prof. Fonseca discussed a Phase Ib trial of isatuximab plus lenalidomide and dexamethasone in relapsed/refractory MM presented by Dr Ravi Vij. Prof. Fonseca highlights the attention monoclonal antibodies, particulary those that target CD38, receive and mentions daratumumab and isatuximab as examples. According to Prof. Fonseca, it is becoming apparent that monoclonal antibodies combine very well and can achieve deep levels of responses.
Author: Editor
Press brief by Katherine A High, MD of the The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, at the 2016 Annual Meeting of the European Association of Hematology (EHA), held in Copenhagen, Denmark.
Press brief by Johan Richter, MD, PhD of the Skåne University Hospital Lund, Lund, Sweden, at the 2016 Annual Meeting of the European Association of Hematology (EHA), held in Copenhagen, Denmark.
Philippe Rousselot, MD, PhD from Versailles Hospital and University, Versailles, France discusses the concern of molecular relapse in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients. If therapy is stopped for patients in deep molecular response, despite being treated for years, approximately half of them will experience molecular relapse. This has been exemplified by the EURO-SKI study (NCT01596114). Prof. Rousselots focusses on the location of the cells that are responsible for those molecular relapses, and if they can be targeted. He goes on to discuss some of his own work targeting the expression of STAT5 in those cells, and the ability to erode…
Emili Montserrat, MD, PhD from the University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain discusses the goals and work of the European Research Initiative on CLL (ERIC). Some of the goals and work of ERIC include: enabiling the collaboration of researchers in the field of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), writing guidelines and diagostic criteria. Prof. Montserrat points out that a large majority of doctors use the techniques and guidelines of ERIC in regard to minimal residual disease (MRD). He further discusses the future initiatives of ERIC, which includes developing diagnostic criteria abd emphasizes the importance of international collaboration. Recorded at the European Hematology…
Georg Lenz, MD, PhD, from the University of Münster, Münster, Germany discusses the clinical significance of diagnosing diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) on a molecular level at the European Hematology Association (EHA) 2016 Annual Congress in Copenhagen, Denmark. Prof. Lenz mentions how treatment can become specific by utilizing genetics and introducing novel inhibitors that target specific signaling pathways. He holds the optimism that this can improve survival for affected patients.
Katja Weisel, MD from University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany gives an overview of the current situation for multiple myeloma patients with more advanced disease, i.e. later relapse or exhausted treatment options. In these situations there is an unmet need for drugs which enable a sustained response. The standard treatment at the moment for this population of patients is pomalidomide plus low-dose dexamethasone. In the NIMBUS trial (NCT01311687), highly pre-treated patients with up to 17 prior treatment lines, have shown significant improvement in progression-free survival (PFS) and complete survival. Dr Weisel continues to discuss the recent developments in treatment for multiple…
Philippe Rousselot, MD, PhD from Versailles Hospital and University, Versailles, France, discusses the use of blinatumomab in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). blinatumomab is a class of bi-specific T-cell engagers (BiTEs) that works by targeting CD19 and CD3 antigens on B-cells. The drug works by bringing the T-cell to the blast and directly promoting lysis. Prof. Rousselot mentions that the toxicity profile is different to other drugs, for example there are no problems associated with the liver or the platelets. Toxicity for blinatumomab is more neurologically based, during the initial phases of the treatment and after the initial phases,…
Stephan Grupp, MD, PhD from Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA discusses his research into pediatric acute lymphoid leukemia (ALL). In a relapsed or refractory setting 93% of the patients entered complete remission (CR) when treated with CTL019, a chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR T-cell). Furthermore, many of these patients were able to stay in remission. Dr Grupp also discussed toxicity associated with these engineered T-cell, specifically cytokine release syndrome. Recorded at the European Hematology Association (EHA) 2016 Annual Congress in Copenhagen, Denmark.
Michael Hallek, MD from the University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany discusses the potential benefits of biosimilars. Prof. Hallek suggests that they make the market more competitive, which in turn, might lower the price of drugs. He also talks about the difficulties associated with the production of biosimilars of proteins. Recorded at the European Hematology Association (EHA) 2016 Annual Congress in Copenhagen, Denmark.
Philippe Rousselot, MD, PhD from Versailles Hospital and University, Versailles, France, discusses the role of inotuzumab ozogamicin, which is currently being used as a newer treatment for patients in the acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) relapse/refractory setting. inotuzumab ozogamicin is an investigational antibody-drug immunoconjugate, with a CD22 affinity. inotuzumab ozogamicin works by targeting the CD22 antigen, once internalized into the malignant cell, it is combined with calicheamicin (a sort of chemotherapy) which is then released to destroy it. Prof. Rousselot mentions how inotuzumab can also have some toxicities, mainly of the platelets and the liver. He talks about a study (NCT01564784)…
Emili Montserrat, MD, PhD from the University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain discusses the best treatment advice for patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Prof. Montserrats overall message is that CLL patients have to be seen by CLL experts in specialized centers in order to receive a very specific kind of care. Patients with CLL should know that only one out of two will require therapy over time, which is very good news. Thinking in terms of goals of therapy, Prof. Montserrat believes that overall survival (OS) doesnt necessarily have to be fueled with complicated drugs and agents, it can also…
Emili Montserrat, MD, PhD from the University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain discusses the issue of drug cost in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Prof. Montserrat points out that not all patients suffering from CLL are treated with novel agents. They have an important role, but only for a specific group of patients. Prof. Montserrat, also discusses the importance of having support from pharmaceutical companies, in order to make the cost of this therapy affordable (joining two or three agents can cost up to 300,000 Euros per year). Nevertheless, he mentions how the industry have been very good in lowering the prices…
Emili Montserrat, MD, PhD from the University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain discusses the influence of the European Research Initiative on chronic lymphocytic leukemia CLL (ERIC). Prof. Montserrat mentions that sometimes there is some confusion between the goals of therapy and endpoints in trials, and that it should be kept in mind that the goal of therapy is to prolong survival and to improve quality of life. He further discusses the joint projects in terms of promoting biological tests, investigating the utility of new agents in-vitro, which is a kind of accelerated Phase 0 study, in order to be more efficient…
For decades, the hallmark of medical treatment for cancer and hematological malignancies has been intravenous cytotoxic chemotherapy. These drugs target rapidly dividing cells, including cancer cells and certain normal tissues. As a result, many patients experience the classic toxicities of alopecia, gastrointestinal symptoms, and myelosuppression. But how we treat these diseases has changed dramatically in the past decades. While traditional cytotoxic chemotherapy remains the treatment of choice, targeted therapies are now a major component in our arsenal in the war on cancer. These novel targeted anti-cancer drug therapies have been designed to block the growth and spread of certain cancers…
Stephan Grupp, MD, PhD from Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA outlines his work at the University of Pennsylvania. Currently his team is investigating the characteristics of T-cells and how they work in treatment, with the hope of answering such questions: Can we predict patients who are going to do well? Can we understand what the requirements are for the collected T-cells? Can we extend this to areas outside of leukemia? Recorded at the European Hematology Association (EHA) 2016 Annual Congress in Copenhagen, Denmark.
The National Cancer Act signed in 1971 officially started what is commonly referred to as the war against cancer. Since the signing of the bill, billions of dollars have been used towards a total national commitment towards the conquest of cancer with a stated goal of finding a cure. Government spending has been tremendously beneficial, providing funding for basic cancer research which is the foundation for new cancer treatments. As a result of ongoing research we now have a tremendous wealth of information, a better understanding of cancer biology and many novel treatments. But there is still a lot of…
Peter Hillmen, MBChb, PhD, FRCP, FRCPath from St. James’ University Hospital, Leeds, UK discusses the use of the word ‘cure’ in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). According to Prof. Hillmen, the word ‘cure’ is not used frequently, instead physicians talks about ‘control’ and ‘treatment-free intervals’. The aim is to move towards a cure. With combinations of novel agents and chemotherapy, deep remissions are seen in patients, and this work may lead to a cure according to Prof. Hillmen. Recorded at the European Hematology Association (EHA) 2016 Annual Congress in Copenhagen, Denmark.
Peter Hillmen, MBChb, PhD, FRCP, FRCPath from St. James’ University Hospital, Leeds, UK discusses allogeneic stem cell transplantation for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). According to Prof. Hillmen, allogeneic stem cell transplantation is the only therapy that can cure a minority of patients. However, there are side effects associated with a transplant, such as graft-versus-host disease (GvHD), and therefore it is not the treatment of choice. Recorded at the European Hematology Association (EHA) 2016 Annual Congress in Copenhagen, Denmark.
Michele Baccarani, MD from University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy, discusses the symposium on Current and emerging treatment goals in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) held at the European Hematology Association (EHA) 2016 Annual Congress in Copenhagen, Denmark. In particular, Prof. Baccarani discusses the new issue of treatment-free remission (TFR). Survival of patients with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) is excellent, which makes it difficult to design studies to improve the outcome of treatment of CML according to Prof. Baccarani. Due to the success of the treatment, many patients die of other causes and therefore, the number of patients who stay alive without…
Georg Lenz from the University of Münster, Münster, Germany discusses the current unmet need in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), which he states to be patients who do not respond to the current standard treatment of rituximab plus CHOP chemotherapy. Recorded at the European Hematology Association (EHA) 2016 Annual Congress in Copenhagen, Denmark.
Georg Lenz from the University of Münster, Münster, Germany discusses diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) at the European Hematology Association (EHA) 2016 Annual Congress in Copenhagen, Denmark. Researchers have found that there are many different DLBCL subtypes, for examples the ACB and the GCB subtype. Prof. Lenz stresses the importance of recognising these different subtypes in respect to diagnosis and treatment.
Haifa Kathrin Al-Ali, MD from the University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany discusses what can be done for myelofibrosis patients who develop peripheral neuropathy while treated with momelotinib. Dr Al-Ali explains that not much can be done for those patients at the moment. If patients have diabetes, vitamin deficiencies, or other causes of peripheral neuropathy, these should be attended to. Dr Al-Ali mentions that there does not seem to be a correlation between a factor known to cause peripheral neuropathy and momelotinib. Therefore, this seems to be a drug dependent issue. Dr. Al-Ali concludes that further investigation needs to be done.…
Karthik Ramasamy, MBBS, MRCP, FRCPath, PhD from Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK discusses the next steps that need to be taken to assess treatment options for multiple myeloma (MM) patients. Dr Ramasamy speaks of the importance of understanding the genetics of myeloma and relapse. He mentions a talk by Prof. Keith Stewart from the Mayo Clinic given during a debate session on using doublets vs triplets combinations. The use of combinations, including triplets or even quadruplets, should be informed by genetics according to Dr Ramasamy. Recorded at the 2016 Annual Meeting of the British Society of Haematology…
Gail Roboz, MD from Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY discusses the standardization of flow cytometry in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Currently there is a lack of harmonization in ideas of pathologists working with AML. However, Dr Roboz outlines the European Leukemia Nets attempts to create a standardization of techniques to create a worldwide effort to understand what residual detectable populations mean and how much they need to be reduce in order to demonstrate a new therapys efficacy. Recorded at the 2016 Annual Meeting of the British Society of Haematology (BSH) and International Society of Hematology (ISH),…
Giuseppe Saglio, MD of the University of Turin, Turin, Italy discusses the pros and cons of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) first-line therapy, including imatinib, nilotinib and dasatinib. Prof Saglio mentions that trials indicate that higher doses of imatinib may be beneficial for patients. There are higher toxicity levels in 2nd generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI), such as nilotinib and dasatinib, which include an increased risk of cardiovascular events. However, a deeper molecular response is observed with these drugs. Prof Saglio further discusses the goals that need to be achieved for specific patients and that the more treatments are available, the…
Mark Caulfield, MD from the Genomics England and Queen Mary University, London, UK discusses aspects on the UK hematology community. The UK hematology community with some international partners is shaping a hematology-oncology programs focusing on blood cancers which have unmet needs in regards to diagnostic and stratified healthcare. Programs are primarily built around clinical trials and aim to test the effectiveness of medication and how to select the correct medicine for patients. Recorded at the 2016 Annual Meeting of the British Society of Haematology (BSH) and International Society of Hematology (ISH) in Glasgow, Scotland.
Finbarr Cotter, MD, PhD from British Society of Hematology (BSH) Conferences and Barts Health NHS Trust, UK discusses some of the issues that arise in hematology at an international level. An example of topics covered include hematology in countries with fewer resources, as well as looking at laboratory pathology and hemoglobinopathies. Prof Cotter also spoke of BSHs joint symposium with several American Society of Hematology (ASH) members where novel ways to treat sickle cell disease were discussed – specifically how to switch on hemoglobin F and to reduce the requirements for transfusions. Recorded at the 2016 Annual Meeting of the…
Peter Hillmen, MBChb, PhD, FRCP, FRCPath from St. James’ University Hospital, Leeds, UK talks about current clinical trials in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and how they might change the standard of care. Fludarabine, cyclophosphamide and rituximab (FCR) therapy is the standard of care for young, fit patients. Prof. Hillmen discusses upcoming trials, such as the FLAIR trial of rituximab and ibrutinib vs FCR (ISRCTN01844152). For elderly patients, obinutuzumab, chlorambucil, and bendamustine are starting to be used. Prof. Hillmen then discusses the use of ibrutinib, which is generally well-tolerated. Further, he discusses new agents such as acalabrutinib and the results with…
Karthik Ramasamy, MBBS, MRCP, FRCPath, PhD from Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK discusses the different forms of multiple myeloma (MM) and approaches to determine better treatments in the future. The new National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) myeloma guidelines, highlights that genetic tests need to be done in order to understand what is driving the disease in patients. Dr Ramasamy discusses how understanding the genetics of myeloma patients better would be advantageous in terms of understanding who the high risk patients are, who needs closer attention, who needs more continuous therapy, application of stem cell transplant…
Dr. James Pellicane discusses the advantages of using the BioZorb implant during breast cancer surgery. By clearly identifying the surgical site, the small 3D implant helps oncologists target radiation to the area that needs it most.
Dr. Stephen Harms, a breast imaging expert at Medical Associates of Northwest Arkansas, reports that the BioZorb device is easily seen demarcating the tumor bed for radiation treatment planning. More precise targeting, he says, may also reduce complication
Dr. Jennifer Gass, Chief of Surgery at Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island, describes how the 3D BioZorb device facilitates communication between the breast surgeon and radiation oncologist. Even five months after surgery, this small implant provides precise targeting for radiation therapy.
The BioZorb marker is valuable in oncoplastic breast reduction procedures during breast cancer surgery, according to MedStar Georgetown University Hospital breast surgeon Shawna Willey, MD, FACS. She notes the marker can also help replace some breast volume in lumpectomy cases that do not include a reduction.
V. Suzane Klimberg, MD, FACS, explains how the BioZorb implant satisfies an unmet need for breast surgeons and patients by partially filling the cavity where the cancer was removed after surgery. The implants tiny clips also mark the tumor site for better targeting of radiation.
Jason A. Zell, DO, MPH Associate Professor, Depts. Of Medicine & Epidemiology School of Medicine University of California, Irvine discusses newly released data from ASCO 2016 concerning the GI-Colorectal Cancer Abstracts
Ignatius Ou, MD PhD UC Irvine School of Medicine discusses recently released data from ASCO 2016 about lung cancer
Chaitali Nangia, MD of UC Irvine Health presents Breast Cancer updates 2016 which includes data recently released from ASCO 2016
Samuel J. Klempner, MD Director of Precision Medicine The Angeles Clinic and Research Institute goes over the new data from ASCO 2016 in his presentation Update in Non-Colorectal GI Malignancies
Kanwar Kahlon, MD Assistant Clinical Professor, Department of Medicine UC Irvine discusses ASCO 2016 data concerning the treatment of Multiple Myeloma
John Fruehauf, MD, phd Director Clinical pharmacology and developmental therapeutics UCI Irvine Comprehensive cancer center goes over the best data released at this year’s ASCO 2016 concerning melanoma
Dr. Eddie Mendez discusses novel treatments in head and neck cancers at Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, particularly in immunotherapy, robotic surgery, and proton therapy.
The state-of-the-art MRgRT suite at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre combines the best of medical imaging with radiation therapy to provide the best precision care for our cancer patients. Also watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wgEOtxPMSw8
How can patients best manage side effects for better quality of life? Andrew Schorr, facilitates a dialogue between advanced prostate cancer experts, Dr. William Catalona, Dr. Russell Szmulewitz of University of Chicago Medical Center, and Judith Paice, PhD, RN. The panel discusses pain and fatigue, the balancing act of pain medications, and the positive influence of a support system. Get email alerts | http://www.patientpower.info/alerts Subscribe on YouTube | http://www.youtube.com/patientpower Like on Facebook | http://www.fb.com/patientpower.info Follow on Twitter | http://www.twitter.com/patientpower Follow on Google+ | http://www.google.com/+patientpowerinfo
AACR brought young investigators to Capitol Hill to explain the importance for continued momentum for ample funding for cancer support. To encourage investigators, Dr. Christine Lovly continues with passion towards a cure. The research requires the participation of patients in clinical trials. Get email alerts | http://www.patientpower.info/alerts Subscribe on YouTube | http://www.youtube.com/patientpower Like on Facebook | http://www.fb.com/patientpower.info Follow on Twitter | http://www.twitter.com/patientpower Follow on Google+ | http://www.google.com/+patientpowerinfo
Owen O’Connor, MD, PhD from Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY discusses the positive trend in the research for treating T-cell lymphoma. The last 5 years have been extraordinary with the development of HDAC inhibitors, with three approved world wide – vorinostat and romidepsin in the US and chidamide in China. Dr OConnor mentions how he was sceptical about adding these new drugs to CHOP backbones. He also discusses the presentation at ASH which outlined studies investigating combinations of pralatrexate and romidepsin, and combinations of hypomethylating agents and HDAC inhibitors. Recorded at the European Hematology Association (EHA) 2016 Annual…
Michael Hallek, MD from the University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany gives an overview of the German CLL Study Group (GCLLSG), which will hold its Xth International Workshop in Cologne from 16-18 September, 2016. According to Prof. Hallek, it is a small meeting and the aim is to have free discussions. The first day will cover the program of the German CLL Study Group trials. On the second day, key topics in CLL such as pathogenesis, prognostication, novel treatments and combination therapy will be discussed with international experts. Recorded at the European Hematology Association (EHA) 2016 Annual Congress in Copenhagen, Denmark.
Michael Hallek, MD from the University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany talks about the issue of drug cost in oncology. According to Prof. Hallek, this is a political problem and an economic burden for society. He argues that politicans, companies, health insurers and patients need to work together proactively anf find a solution to make sure, that combination therapies are affordable everywhere in the world. Recorded at the European Hematology Association (EHA) 2016 Annual Congress in Copenhagen, Denmark.
Davide Rossi, MD, PhD from University of Eastern Piedmont, Vercelli, Italy discusses the unmet needs of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) patients. There are issues related the treatment of elderly patients and ultra-high risk patients with mutations of the TP53 gene. Furthermore, the issue of affordability of these novel agents must be tackled. Recorded at the European Hematology Association (EHA) 2016 Annual Congress in Copenhagen, Denmark.