Author: Editor

Pomalidomide combinations in randomized trials are generating exciting data for relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (MM). Here, Meletios Dimopoulos, MD, from the Kapodistrian University of Athens School of Medicine, Athens, Greece, provides insight into the ELOQUENT-3 (NCT02654132) and OPTIMISMM (NCT01734928) trials for patients who have failed proteosome inhibitor and immunomodulatory agent therapy, whilst also touching upon the future of treatment. Both of these trials compared different combinations and doses of pomalidomide and dexamethasone with either elotuzumab or bortezomib, resulting in great tolerability with few adverse events. This was recorded at the 23rd congress of the European Haematology Association (EHA) 2018, held in…

Dr Laurie Sehn, of the BC Cancer Agency, Vancouver, BC, Canada presents: ‘Answering the unmet need in one of the most common types of lymphoma: Its as simple as A-D-C’. Dr Sehn discusses the use of polatuzumab vedotin, an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC), for relapsed/refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (R/R DLBCL). Based on the trial results presented (NCT02257567), this ADC has been granted Breakthrough Therapy Designation by the US Food and Drug Administration and PRIME (PRIority MEdicines) designation by the European Medicines Agency for R/R DLBCL. This video was recorded at the 23rd congress of the European Hematology Association (EHA) 2018…

Gareth Morgan, MD, PhD, FRCP, FRCPath, from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, gives a brief overview of the importance of minimal residual disease (MRD) in both research and the clinic, emphasizing that MRD testing should be more widely available and used. This video was recorded at the 23rd congress of European Haematology Association (EHA) 2018, held in Stockholm, Sweden.

Novel strategies are required to move from simply controlling multiple myeloma (MM), to overcoming it and acheiving long-term remissions in the majority of patients. Here, Gareth Morgan, MD, PhD, FRCP, FRCPath, of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, discusses how we can design new strategies for unprecedented outcomes in MM. Dr Morgan discusses ‘synergistic casettes’ of treatment, that could be switched and used to overcome resistance. He also highlights other immuno-oncology agents, including IMiDs, CAR T-cells, bispecific antibodies and antibody-drug conjugates. Dr Morgan highlights the need for new endpoints in trials, in order to find improved…

Bruno Paiva, PhD, from the University of Navarra, Navarra, Spain, shares insights into multiple myeloma (MM) from the 23rd congress of European Hematology Association (EHA) 2018, held in Stockholm, Sweden, including the pathogenesis of the disease,and the role of the tumor microenvironment. Dr Paiva also discusses the novel therapies that are being introduced for the management of MM, such as immunomodulatory drugs and monoclonal antibodies, and how these can be combined with existing treatments in the future.

Barbara Eichhorst, MD, from Uniklink Koln, Koln, Germany discusses the results of the recent Phase III CLL11 trial (NCT01998880). The CLL11 trial compared different chemoimmunotherapy combinations of chlorambucil, rituximab and obinutuzumab in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL). Dr Eichhorst highlights the promising results, including a significant overall survival benefit with the anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody obinutuzumab. This video was recorded at the at the 23rd congress of the European Haematology Association (EHA) 2018, held in Stockholm, Sweden.

Barbara Eichhorst, MD, from Uniklink Koln, Koln, Germany, talks to us about exciting new data for the venetoclax and rituximab combination in the MURANO Phase III trial (NCT02005471) for relapsed/refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Results published earlier this year presented positive results for progression-free and overall survival. Now, an update on response rates, particularly minimal residual disease (MRD) negativity rates, have been released. Dr Eichorst discusses this data, which showed higher MRD negativity rates with venetoclax and rituximab therapy for both treatment arms.The recent approval of venetoclax plus rituximab leads to curiosity about how this will influence the sequence and…

In this interview with Arjan Diepstra, PhD, from the University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands, speaking from the 23rd congress of the European Haematology Association (EHA) 2018, held in Stockholm, Sweden, gives a brief overview of the role of biomarkers in lymphoma. Dr Diepstra covers how they can be used to determine patient prognosis and influence clinical decisions. He highlights the TARC biomarker currently being used in Hodgkin lymphoma.

Treatment of myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) is expanding to include several exciting new therapies. We spoke to Claire Harrison, MD, FRCP, FRCPath, from Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital, London, UK at the 23rd Congress of the European Hematology Association (EHA) 2018, held in Stockholm, Sweden, about the most interesting therapies in the field at the moment. She discusses: JAK inhibitors like fedratinib and pacritinib; interferon both as a monotherapy and in combination with ruxolitinib; combination therapies with ruxolitinib and venetoclax, azacitidine or PI3K inhibitors; and MDM2 inhibitors like idasanutlin.

Measurable residual disease (MRD) has become a crucial part of treatment planning and prognosis construction in many hematological diseases; however, in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), heterogeneity of disease has meant MRD has been difficult to quantify. Here, Mohamad Mohty, MD, PhD, of Saint-Antoine Hospital, Paris, France, discusses recent progress in AML MRD research at the 23rd Congress of the European Hematological Association (EHA) 2018 in Stockholm, Sweden. He speaks about data showing the importance of MRD as a prognostic indicator in first complete remission, as well as studies showing the huge influence of MRD status on stem cell transplant outcome.…

Treating young patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) poses a unique set of challenges because treatment has to be effective for many years, and even decades. Matthew Davids, MD, MSc, of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA spoke to us about these challenges at the 23rd Congress of the European Hematology Association (EHA) 2018, held in Stockholm, Sweden. Here, he discusses the risk of resistance mutations and toxicity when young patients are given long-term monotherapies, and points to combination therapies incorporating novel agents as the way forward in this patient group.

Claire Harrison, MD, FRCP, FRCPath, from Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital, London, UK, presented updates and results from the MAJIC clinical trial (ISRCTN61925716) at the 23rd Congress of the European Hematology Association (EHA) 2018, held in Stockholm, Sweden. This trial compares the efficacy of JAK inhibitor ruxolitinib with best available care in both essential thrombocythemia (ET) and polycythemia vera (PV). Promising results are coming from this study, with ruxolitinib appearing to yield deep, rapid responses, as well as a reduction in leukemic and myelofibrotic transformation. Dr Harrison also discusses molecular signatures associated with poor outcomes in ET, such as TP53…

Allogenic stem cell transplants are the only curative therapy available for several hematological diseases; however, graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) is a common complication of this procedure. The accepted first-line treatment for GvHD is corticosteroids, but patients who do not respond to this treatment generally have poor outcomes. In this video, recorded at the 23rd Congress of the European Hematological Association (EHA) 2018 in Stockholm, Sweden, Mohamad Mohty, MD, PhD, of Saint-Antoine Hospital, Paris, France, speaks about a revolutionary second-line treatment for acute refractory GvHD: fecal transplants. He discusses the HERACLES trial (NCT03359980), and the important role of gut microbiome diversity in…

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) treatment is experiencing a shift away from chemotherapy in favor of novel agents. FCR chemotherapy, however, has shown impressive responses, and even curative effects in young patients, especially those with IGHV mutations. In this video, recorded at the 23rd Congress of the European Hematology Association (EHA) 2018, held in Stockholm, Sweden, Matthew Davids, MD, MSc, of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, speaks about a study combining novel agent duvelisib with FCR in young CLL patients (dFCR; NCT02158091). Dr Davids discusses the rationale behind the study, and the toxicities experienced. Finally, he points out the dramatic…

Treating myelofibrosis is accompanied by several complications that must be considered, including thrombocytopenia and anemia. In this video, recorded at the 23rd Congress of the European Hematology Association (EHA) 2018, held in Stockholm, Sweden, Claire Harrison, MD, FRCP, FRCPath, from Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital, London, UK, speaks about how to address these challenges in myelofibrosis and other myeloproliferative neoplasms. She discusses how activin receptor antagonists like luspatercept can release the block on the terminal phases of erythropoiesis for anemia management, and how thrombocytopenia can be treated using combination therapies. Finally, she discusses how to identify disease progression in patients…

Nicholas J. Vogelzang, MD, shares his thoughts on imaging as an effective solution for prostate cancer diagnosis at Annual Meeting 2018.

Atrayee Basu Mallick, MD, shares how nivolumab is being incorporated into metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) treatment algorithms at Annual Meeting 2018.

Randall A. Oyer, MD, explains the immunotherapy data coming out of the Annual Meeting 2018 and the purpose of the ACCC Immuno-Oncology Institute.

Mark Levis, MD, PhD, talks about new information about gilteritinib in FLT3 mutated acute myeloid leukemia (AML) at Annual Meeting 2018.

John Leighton, MD, explains whether tumor sidedness impacts colorectal cancer treatment algorithms at Annual Meeting 2018.

Ivo Abraham, PhD, RN, shares his thoughts on demonstrating the value of cancer care in today’s oncology landscape at Annual Meeting 2018.

Nicholas J. Vogelzang, MD, talks about how MRI has improved the diagnosis of prostate cancer at Annual Meeting 2018.

Atrayee Basu Mallick, MD, shares her thoughts on the outcomes of the Checkmate 142 study looking ipilimumab and nivolumab in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients at Annual Meeting 2018.

Ivo Abraham, PhD, RN, shares his perspective on biosimilar pricing and reimbursement at Annual Meeting 2018.

Mohammad Jahanzeb, MD, FACP, explains what he might do in sequencing therapies as a result of Keynote 189 and Keynote 42 presented at the 2018 Annual Meeting Annual Meeting.

John Leighton, MD, shares the outcomes of the Checkmate 142 study examining ipilimumab and nivolumab in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients at Annual Meeting 2018.

Nicholas J. Vogelzang, MD, explains explains how to avoid under-diagnosing & over-diagnosing prostate cancer at Annual Meeting 2018.

Randall A. Oyer, MD, explains how ACCC is utilizing the data on genetics presented at the 2018 Annual Meeting Annual Meeting.

Atrayee Basu Mallick, MD, talks about the patient type and setting where vemurafenib has been added to the NCCN guidelines for metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients at Annual Meeting 2018

Mark Levis, MD, PhD, explains the impact of measurable residual disease in the clinical outcomes of patients with relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukemia (AML) at Annual Meeting 2018

Mohammad Jahanzeb, MD, FACP, explains the significance of Keynote 42 from Annual Meeting 2018.

Ivo Abraham, PhD, RN, talks about biosimilars that are approved or close to approval at Annual Meeting 2018.

Ghassan Abou-Alfa, MD, MBA, explains the shortcomings of the RECIST study in measuring efficacy in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients at Annual Meeting 2018.

Monoclonal antibodies are an exciting theapeutic avenue for hematological cancers, including multiple myeloma (MM). Here, Niels van de Donk, MD, PhD, of VU University Medical Centre, Amsterdam, Netherlands, provides an interesting perspective on the rise of monoclonal antibodies for relapsed/refractory MM, including daratumumab and elotuzumab. He discusses the important role of combination regimens, and how these are expanding response rates and patient survival to the point where they could become the next standard of care for MM. This interview took place at the 1st European Myeloma Network (EMN) Meeting, held in Turin, Italy.

There are an increasing amount of promising targeted therapies being investigated for multiple myeloma (MM). In this interview, Niels van de Donk, MD, PhD, from VU University Medical Centre, Amsterdam, Netherlands, speaking from the 1st European Myeloma Network (EMN) Meeting, held in Turin, Italy, discusses techniques for progressing to durable tumor-free remission. Dr van de Donk describes the pros and cons of various antibody treatments, whilst highlighting the importance of using a tumor map for improving induction, consolidation and maintenance therapy.

The clinical significance of smoldering multiple myeloma (MM) is, as of recently, becoming much more important, especially in those patients who progress to MM quite rapidly. Speaking from the 1st European Myeloma Network (EMN) Meeting 2018, in Turin, Italy, Robert Kyle, MD, of the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, explains just how important it is to monitor patients in the smoldering MM stage. Prof. Kyle emphasizes how, with careful monitoring, diagnostic rates of smoldering MM may even decrease if it progresses at the same rate of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), allowing to be caught early enough to monitor and…

The discovery of mutational events in cancer are crucial to the development of efficacious targeted therapies. Here, Steven Treon, MD, PhD, of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, passionately discusses the genomic advances in Waldenströms macroglobulinemia (WM), owing to the discovery of the MYD88 and CXCR4 mutations. Dr Treon highlights how these mutations have enabled better understanding of the different forms and metastatic progression of WM, aiding the development of targeted therapies that are revolutionizing the meaning of progression-free survival. This interview was recorded at the 1st European Myeloma Network (EMN) Meeting, in Turin, Italy.

Speaking from the 1st European Myeloma Network (EMN) Meeting 2018, held in Turin, Italy, Francesca Gay, MD, of the University of Turin, Turin, Italy, discusses the practical implications of immunomodulators as a form of multiple myeloma (MM) treatment, the effects of these drugs both in the short and long term, and how to manage their most common side effects. Dr Gay also refers to lenalidomide, currently administered to autologous transplant patients, before discussing the difficulties in determining whether treatment should be adjusted based on positive or negative measurable residual disease (MRD) status.

The progression of multiple myeloma (MM) can be monitored by determing what stage a patient is at; most notably, the monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) and smoldering MM stages. In this interview, Robert Kyle, MD, of the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, outlines the significance of these two stages and what they mean in terms of disease progression. Prof. Kyle emphasizes that patients positive for either of these two diseases must be closely monitored and describes how treatments, such as autologous stem cell transplant, may be administered in one of the early stages in an attempt to inhibit or at…

Relapse often leads to difficulties in MM treatment, as patients may have developed resistance to a previous therapy. While the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) provides some guidelines to determine what types of therapy are recommended for relapsed patients, Francesca Gay, MD, of University of Turin, Turin, Italy, explains why these guidelines may not always be suitable. Dr Gay mentions several criteria that must be considered when determining the first post-relapse course of treatment, and other side effects that these new treatments could lead to. This interview took place at the 1st European Myeloma Network (EMN) Meeting 2018, held…

The progression of multiple myeloma (MM) can be monitored by determing what stage a patient is at; most notably, the monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) and smoldering MM stages. In this interview, Robert Kyle, MD, of the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, outlines the significance of these two stages and what they mean in terms of disease progression. Prof. Kyle emphasizes that patients positive for either of these two diseases must be closely monitored and describes how treatments, such as autologous stem cell transplant, may be administered in one of the early stages in an attempt to inhibit or at…

Although there is a lot known about Waldenströms macroglobulinemia (WM), there is little understanding of the wild-type and IgM-related disorders. During this interview, Steven Treon, MD, PhD, from the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, highlights the lack of comprehension surrounding the pathogenesis of wild-type and IgM related WM. He emphasizes that in order to utilize our genomic knowledge, more research and studies need to be carried out to improve current therapies. This video was recorded at the 1st European Myeloma Network (EMN) Meeting, held in Turin, Italy.

Despite the constant research and drug development going on in the field of multiple myeloma (MM), a cure is still out of our reach. Speaking from the 1st European Myeloma Network (EMN) Meeting 2018, in Turin, Italy, Robert Kyle, MD, from the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, explains how although treatments such as stem cell transplantation and combination therapy are quite effective, they are unable to truly eradicate the disease. However, Prof. Kyle concludes his interview by referring to the small percentage of patients who do manage to outlive the disease and hopes that these patients may be the first to…

While the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) provides guidelines for patient treatment after initial relapse, these are not always perfect. Speaking from the 1st European Myeloma Network (EMN) Meeting 2018, held in Turin, Italy, Francesca Gay, MD, of the University of Turin, Turin, Italy, outlines an example of how these recommendations do not apply to patients who have relapsed whilst under lenalidomide treatment. Instead, Dr Gay presents some alternative options for therapy in these patients and mentions why there is a need for new strategies in the treatment of patients who have relapsed under lenalidomide in particular.

Robert Kyle, MD, of the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, talks about examples of new therapies that are currently under development and investigation for the treatment of multiple myeloma (MM). Prof. Kyle puts a particular emphasis on CAR T-cell therapy, before mentioning several drugs that have been introduced and used in MM treatment over the course of the past 15 years. This interview took place at the 1st European Myeloma Network (EMN) Meeting 2018, in Turin, Italy.

The therapeutic potential for Waldenströms macroglobulinemia (WM) is widening, with our growing understanding and knowledge of the genetics behind this disease. In this interview at the 1st European Myeloma Network (EMN) Meeting, held in Turin, Italy, Steven Treon, MD, PhD, of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, reviews the current and prospective therapies available for WM. He highlights the exciting work being done with BTK inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies, including acalabrutinib, venetoclax and daratumumab, which are advancing the repertoire of targeted therapies.

Although multiple myeloma (MM) has been known to physicians since the 1840s, effective treatments were not developed until much later. Speaking from the 1st European Myeloma Network (EMN) Meeting 2018, held in Turin, Italy, Robert Kyle, MD, of the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, gives a brief outline of the history of 150 years of MM therapy development, starting from the first recorded treatment of a boy in the early 1840s and concluding with the present day. Prof. Kyle highlights key stages in the progression of treatment, beginning with the application of leeches and making several notable mentions of drugs, such…

Stephen Devereux, FRCP, FRCPath, PhD, of Kings College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK gives his highlights from the the British Society for Haematology (BSH) 2018 Annual Scientific Meeting, in Liverpool, UK. He discusses the importance of colleagues from different areas of hematology interacting, including those who focus on both non-malignant and malignant areas. He briefly discusses updates within the field of hematological oncology, including exciting progress with CAR T-cells.

There has been a multitude of novel, exciting therapies within the field of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), explains Stephen Devereux, FRCP, FRCPath, PhD, of Kings College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK. At the British Society for Haematology (BSH) 2018 Annual Scientific Meeting, in Liverpool, UK, Prof. Devereux discusses the CLARITY trial (ISCRTN13751862), exploring a combination of ibrutinib and venetoclax, and the promise that this may in the future result in a curative therapy for certain patients.

The tumor microenvironment is an important therapeutic consideration. Here, Stephen Devereux, FRCP, FRCPath, PhD, of Kings College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK, discusses how cell-cell interactions between malignant cells and healthy cells is pivotal to helping or haltering tumor growth. He describes a practical example, in which therapeutic manipulation of the tumor microenvironment has led to new treatments for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), in the case of B-cell receptor pathway inhibitors. Prof. Devereux also highlights the key challenge to overcome in this area. This video was recorded at the British Society for Haematology (BSH) 2018 Annual Scientific Meeting, in…

New genetic sequencing techniques could yield profound insights into disease progression in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Niamh Appleby, MB, BAO, BCh, MRCPI, FRCPath, from the University of Oxford, Oxford, UK, spoke to us at the British Society for Haematology (BSH) 2018 Annual Scientific Meeting, held in Liverpool, UK, about her future study, which aims to link genetic profiles of tumor cells with overall trends in disease progression in monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis (MBL) and early stage CLL. Clonal B-cells, non-tumor lymphocytes and cell-free (cf)DNA will be collected, along with quality of life data, over a 5 year period in order to…

Speaking from the British Society for Haematology (BSH) 2018 Annual Scientific Meeting, held in Liverpool, UK, Niamh Appleby, MB, BAO, BCh, MRCPI, FRCPath, from the University of Oxford, Oxford, UK, discusses key challenges in the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), as well as prospects for advancements in treatment. Progression of CLL can vary greatly; however, new genetic techniques, such as whole genome sequencing and targeted deep sequencing, have great potential for identifying how early stage disease might progress, allowing more targeted treatment.

The 2018 European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT) Annual Meeting in Lisbon, Portugal, proved to be an exciting congress with >5,000 delegates in attendance – the highest attendance to date. Here, Tony Pagliuca, MBBS, MA, FRCP, FRCPath, from Kings College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK, highlights the importance of bringing together healthcare professionals with patients during meetings such as EBMT. Prof. Pagliuca outlines his meeting highlights, including transplantation in myelodysplastic syndrome and while utilizing CAR T-cell therapy. Several sessions focused on CAR T-cell therapy for a range of malignancies, including the presentation of data from the CALM…

Atrayee Basu Mallick, MD, shares how how nivolumab is being incorporated into metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) treatment algorithms at Annual Meeting 2018.

Mark Levis, MD, PhD, explains the key factors influencing 1st line therapy in acute myeloid leukemia(AML) patients with FLT3 mutations at Annual Meeting 2018.

Mohammad Jahanzeb, MD, FACP, shares his thoughts on the continuation of pemetrexed maintenance after treatment of the patient with carboplatin, pemetrexed and pembrolizumab at Annual Meeting 2018.

Jennie Crews, MD, MMM, FACP, talks about key initiatives for the ACCC Immuno-Oncology Institute at Annual Meeting 2018

Ghassan Abou-Alfa, MD, MBA, explains the outcomes of the CELESTIAL study from Annual Meeting 2018.

Atrayee Basu Mallick, MD, shares her thoughts on immunotherapy in colorectal cancer at Annual Meeting 2018.

Mark Levis, MD, PhD, explains the the impact of next-generation sequencing in AML at Annual Meeting 2018.

Mohammad Jahanzeb, MD, FACP, explains the results of Keynote 189, PDL-1 expression and patient selection at Annual Meeting 2018.

David R. Gandara, MD, talks about the benefits of using Cyramza® (ramucirumab) plus docetaxel verus docetaxel alone in 2nd line NSCLC at Annual Meeting 2018.

Ivo Abraham, PhD, RN, shares his thoughts on demonstrating the value of cancer care in today’s oncology landscape at Annual Meeting 2018.

Jennie Crews, MD, MMM, FACP, discusses the mission of the ACCC Immuno-Oncology Institute at Annual Meeting 2018.

Ghassan Abou-Alfa, MD, MBA, explains how immunotherapies should be combined with TKIs at Annual Meeting 2018.

David R. Gandara, MD, explains drug sequencing as a result of Keynote 189 and 42 results at Annual Meeting 2018.

Tomasz M. Beer, MD, explains how immunotherapy is being integrated into CRPC treatment algorithms at Annual Meeting 2018.

Ivo Abraham, PhD, RN, explains the key characteristics of a biosimilar at Annual Meeting 2018.

Jennie Crews, MD, MMM, FACP, talks about how community oncology is interpreting and incorporating biomarkers into their immuno-oncology therapeutic choices

Ghassan Abou-Alfa, MD, MBA, talks about the latest in systemic therapy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) at the 2018 Annual Meeting Annual Meeting

Sara M. Tolaney, MD, MPH, talks about whether the results of the TAILORx study in HR+, HER2-, node-negative, intermediate 21-gene recurrence score patients are practice changing at Annual Meeting 2018.

Tomasz M. Beer, MD, explains how immunotherapy is being integrated into CRPC treatment algorithms at Annual Meeting 2018.

Joan Schiller, MD, talks about the Keynote trials presented and whether they will impact her choice of therapy for squamous or non-squamous lung cancer patients at the Annual Meeting 2018 Annual Meeting.

David R. Gandara, MD, explains what will change about patient selection as a result of Keynote 42 at Annual Meeting 2018.

Sara M. Tolaney, MD, MPH, talks about the TAILORx study in HR+, HER2-, node-negative, intermediate 21-gene recurrence score patients, means endocrine therapy alone is similar in efficacy to chemoendocrine therapy

Jeanny B. Aragon-Ching, MD, FACP, share the impact of the PROSPER and SPARTAN clinical trials at Annual Meeting 2018.

Although clinical trials provide us with an abundance of useful data, some of this may not be optimal for application to clinical practice, discusses Mick Peake, MD, of the University of Leicester, Leicester, UK. Much of the data we depend on is derived from clinical trials, which often have strict entry criteria, excluding a multitude of people that are seen in day to day clinical practice; for example, individuals with co-morbidities. Thus, Prof. Peake notes that evidence for the efficacy of treatments in the real world is lacking, meaning we may be doing more harm than good in some cases.…

Mick Peake, MD, of the University of Leicester, Leicester, UK, discusses the Collaboration for Oncology Data in Europe (CODE); an integrative effort to broaden our knowledge of anti-cancer drugs. He holds hope that CODE will provide us with information regarding the effectiveness of treatments for certain patients, improving patient outcomes and helping us to evaluate cancer treatments cost-efficiently. Finally, Prof. Peake shares his hopes that we can move towards a more integrative attitude to cancer treatment overall, focusing on pharmaceutical treatment in a broader context as opposed to a sole contributor of disease progression. This video was recorded at the…

In this video, Mick Peake, MD, of the University of Leicester, Leicester, UK, notes the importance of collating information regarding the quality and outcomes of practice, noting a deficit of this within the field of medicine. He discusses the National Lung Cancer Audit (NLCA), which focuses on not only collecting data, but engaging medical oncology professionals in the long term. Prof. Peake notes how data is shifting from simple numerical statistics to more complex discussions surrounding treatment options and disease stages – he hopes that in the future we will be able to utilize the large amount of data we…

Tomasz M. Beer, MD, explains how immunotherapy is being integrated into CRPC treatment algorithms at Annual Meeting 2018.

Roy S. Herbst, MD, PhD, explains the benefits of using ramucirumab plus docetaxel in 2nd line NSCLC at Annual Meeting 2018.

David R. Gandara, MD, talks about continuing pemextrexed maintenance

Jeanny B. Aragon-Ching, MD, FACP, discusses the 2nd line treatment options in RCC after I-O failure at Annual Meeting 2018.

Tomasz M. Beer, MD, talks about how the the PROSPER (enzalutamide) and SPARTAN (apalutamide) studies in non-metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer are impacting standard of care at Annual Meeting 2018.

Sara M. Tolaney, MD, MPH, the fulvestrant + ribociclib arm of the MONALEESA-3 study

Joan Schiller, MD, shares the validity of Tumor Mutation Burden (TMB) as a biomarker at Annual Meeting 2018.

Roy S. Herbst, MD, PhD, talks about drug sequencing as a result of Keynote 189 and 42 results at Annual Meeting 2018.

Jeanny B. Aragon-Ching, MD, FACP, discusses how checkpoint inhibitors figure into the treatment algorithms for unresectable 1st line renal cell carcinoma (RCC) patients at Annual Meeting 2018.

Tomasz M. Beer, MD, discusses the latest trends in the multimodality treatment of prostate cancer at Annual Meeting 2018.

David R. Gandara, MD, explains whether Keynote 189 impacted view of PDL-1 expression and patient selection at Annual Meeting 2018.

Joan Schiller, MD, shares Keynote trials & the influence on choice of therapy from Annual Meeting 2018.

Sara M. Tolaney, MD, MPH, talks about whether CDK4/6 inhibitors can be used interchangeably at Annual Meeting 2018.

Robert A. Figlin, MD, explains the convenience factor of oral TKIs & treatment decisions in advanced RCC

Celestia S. Higano, MD, shares new data being presented for metastatic CRPC at Annual Meeting 2018.

Roy S. Herbst, MD, PhD, discusses if patient selection will change as a result of Keynote 42

Jeanny B. Aragon-Ching, MD, FACP, explains reliable molecular markers that can help identify high-risk muscle-invasive bladder cancer patients who should receive neoadjuvant therapy.

Tomasz M. Beer, MD, explains how to avoid under diagnosing and over diagnosing prostate cancer

David R. Gandara, MD, shares exciting new developments in lung cancer

Sara M. Tolaney, MD, MPH shares the MONARCH 2 study in pre and peri-menopausal ER+, HER2- breast cancer patients

Gary D. Steinberg, MD, explains whether FGFR inhibitors in metastatic bladder cancer have the potential to be practice changing.

Tomasz M. Beer, MD, explains the central themes regarding prostate cancer.

Jeanny B. Aragon-Ching, MD, FACP, discusses how new guidelines have changed the treatment of advanced metastatic bladder cancer.

Roy S. Herbst, MD, PhD, shares his thoughts on whether to continue pemetrexed maintenance after successful treatment of the patient with carboplatin / pemetrexed / embrolizumab.

Celestia S. Higano, MD, shares her thoughts on how immunotherapy is currently being integrated into castrate resistant prostate cancer treatment algorithms.

Edgardo S. Santos, MD, FACP, explains the benefits of docetaxel plus ramucirumab versus docetaxel alone during 2nd line non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Joan Schiller, MD, shares her thoughts regarding the results of Keynote 42 presented at the 2018 Annual Meeting and how it might impact patient selection.

Treatment options for gynecological cancers have become more effective and diverse in the last few decades. In this video, Marcia Hall, MBBS, PhD, FRCP, of the East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust, Hertfordshire, UK, gives an overview of these developments, as well as her perspective on the current state and future of gynecological cancer care, at the UK Oncology Forum (OF) 2018, held in Liverpool, UK. She dsicusses how increased understanding of disease complexity and pathology, in combination with the development of new pharmaceutical and targeted therapies, has transformed gyneocological cancer prognoses, meaning an increasing number of patients can either…

Only a small minority of prostate cancer patients benefit from immunotherapy. Gerhardt Attard, MD, PhD, FRCP, of the Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK, spoke to us at the UK Oncology Forum (OF) 2018 in Liverpool, UK about the need for biomarker screening to determine which patients should be given immunotherapeutic agents. He discusses the NEPTUNES study (NCT03061539), which will select patients to receive a combination therapy of two immune checkpoint inhibitors according to a set of biomarkers: mismatch repair deficiency, defective DNA repair and a high inflammatory infiltrate level. The goal of this study is to accurately identify…

Speaking at the UK Oncology Forum (OF) 2018, held in Liverpool, UK, Dr Woolmore, Initiative Lead, Collaboration for Oncology Data in Europe (CODE), points to the advantage of congresses like the UK OF, which bring together an international audience of practicing oncologists; the exact group that CODE can serve. Dr Woolmore mentions that the innovative, broad approach taken by CODE is patient-centric, which aligns with goals of the UK OF.

Immunotherapy has huge potential for treating a wide variety of cancer types. In this video, recorded at the UK Oncology Forum (OF) 2018, held in Liverpool, UK, Peter Johnson, MA, MD, FRCP, of the University of Southampton, Southampton, UK, discusses the newly opened Centre for Cancer Immunology in Southamphton, and the ground-breaking research being conducted there. Specifically, Prof. Johnson discusses the complexity of immune responses to cancer, and his ex vivo research that examines tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes from patients undergoing immunotherapy treatments in order to comprehend this complexity. He also discusses the direction he believes this research will take in the…

The RANGO project aims to create a database for rare gynecological tumors in order to facilitate improved disease understanding and future care. In this video, recorded at the UK Oncology Forum (OF) 2018, held in Liverpool, UK, Marcia Hall, MBBS, PhD, FRCP, of the East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust, Hertfordshire, UK, speaks about some of the logistical processes and considerations for setting up such a program, including international collaborations, data collection, and the incorporation of clinical trials for the treatment of certain tumor types.

The molecular signatures of tumor cells are often used to select patients for clinical trial recruitment. In this video, Gerhardt Attard, MD, PhD, FRCP, of the Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK, speaks about a discussion session held at the UK Oncology Forum (OF) 2018 in Liverpool, UK, which explored the challenges associated with different sampling methods for prostate cancer, including tumor and liquid biopsies. While tumor biopsies are highly invasive and often do not yield enough cancer cells, liquid biopsies, though easy and repeatable, include normal DNA and cells which must be accounted for. Dr Attard concludes that…

Much of the focus for immunotherapy research is on the cancers for which it works best, such as Hodgkin lymphoma and lung cancer. Elaine Vickers, BMedSc, PhD, from Science Communicated Ltd, Manchester, UK, gave a talk at the UK Oncology Forum (OF) 2018, held in Liverpool, UK, about the current state of immunotherapy research in certain cancer types that are often overlooked in this area: bowel, breast and prostate cancer. In this video, Dr Vickers gives an overview of this talk, discussing current immunotherapy options for these common solid tumor types, and suggesting avenues for future research.

Collaboration for Oncology Data in Europe (CODE) is a collaborative network that aims to promote the sharing of research data by collaborators worldwide. In this interview, Ashley Woolmore, Initiative Lead for CODE, explains the benefits that CODE can offer to collaborators, including the provision of data analysis tools and an infrastructure to share data within the scientific community. Speaking at the UK Oncology Forum (OF) 2018, held in Liverpool, UK, Dr Woolmore explains that this collaboration allows clinicians who are treating comparable patient groups with similar malignancy types to understand each others practice. By combining the knowledge of the scientific…

Measurable residual disease (MRD) is gaining traction not only as a prognostic indicator, but also as a tool for informing treatment plans. In this video, recorded at the 23rd Congress of the European Hematology Association (EHA) 2018, held in Stockholm, Sweden, Fabio Guolo, MD, of the University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy, speaks about his recent project that attempted to link MRD status prior to allogenic stem cell transplant with patient outcome in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The results of this study indicated that MRD status is a better predictor for treatment success than any other risk factor, such as age…

Quality of life and symptom data are essential for informing treatment plans as a clinician, as Esther Oliva, MD, of the Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Bianchi Melacrino Morelli, Reggio Calabria, Italy, discusses at the 23rd Congress of the European Hematology Association (EHA) 2018, held in Stockholm, Sweden. As of yet, there is no specific instrument for collecting such data from patients with hematological malignancies. Dr Oliva gives an overview of the content and potential for a specific instrument such as this, and outlines why such a resource is needed.

CAR T-cell therapy has been established as an effective treatment option for a range of hematological cancers. In this video, Wojciech Jurczak, MD, PhD, from Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland, explains how the accessibility to this revolutionary treatment is limited for two key reasons. Prof. Jurczak notes that although limitations are present, he hopes that the European Medicines Agency can register CAR T-cell therapy in the near future as a first therapy of choice for many hematological cancers. This video was recorded the 23rd Congress of the European Hematology Association (EHA) 2018, held in Stockholm, Sweden.

The drive to find treatment options for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) with lower toxicities means clinicians are relying less and less on chemotherapy. Here, William Wierda, MD, PhD, of the MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, discusses this trend at the 23rd Congress of the European Hematology Association (EHA) in Stockholm, Sweden. He explains that patients with mutations in the Ig heavy chain gene are the only group who routinely receive FCR chemotherapy at this point, and discusses the small molecule inhibitor and anti-CD20 antibody combination therapies that have helped to make chemotherapy redundant. Dr Wierda also highlights the data…

Paolo Ghia, MD, of the Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, presented preliminary data from the Phase II CAPTIVATE trial (NCT02910583) at the 23rd Congress of the European Hematology Association (EHA) 2018, held in Stockholm, Sweden. This trial combined ibrutinib and venetoclax in the frontline treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), with the aim of yielding deeper responses than current standard therapies. Dr Ghia discusses the promising data from the trial, with 86% of patients reaching MRD negativity, and the treatment being as well tolerated as standard monotherapies.

Social media has become increasingly relevant in the field of healthcare, both from the perspective of patients seeking the newest information about their disease, and from the point of view of healthcare professionals wanting to keep up to date with the most recent research. We interviewed Naveen Pemmaraju, MD, of the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, at the 23rd Congress of the European Haematology Association (EHA) 2018, held in Stockholm, Sweden, about his thoughts on social media and its impact on the field of medicine.

Iron-deficiency anemia is an extremely common form of anemia. Here, Maria Domenica Cappellini, MD, of the University of Milan-Foundation IRCCS Policlinico Hospital, Milan, Italy, speaks about different techniques for addressing iron deficiency, at the 23rd Congress of European Hematology Association (EHA) 2018, held in Stockholm, Sweden. She discusses oral iron supplements and the difficulties caused by their slow efficacy period, as well as new agents such as ferric carboxymaltose, which can be administered intravenously.

While treatment for follicular lymphoma (FL) has improved in recent years, allowing most patients to have good outcomes, there remains a small subset of patients who experience disease progression within 24 months of chemoimmunotherapy. In this video, recorded at the 23rd Congress of the European Hematology Association (EHA) 2018, held in Stockholm, Sweden, John Seymour, MBBS, FRACP, PhD, of the Peter MacCallum Cancer Center, Victoria, Australia, discusses the importance of identifying and treating these high risk patients. He gives an overview of existing prognostic indices, including FLIPI, FLIPI2 and the PRIMA prognostic index, as well as newer, more accurate methods…

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is usually fairly non-aggressive; however, there remain certain patients who have a rapidly progressing disease and require effective treatment. Currently, chemotherapy is the standard treatment for aggressive CLL, but there has been a recent influx of highly effective novel agents with the potential to replace chemotherapy, as Guy Pratt MD, FRCP, FRCPath, of the University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK, explains at the 23rd Congress of the European Hematology Association (EHA) 2018, held in Stockholm, Sweden. Dr Pratt gives an overview of these novel therapies: ibrutinib, venetoclax and idelalisib, and discusses the promising results…

Phase III trials EMN441 (NCT01091831) and EMN01 (NCT01093196) both investigated progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS) and time to next treatment, in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (MM) patients given maintenance therapy of either lenalidomide and prednisone (RP), or lenalidomide alone (R). Francesca Gay, MD, from the Azienda Ospedaliera Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Turin, Italy, spoke about the results from a meta-analysis of these trials at the 23rd Congress of the European Hematology Association (EHA) 2018, held in Stockholm, Sweden. This analysis showed that despite a trend towards improved PFS for RP therapy, overall PFS, OS, and…

Fabio Guolo, MD, of the University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy, spoke to us at the 23rd Congress of the European Hematology Association (EHA) 2018, held in Stockholm, Sweden, about how measurable residual disease (MRD) can be used to inform treatment in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). He uses acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) as an example, where using MRD to inform allocation of allogenic stem cell transplants has drastically improved patient outcomes, and emphasizes the potential for a similar application in AML, though the use of MRD in AML is still a few steps behind that in ALL.

There are several genetic instruments available to measure the impact of Gaucher Disease (GD) on a patients quality of life, but no specific measure by which patients can report this information themselves. Speaking from the 23rd Congress of the European Hematology Association (EHA) 2018, held in Stockholm, Sweden, Esther Oliva, MD, of the Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Bianchi Melacrino Morelli, Reggio Calabria, Italy, discusses her project to design such an instrument in order to help clinicians gain a more in-depth understanding of the impact of GD on patients and inform their treatment plan.

Speaking from the 23rd Congress of the European Hematology Association (EHA) 2018, held in Stockholm, Sweden, David Marks, MBBS, PhD, FRACP, FRCPath, of University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, UK, discusses the newest and most promising targeted ALL therapies. Prof. Marks discusses blinatumomab, which has shown impressive results in establishing MRD negativtiy, and CAR T-cells, which may offer the hope of long-term survival to patients who were previously considered to be incurable.

There are currently no concrete guidelines for how to use measurable residual disease (MRD) status to inform treatment decisions in multiple myeloma (MM). In this video, recorded at the 23rd congress of the European Hematology Association (EHA) 2018, held in Stockholm, Sweden, Bruno Paiva, PhD, of the University of Navarra, Navarra, Spain, gives his opinion on how MRD should be utilized in routine clinical practice for MM. Dr Paiva emphasizes the use of MRD as one of a suite of diagnostic and prognostic tests that should be carried out, saying it should be used to inform clinicians overall understanding of…

Measurable residual disease (MRD) is arguably the most useful single prognostic tool we have within the field of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), discusses Anthony Moorman, PhD, of Newcastle University, Newcastle, UK. Prof. Moorman suggests that an essential component of using MRD effectively to treat patients is assessing it at specific timepoints which varies depending on treatment protocol. Importantly, we can vastly enhance the prognostic ability of MRD in predicting relapse by combining our knowledge with genetics, in order to define genetic threshold adjustments. This interview took place at the 23rd congress of European Hematology Association (EHA) 2018, held in Stockholm,…

The RELEVANCE study (NCT01476787) looks at the ‘R-squared’ regimen that combines lenalidomide and rituximab for the treatment of follicular lymphoma. Here, Wojciech Jurczak, MD, PhD, from Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland, describes the outcomes of the trial, and makes a case for obinutuzumab in place of rituximab, in hope of demonstrating superiority over current first-line therapies. Speaking from the 23rd Congress of the European Hematology Association (EHA) 2018, held in Stockholm, Sweden, Prof. Jurczak discusses other upcoming combinations with immunotherapeutic agents, particularly lenolidamide and CC-122, which increases the potency of T-cell signaling. Prof. Jurczak also touches upon the current and future…

The management of relapsed chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a complex and difficult issue. We interviewed William Wierda, MD, PhD, of the MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, on the subject at the 23rd Congress of the European Hematology Association (EHA) in Stockholm, Sweden. He discusses a presentation that he gave at the congress, where he used a case study of a relapsed patient 4 years post-remission with FCR chemotherapy. In this presentation, he contrasted past remission treatment options like classical chemoimmunotherapy and lenalidomide-based therapies with more modern treatments like BTK and BCL2 inhibitors. While BTK inhibitors often have to…

In this video, Raul Cordoba, MD, PhD, outlines the pre-clinical studies that are occurring at the Fundacion Jimenez Diaz University Hospital, Madrid, Spain, including baseline analysis of patients immune systems to assess absolute lymphocyte counts, as well as CD3, CD4 and CD8 T-cell subsets, in order to predict the outcome of treating elderly patients with immunotherapy. This could help identify predictive factors of outcome in elderly patients, thus minimizing the chance of adverse complications. This video was recorded at the 23rd Congress of the European Hematology Association (EHA) 2018, held in Stockholm, Sweden.

Biomarker screening has become an essential component of constructing treatment plans in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). In this video, recorded at the 23rd Congress of the European Hematology Association (EHA) 2018, held in Stockholm, Sweden, Paolo Ghia, MD, of the Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy, discusses three key tests that he thinks are essential for the proper management of CLL. These tests examine the presence/absence of 17p deletions, and P53 mutations and Ig mutations. Dr Ghia demonstrates the importance of these tests by explaining what they can tell us about treatment. Patients with 17p deletions or P53 mutations will…

Eliminating high toxicity, invasive treatments like chemotherapy and stem cell transplant is a goal of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) research. Here, Oliver Ottmann, MD, FRCPath, of Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK speaks from the 23rd Congress of the European Hematology Association (EHA) 2018, held in Stockholm, Sweden, about small molecule novel therapies in the context of ALL. He discusses the great potential for combination therapies, using novel agents alongside immunotherapies like monoclonal antibodies and CAR T-cells, in order to reduce and eventually eradicate the need for chemotherapy and stem cell transplants in the future.

Overexpression of CD123 is associated with a number of hematological malignancies, including myelofibrosis and chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML). Data was presented at the 23rd Congress of the European Haematology Association (EHA) 2018, held in Stockholm, Sweden, exploring the impact of novel agent SL-401, which targets CD123, in both of these diseases, as Naveen Pemmaraju, MD, of the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, explains in this video. Dr Pemmaraju discusses why such a novel therapy is needed and the positive response rates displayed by patients, as well as the complications often associated with this treatment. Finally, he…

There has been an influx of novel agents in the field of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) in recent years. These include venetoclax, ibrutinib and obinutuzumab. In this video, recorded at the 23rd Congress of the European Haematology Association (EHA) 2018, held in Stockholm, Sweden, Michael Hallek, PhD, of CECAD Cologne, Cologne, Germany, discusses how these novel agents have transformed CLL treatment. He emphasizes the huge potential for novel agent combination therapies to improve the future treatment of CLL, pointing out incredible response and MRD negativity rates from recent clinical trials.

Thalassemia is caused by defects in either ? or ? globin chains, which are required for formation of functional hemoglobin molecules. Maria Domenica Cappellini, MD, of the University of Milan-Foundation IRCCS Policlinico Hospital, Milan, Italy, spoke to us at the 23rd Congress of European Hematology Association (EHA) 2018, held in Stockholm, Sweden, about new treatments that seek to re-establish the balance between ? and ? chains to reduce ineffective erythropoiesis. Techniques for achieving these aims include: genome editing to increase production of fetal hemoglobin; correcting ineffective erythropoiesis using ACE inhibitors; and gene therapy.

The selective proteasome inhibitor carfilzomib has previously shown efficacy in terms of progression-free survival (PFS) for relapsed multiple myeloma (MM). From the 23rd Congress of the European Hematology Association (EHA) 2018, held in Stockholm, Sweden, Katja Weisel, MD, from University Hospital Tubingen, Tubingen, Germany, presents updates on the ASPIRE trial (NCT01080391), a Phase III study that demonstrated that carfilzomib in combination with lenalidomide and dexamethasone (KRd) improved not just PFS, but overall survival as well. Prof. Weisel also provides updates on the POLLUX (NCT02076009) and CASTOR (NCT02136134) twin Phase III trials, which investigated daratumumab combinations across different risk groups, showing…

Speaking from the 23rd Congress of the European Hematology Association (EHA) 2018, held in Stockholm, Sweden, John Seymour, MBBS, FRACP, PhD, of the Peter MacCallum Cancer Center, Victoria, Australia, discusses the last year in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) research, as well as his predictions for the direction the field will take in the future. He speaks about the importance of observation over treatment in early stage, asymptomatic, low tumor burden patients, as well as the use of measurable residual disease (MRD) as both a therapeutic endpoint and as a measure of clinical trial efficacy. Finally, he explores the much-discussed topic…

The 23rd Congress of the European Hematology Association (EHA) 2018, held in Stockholm, Sweden, saw many researchers reporting their most recent clinical trial data. Here, Hareth Nahi, MD, of the Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden, gives an overview of the current studies being carried out by the Nordic Myeloma Study Group. These studies include: combination therapy with carfilzomib, cyclophosphamide and dexamethasone in relapsed multiple myeloma (MM); combination therapy with ixazomib, lenalidomide and dexamethasone in newly diagnosed MM; and the role of PET-CT scanning in MM. Finally, Dr Nahi discusses the potential for collaboration across different study groups, as facilitated by large…

Although treatments for multiple myeloma (MM) are constantly improving, ~25% of patients still have poor outlooks. We spoke to Guy Pratt, MD, FRCP, FRCPath, of the University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK, about these high risk patients at the 23rd Congress of the European Hematology Association (EHA) 2018, held in Stockholm, Sweden. Dr Pratt discusses the MUK Nine b trial (NCT03188172), which aims to genetically identify high risk patients and treat them with a combination therapy of bortezomib, daratumamab and lenalidomide. The results of this trial will be compared to those of the Myeloma XI trial (NCT01554852) to…

BCL-2 inhibitors like ibrutinib and venetoclax have been used in the treatment of lymphoproliferative disorders like chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) for long enough that mid-term effects of the agents can be analyzed. In this interview, Francesco Forconi, MD, DM, PhD, FRCPath, from the University of Southampton, Southampton, UK, discusses what we know at this stage at the 23rd Congress of European Hematology Association (EHA) 2018, held in Stockholm, Sweden. Results are promising for using these molecules, either as single agents or in combination with anti-CD20 antibodies or BTK inhibitors.

The prognosis for patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (MM) is usually poor. In this video, Francesca Gay, MD, from the Azienda Ospedaliera Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Turin, Italy, discusses the results from a Phase Ib/II clinical trial (NCT02056756), which explored the efficacy of a combination carfilzomib, dexamethasone and bendamustine (KBd) therapy in heavily pre-treated relapsed MM patients. While this treatment regimen was effective, Dr Gay discusses the issues associated with treating such a high-risk patient group, including the necessity for infection prophylaxis to address lymphopenia. This interview took place at the 23rd Congress of the European…

MOR208 is an anti-CD19 monoclonal antibody that has been effective in treating a range of lymphomas, including diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Here, Wojciech Jurczak, MD, PhD, from Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland, provides an update on the ongoing COSMOS trial (NCT02639910), a study of MOR208 in combination with idelalisib or venetoclax in patients with relapsed/refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) who have been pretreated with a BTK inhibitor, such as ibrutinib. Speaking from the 23rd Congress of the European Hematology Association (EHA) 2018, held in Stockholm, Sweden, Prof. Jurczak describes the two arms of the COSMOS trial, and the promise of the…

There are promising results from a variety of studies implicating CAR T-cells in relapsed/refractory acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) treatment. Here, William Wierda, MD, PhD, of the MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, discusses the results from the Phase I CAR T-cell trial ZUMA-3 (NCT02614066) at the 23rd Congress of the European Hematology Association (EHA) in Stockholm, Sweden. These data show no difference in outcome or toxicity between patients who had previously been treated with blinatumomab and patients with other prior therapies. Dr Wierda gives an overview of the generally very positive results of the trial, which boasted 70% complete remission…

Measurable residual disease (MRD) is becoming increasingly important as a prognostic indicator in a wide variety of hematological malignancies. We interviewed Florence Cymbalista, PhD, from the Hôpital Avicenne, Bobigny, France, about her recent projects that used a highly sensitive MRD detection in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) treated with FCR chemotherapy. She speaks about the importance of detecting MRD at fine resolutions, since sensitive detection of MRD in the blood implies MRD in the bone marrow, thereby saving the patient an invasive biopsy. This video was recorded at the 23rd Congress of the European Hematology Association (EHA) 2018, held in Stockholm,…

Speaking from the 23rd Congress of the European Hematology Association (EHA) 2018, held in Stockholm, Sweden, Fabio Guolo, MD, of the University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy, discusses misconceptions around measurable residual disease (MRD). He emphasizes that an MRD negative status does not mean that there is no chance of relapse, and that MRD status depends strongly on the methods used to detect it. Finally, he discusses the importance of timing in extrapolating prognoses from MRD testing, pointing out that an MRD negative status has better prognostic implications when achieved earlier on in the treatment pathway.

Treatments for low-risk myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) cannot cure the disease, but rather aim to improve quality of life, reduce complications and increase overall survival by reducing cytopenia. In this video, recorded at the 23rd Congress of the European Hematology Association (EHA) 2018, held in Stockholm, Sweden, Esther Oliva, MD, of the Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Bianchi Melacrino Morelli, Reggio Calabria, Italy, discusses new treatment options for low-risk MDS. Therapies include: epoetin alfa for stimulating erythropoiesis; lenalidomide for modulating the immune system; luspatercept for correcting ring sideroblasts; and eltrombopag for treating severe thrombocytopenia.

Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura or immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is a disorder which may result in excessive bleeding or bruising due to abnormally low levels of platelet cells, leading to potentially fatal consequences. Speaking from the 23rd Congress of the European Hematology Association (EHA) 2018, held in Stockholm, Sweden, Wojciech Jurczak, MD, PhD, from Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland, explores the potential of the thrombopoietin receptor agonist avatrombopag for the treatment of ITP, particularly in patients with liver cirrhosis who are facing surgery. Initial results have shown promising efficacy with a good side effect profile, and so Prof. Jurczak believes that this drug…

The development of novel agents for treating chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) has transformed the field in recent years. In this video, recorded at the 23rd Congress of the European Hematology Association (EHA) in Stockholm, Sweden, William Wierda, MD, PhD, of the MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, speaks about the most promising novel agents on the scene. He includes: PI3K inhibitors; checkpoint inhibitors and their use for combatting Richters transformation; reversible BTK inhibitors; and cellular strategies like CAR T-cells. He also discusses an upcoming clinical trial, which will combine checkpoint inhibitors, CTLA-4 antibodies, and PD-1 antibodies for CLL therapy.

Inotuzumab ozogamicin has shown extremely promising results in clinical trials for treatment of relapsed/refractory acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). There are, however, still issues with legislation in several EU countries which prevent its widespread use, as David Marks, MBBS, PhD, FRACP, FRCPath, of University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, UK, explains at the 23rd Congress of the European Hematology Association (EHA) 2018, held in Stockholm, Sweden. Prof. Marks speaks about future goals for inotuzumab therapy, and discusses the trials that are needed to establish this treatment.

The development of novel agents to treat acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is constantly revolutionizing the field. In this video, Christoph Röllig, MD, of the University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Dresden, Germany, speaks about his highlights from the novel agent discussions held at the 23rd Congress of the European Hematology Association (EHA) 2018, held in Stockholm, Sweden. These vary from new immunotherapeutic treatments to FLT3 inhibitors, to small molecules like venetoclax and glasdegib, all of which have yielded positive results in clinical trials.

Measurable residual disease (MRD) is used as a prognostic indictor in a variety of hematological maliganancies, including multiple myeloma (MM). We asked Bruno Paiva, PhD, of the University of Navarra, Navarra, Spain, about common misconceptions amongst clinicians when it comes to using MRD as a prognostic marker for MM at the 23rd congress of the European Hematology Association (EHA) 2018, held in Stockholm, Sweden. Dr Paiva discusses why patients are often misclassified as MRD-negative, as well as why MRD status should be treated as a simple biomarker that is complemented by other information.

We should move away from using risk factors as individual binary variables within acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) research, suggests Anthony Moorman, PhD, of Newcastle University, Newcastle, UK, at the 23rd congress of European Hematology Association (EHA) 2018, held in Stockholm, Sweden. Using variables such as age, measurable residual disease (MRD) status and white cell count as aggregated continuous variables gives us more information in order to predict relapse, allowing us to develop numeric risk scores. Prof. Moorman notes that this prognostic index has been validated in a separate cohort from the discovery cohort, presenting with a similar distribution. This prognostic…

The European Hematology Association (EHA) Scientific Working Group on Aging and Hematology released a new edition about geriatric oncology. Here, Raul Cordoba, MD, PhD, from the Fundacion Jimenez Diaz University Hospital, Madrid, Spain, discusses reviewing the editions safety and efficacy data on immunotherapy for treating elderly patients with lymphoma. While patient enrollment was low, meaning that results are inconclusive, there are positive signs of treatment efficacy. Speaking at the 23rd Congress of the European Hematology Association (EHA) 2018, held in Stockholm, Sweden, Dr Cordoba points out that there are increased cases of adverse immune response events in older patients, and…

Paolo Ghia, MD, of the Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy, is the president of the European Research Initiative on CLL (ERIC), and he spoke to us at the 23rd Congress of European Hematology Association (EHA) 2018, held in Stockholm, Sweden, about some of the newest chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) research facilitated by ERIC. These studies include: exploring the benefit of second-line bendamustine and rituximab; and examining the prevalence of BTK and PLCG2 mutations in patients relapsing on ibrutinib. Dr Ghia also discusses the work done by ERIC to demonstrate the importance of incorporating P53 and Ig gene analysis into…

The use of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is expanding. In this video, recorded at the 23rd Congress of the European Hematology Association (EHA) 2018, held in Stockholm, Sweden, Oliver Ottmann, MD, FRCPath, of Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK, discusses results from recent research in this field. He discusses data from an old study showing that the TKI imatinib achieved better remission rates and is was more well tolerated than standard chemotherapy. Similarly, more recent studies have demonstrated that induction treatment with TKIs can almost eradicate the need for chemotherapy. Finally, Prof. Ottmann discusses the use of…

Blastic plasmocytoid dendritic cell neoplasm (BPDCN) is a rare hematological malignancy typically associated with poor patient outcomes. Naveen Pemmaraju, MD, of the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, presented results from an ongoing clinical trial (NCT02268253) exploring the use of SL-401, an agent that targets CD123, for the treatment of BPDCN at the 23rd Congress of the European Haematology Association (EHA) 2018, held in Stockholm, Sweden. Dr Pemmaraju gives an overview of the extremely positive overall response rates in both the frontline and relapsed/refractory settings, as well as listing the side effects of the therapy. Finally, he…

The CLL11 trial (NCT01998880) compared chlorambucil monotherapy with combination therapies of chlorambucil and anti-CD20 antibodies rituximab or obinutuzumab for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) in elderly patients with multiple comorbidities. Michael Hallek, PhD, of CECAD Cologne, Cologne, Germany, presented the final follow-up results from this trial at the 23rd Congress of the European Haematology Association (EHA) 2018, held in Stockholm, Sweden. These results showed a surprising improvement in overall survival with obinutuzumab/chlorambucil compared to rituximab/chlorambucil, suggesting that obinutuzumab confers a survival benefit even in high-risk patients with multiple comorbidities. Prof. Hallek points to obinutuzumab as the new standard of care for…

Transfusion-dependent thalassemia demands regular and time-consuming treatment, with patients requiring blood transfusions every few weeks, and for the iron that accumulates as a result of these transfusions to be removed to prevent organ damage. In this interview, which took place at the 23rd Congress of European Hematology Association (EHA) 2018, held in Stockholm, Sweden, Maria Domenica Cappellini, MD, of the University of Milan-Foundation IRCCS Policlinico Hospital, Milan, Italy, speaks to us about exciting new iron chelating agents such as deferasirox, which can be taken orally as opposed to via a subcutaneous pump. Using these new agents has been shown to…

Novel agent combination therapies are coming to the forefront of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) research. Here, William Wierda, MD, PhD, of the MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, discusses a few key combination therapy trials that are happening at the moment at the 23rd Congress of the European Hematology Association (EHA) in Stockholm, Sweden. He speaks about the CAPTIVATE trial (NCT02910583), which combines ibrutinib and venetoclax for previously untreated CLL, and has achieved outstanding remission rates and MRD negativity in the frontline setting. He also touches upon CLL14 (NCT02242942), which combines venetoclax and obinituzumab. Finally, Dr Wierda explores his expectations…

The RVD chemotherapy regimen combines lenalidomide, bortezomib, and dexamethasone, and is recognized by the European Society for Medical Oncology in its guidelines as the current standard therapy for treating multiple myeloma (MM). Here, Katja Weisel, MD, from University Hospital Tubingen, Tubingen, Germany, reviews the clinical findings that look at RVD as a maintenance therapy over 2 years after patients have reached remission. Speaking from the 23rd Congress of the European Hematology Association (EHA) 2018, held in Stockholm, Sweden, Prof. Weisel impresses the overall survival benefit that was shown in patients treated with RVD, indicating that there is a clear need…

MURANO (NCT02005471) is a Phase III randomized trial comparing the efficacy of venetoclax plus rituximab vs. standard chemoimmunotherapy of bendamustine plus rituximab in relapsed/refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). John Seymour, MBBS, FRACP, PhD, of the Peter MacCallum Cancer Center, Victoria, Australia, presented results from this trial at the 23rd Congress of the European Hematology Association (EHA) 2018, held in Stockholm, Sweden. Here, he discusses the benefits of venetoclax plus rituximab in patients with 17p deletions or TP53 mutations, who do not respond well to chemoimmunotherapy. He also speaks about the positive safety data from the trial, as well as the…

Hareth Nahi, MD, of the Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden, discusses the association between drug cost and toxicity at the 23rd Congress of the European Hematology Association (EHA) 2018, held in Stockholm, Sweden. In multiple myeloma (MM), he uses the example of carfilzomib and bortezomib. While carfilzomib yields fewer side effects, it is more expensive. Dr Nahi explains how the cost of treating drug side effects, combined with the increased quality of life associated with carfilzomib, makes it the clear drug of choice.

The field of multiple myeloma (MM) has seen an influx of exciting new therapies. Here, Guy Pratt, MD, FRCP, FRCPath, of the University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK, discusses a variety of them at the 23rd Congress of the European Hematology Association (EHA) 2018, held in Stockholm, Sweden. He gives an overview of the drugs he thinks have the greatest potential to transform the field. These include: lenalidomide, which is being used for maintenance and continuous therapy; carfilzomib, a next-generation proteasome inhibitor; and daratumamab, a monoclonal antibody therapy for the relapsed setting. Dr Pratt also discusses the potential…

In this interview at the 23rd Congress of European Haematology Association (EHA) 2018, held in Stockholm, Sweden, Gareth Morgan, MD, PhD, FRCP, FRCPath, from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, talks about B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) as the target for multiple CAR T-cell agents for relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (MM). These agents are proving promising, with low toxicity and high tolerability; however, there are still improvements required, and Dr Morgan ponders if these could come with the GSK-916 antibody-drug conjugate directed against BCMA.

Lymphoproliferative disorders can be characterized by a certain set of pathogenic events. These include the upregulation of anti-apoptotic pathways guided by the BCL-2 protein family, and signalling by tumor surface immunoglobulin B-cell receptors (BCR). In this video, recorded at the 23rd Congress of European Hematology Association (EHA) 2018, held in Stockholm, Sweden, Francesco Forconi, MD, DM, PhD, FRCPath, from the University of Southampton, Southampton, UK, speaks about targeting these pathways to treat chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). BCR signalling can be modulated using a BTK inhibitor like ibrutinib or acalabrutinib, and BH3 mimetics can be used to block anti-apoptotic mechanisms. Dr…

The FORTE trial (NCT02203643) aimed to compare responses to carfilzomib when combined with lenalidomide-dexamethasone (KRd) or with cyclophosphamide-dexamethasone (KCd) for newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (MM). Francesca Gay, MD, from the Azienda Ospedaliera Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Turin, Italy, discusses the results presented from this study at the 23rd Congress of the European Hematology Association (EHA) 2018, held in Stockholm, Sweden. While both therapies were effective and well tolerated, KRd treatment yielded better overall responses, in addition to improved rates of MRD negativity, in both high- and low-risk patients.

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cells have been a key focus in cancer research over recent years; however, T-cells are not the only cells into which it is possible to integrate a CAR. In this video, recorded at the 23rd Congress of the European Hematology Association (EHA) in Stockholm, Sweden, William Wierda, MD, PhD, of the MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, discusses the recent creation of CAR NK-cells. He outlines the potential benefits of CAR NK-cells over CAR T-cells, explaining that toxicity from cytokine release is lower with CAR NK cells, and that CAR NK treatments do not have to…

In chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), treatment is often delayed because patients develop infections. Florence Cymbalista, PhD, from the Hôpital Avicenne, Bobigny, France, presented results at the 23rd Congress of the European Hematology Association (EHA) 2018, held in Stockholm, Sweden, from a study investigating these patients. She found, using bronchoalveolar lavage and fibroscopy, that the patients who developed infections displayed pulmonary localizations of CLL. She discusses the potential for detecting which patients are at risk from infection, and the importance of treating those patients early to prevent further pulmonary infiltration of CLL.

Measurable residual disease (MRD) is rising in popularity as a prognostic indicator in a variety of blood cancer types. We spoke to Fabio Guolo, MD, of the University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy, at the 23rd congress of the European Hematology Association (EHA) 2018, held in Stockholm, Sweden, about his experience of using MRD for acute myeloid leukemia (AML). He gives an overview of the predictive benefits of MRD in pre-transplant patients with both low- and high-risk AML, as well as the pros and cons of using flow cytometry vs. next-generation sequencing to detect MRD. Finally, Dr Guolo describes how MRD…

Esther Oliva, MD, of the Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Bianchi Melacrino Morelli, Reggio Calabria, Italy, presented preliminary results from her Phase III study exploring the impact of a combined chemotherapy, cytarabine and daunorubicin treatment in elderly acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients, at the 23rd Congress of the European Hematology Association (EHA) 2018, held in Stockholm, Sweden. Patients in complete remission were given maintenance treatment of either azacitidine or a best supportive care control. Dr Oliva discusses the surprising result that patients over the age of 73 were more likely to benefit in terms of disease-free survival from the azacitidine treatment than…

The Phase III INO-VATE trial (NCT01564784) showed improved rates of complete remission and overall survival in relapsed/refractory acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) treated with inotuzumab ozogamicin compared to standard therapy. In this video, recorded at the 23rd Congress of the European Hematology Association (EHA) 2018, held in Stockholm, Sweden, David Marks, MBBS, PhD, FRACP, FRCPath, of University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, UK, discusses the key findings from this trial, and outlines new statistical approaches that further emphasize the benefits of this therapy when compared to the standard of care.

Daunorubicin is commonly used to treat acute myeloid leukemia (AML). In this video, Christoph Röllig, MD, of the University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Dresden, Germany, discusses the results from his treatment optimization trial, the DaunoDouble trial (NCT02140242), which he presented at the 23rd Congress of the European Hematology Association (EHA) 2018, held in Stockholm, Sweden. This trial aimed to distinguish whether there was any difference in early response assessment between patients treated with the European standard 60 mg dose of daunorubicin vs. an experimental 90 mg. There was no significant difference between treatments, and the results were backed up by…

Measurable residual disease (MRD) can be detected using two main techniques: next-generation sequencing and flow cytometry. Here, Bruno Paiva, PhD, of the University of Navarra, Navarra, Spain, weighs up the different techniques at the 23rd congress of the European Hematology Association (EHA) 2018, held in Stockholm, Sweden. Dr Paiva discusses some of the limitations facing clinicians in accessing each technique, and concludes that the technique is less important than the use of rigorously standardized and validated methods to collect data.

Anthony Moorman, PhD, of Newcastle University, Newcastle, UK, discusses the current UKALL14 trial (NCT01085617) for adults aged 25-65 with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The trial is the first of its kind to implement genetics for risk stratification, identifying 4 high risk mutations to guide treatment. Prof. Moorman notes how even when high risk patients were treated as such, they still had significantly worse outcomes – for example, patients with JAK-STAT abnormalities, who experienced extremely high chances of relapse and death. Moreover, he notes that the number of patients with ABL-class fusions was lower than expected, suggesting imatinib is of less…

Al Benson III, MD, FACP, explains how tumor-sidedness impacts colorectal cancer treatment algorithms.

Robert A. Figlin, MD, explains the trade-offs between safety and efficacy when discussing first-line renal cell carcinoma (RCC) treatment options.

Bobby Green, MD, explains Flatiron’s clinico-genomic database helping shed light on the cost-effectiveness of next-generation sequencing.

Roy S. Herbst, MD, PhD, shares his thoughts on whether Keynote 189 impacted view of PDL-1 expression and patient selection.

Celestia S. Higano, MD, shares the outcomes from the PROSPER and SPARTAN studies in non-metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer are impacting the standard of care.

Edgardo S. Santos, MD, FACP, shares his opinion on continued pemetrexed maintenance.

Joan Schiller, MD, shares her opinion on continuing pemetrexed maintenance after successful treatment with carboplatin, pemetrexed & pembrolizumab

Robert A. Figlin, MD, talks about the best actions to take if newly diagnosed advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) patients receive nivolumab & ipilimumab but continues to progress.

Al Benson III, MD, FACP, explains the role of I-O and immunotherapy when treating colorectal cancer.

Bobby Green, MD, explains Flatirons clinico-genomic database and how it may be used to direct treatments.

Joan Schiller, MD, shares Keynote 189 and whether the data impacts her view of PDL-1 expression and patient selection at the 2018 Annual Meeting.

Roy S. Herbst, MD, PhD, talks about Exciting developments from the 2018 Annual Meeting.

Bobby Green, MD, shares what people will most likely be talking about from the 2018 Annual Meeting.

Edgardo S. Santos, MD, FACP, talks about whether Keynote 189 in metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has impacted his view of PDL-1 expression and patient selection

Celestia S. Higano, MD, shares how MRIs improved the diagnosis for prostate cancers.

Robert A. Figlin, MD, talks about how checkpoint inhibitors factor into 1st line RCC patient treatments.

Al Benson III, MD, FACP, Professor of Medicine, Northwestern University, shares the outcomes of the ECOG-ACRIN study in advanced pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors

Edgardo S. Santos, MD, FACP, shares exciting developments coming out of the 2018 Annual Meeting

Celestia S. Higano, MD, talks about imaging as a cost-effective solution for diagnosis of prostate cancer.

Robert A. Figlin, MD, talks about Deciding which metastatic RCC patients should get a TKI as 1st line therapy.

Dr. Benson, Professor of Medicine, Northwestern University, shares which molecular markers are most important when treating colorectal cancer patients.

Multiple myeloma (MM) is known to have a dysregulatory effect on the immune system; however, preclinical trials have shown that NK-cells are able to kill MM cells. In this video, Nina Shah, MD, from the University of California, San Francisco, CA, describes her 10-year-long project investigating how NK-cell immunotherapy can be used to treat patients with MM. This research has resulted in Phase I and II trials (NCT01729091) of a umbilical cord blood (CB)?derived NK-cell therapy for MM patients undergoing high dose chemotherapy and auto?HSCT, with promising results thus far. This video was recorded at the American Society of Oncology…

Allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo-SCT) is the only curative option for many patients with hematological malignancies. It is therefore crucial that allo-SCT is utilized appropriately to optimize efficacy and limit toxicity. Here, Thomas Luft, MD, PhD, from Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany, identifies the key contributor in graft-versus-host disease (GvHD), the most significant complication present in patients who have undergone allo-SCT. Speaking from the 2018 European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT) Annual Meeting in Lisbon, Portugal, Dr Luft discusses the endothelial cell marker angiopoietin-2 and the single nucleotide polymorphisms in the thrombomodulin gene, which may be used to identify…

Dr. John Kisiel, MD, Mayo Clinic, talks Setting Specificity and Sensitivity for Tests | Involves recruiting up to 500 At-Risk Control Patients for DDW 2018

Dr. John Kisiel, MD, Mayo Clinic, talks Sensitivity for BCLC for Stage A was 93%| Detect Hepatocellular Carcinoma Lesions in Future for DDW 2018.

Dr. John Kisiel, MD, Mayo Clinic, talks about Fairly Consistent Distribution of Liver Diseases | No Association with Specific Diseases & Marker Levels for DDW 2018.

Dr. John Kisiel, MD, Mayo Clinic, talks about Develop Novel, Non-Invasive Biomarkers | Clinical Validation Study in Hepatocellular Carcinoma for DDW 2018.

A picture can say a thousand words and, in this case, it is all too true; understanding tumour metabolism, bone marrow involvement and disease progression can all be captured through imaging techniques. At the 1st European Myeloma Network (EMN) Meeting, held in Turin, Italy, Elena Zamagni, MD, PhD, from the University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy, talks about the role of PET-CT and MRI in analyzing measurable residual disease (MRD) in multiple myeloma (MM). Dr Zamagni notes the questions raised on the standardization and incorporation of MRD measurement within clinical trials, and how these will be improved with further research and…

Although the rates of progression-free survival are steadily increasing, the majority of multiple myeloma (MM) patients still face relapse. Here, Neil van de Donk, MD, PhD, of VU University Medical Centre, Amsterdam, Netherlands, considers approaches for improving the cure rate of MM; from introducing earlier more active agents, to achieving measurable residual disease (MRD) negativity. He also highlights promising therapies for future testing. This interview took place at the 1st European Myeloma Network (EMN) Meeting, held in Turin, Italy.

Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) give a greater insight into the lives of patients and their perspectives on the treatment received. Here, Suwicha Limvorasak, PharmD, BCOP, from the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, explains how older PRO measures, such as questionnaires that are currently being used in clinical trials, are difficult to implement in regular clinical practice. Dr Limvorasak also suggests faster and more accessible methods that may be used as a quality indicator of patient care, satisfaction and safety. This interview was recorded at the 2018 Hematology/Oncology Pharmacy Association (HOPA) Annual Conference held in Denver, CO.

The androgen synthesis inhibitor abiraterone increases the survival of men with metastatic prostate cancer; however, existing clinical trials consistently over-represent Caucasian men. Here, Andrew Armstrong, MD, of Duke University, Durham, NC, presents the findings of his recent study, which aimed to include equal numbers of African American and Caucasian men to compare responses to abiraterone. He explains how African American men responded better to the treatment, showing an improved PSA response compared to the Caucasian men; and also mentions his goals for future genotyping studies, which would illuminate the reasons behind these differences. In addition, Dr Armstrong discusses why African…

Maria-Victoria Mateos, MD, PhD, from the University Hospital of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain, discusses clinical trials that are currently investigating the effects of single-dose drugs and combination therapy for the management of relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (MM). The OPTIMISMM trial (NCT01734928) is a Phase III study evaluating the efficacy and safety of pomalidomide, bortezomib and low-dose dexamethasone vs. bortezomib and low-dose dexamethasone; and the KEYNOTE-183 (NCT02576977) trial is investigating the effects of pembrolizumab in combination with pomalidomide and low-dose dexamethasone in patients that have already undergone at least two lines of prior treatment. This interview was recorded at the American Society of…

After promising results form the CHAMPION 1 study (NCT01677858), which increased median progression-free survival to >1 year for relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (MM) patients with a once-weekly therapy of carfilzomib and dexamethasone (Kd), the ARROW trial (NCT02412878) was set up to investigate whether Kd treatment was more effective with a once- or twice-weekly dose. Results from the trial were presented at the American Society of Oncology (ASCO) 2018 Annual Meeting ,held in Chicago, IL, with patient outcomes far improved for those receiving once-weekly therapy as opposed to twice. In this interview, Maria-Victoria Mateos, MD, PhD, from the University Hospital of Salamanca,…

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) treatment regimens are long and debilitating, which is especially hard on young adults who are already going through a transitional phase of their lives; this makes providing a support system even more crucial. Here, Wendy Stock, MD, from the University of Chicago Medical Centre, Chicago, IL, emphasizes the need to establish support networks for these patients. Dr Stock’s own clinic provides multidisciplinary, comprehensive care, thus reducing the need for patient trips to different locations. She highlights how this community has improved treatment compliance, even in adult patients, a topic that is far too often overlooked. This…

With the remarkable success of the US Bone Marrow Transplant Clinical Trials Network (BMT CNT), founded by Mary Horowitz, in running successful prospective transplantation clinical trials, it is only expected that the UK would want to emulate this success. Heres, Charles Craddock, CBE, FRCP (UK), FRCPath, DPhil, of the University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK, passionately talks about how the UK have set up such a system: IMPACT. This plaform will, over the next 4 years, drive 12 randomized clinical trials in the field of transplantation over a wide range of metropolitan areas. Prof. Craddock states how this is an exciting…

Measurable residual disease (MRD) is a significant prognostic factor in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), and as such it is important to establish standardized protocols to effectively detect and monitor MRD. At the 2018 European School of Haematology (ESH) Clinical Updates on Acute Leukaemias, held in Budapest, Hungary, Wendy Stock, MD, of the University of Chicago Medical Centre, Chicago, IL, discusses the importance of MRD and highlights the impact of standardized techniques on accurate testing. Dr Stock draws attention to next-generation methodologies being the next step, if standard regulations can be drafted across the board.

In this interview, Mark Levis, MD, PhD, of Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Baltimore, MD, discusses the importantance of involving the patient in the treatment decision-making process. Dr Levis emphasizes the need to not only educate physicians on the newest treatment options, but also the patient, in order to make informed disease management decisions together. It is also important to remember that when choosing the risker treatment options, physicians may question themselves and can also need support too. This interview was recorded at the 2018 European School of Hematology (ESH) Clinical Updates on Acute Leukemias, held in Budapest, Hungary.

The prognosis for relapsed/refractory (R/R) acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) patients is poor, with low overall survival rates; however, novel therapies are showing promising results. Here, Wendy Stock, MD, of the University of Chicago Medical Centre, Chicago, IL, discusses the use of inotuzumab ozogamicin, a humanized anti-CD22 antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) in Phase III trials in both the R/R (NCT01564784) and frontline (NCT03150693) settings. Dr Stock also discusses the results of a trial testing this agent in the frontline setting in elderly patients, as well as a planned trial investigating a chemo-free ADC and BiTE approach. This video was recorded at the…

Speaking at the 2018 European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT) Annual Meeting in Lisbon, Portugal, Paul Richardson, MD, from the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, talks about the pooled analysis of the efficacy of defibrotide in adults with veno-occlusive disease (VOD). Defibrotide has shown striking efficacy in pediatric patients with VOD, while showing a consistent safety profile; therefore, the treatment may be introduced at an earlier stage as a preventative measure in pediatric patients and in part for adults. Dr Richardson also touches upon the research concerning thrombotic microangiopathy, and other studies being planned to reduce graft-versus-host disease…

CAR T-cell therapy has proven to be a highly effective, breakthrough therapy for treating acute lymphoblastic leukemia and acute myeloid leukemia. Here, Nikhil Munshi, MD, from the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, discusses the results of the first-in-human CRB-401 study (NCT02658929) investigating the use of bb2121 anti-BCMA CAR T-cells in refractory multiple myeloma (MM). Speaking at the 2018 European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT) Annual Meeting in Lisbon, Portugal, Dr Munshi remarks that while CAR T-cell therapy may be expensive, the cost of current treatments for refractory MM is not insignificant. However, given that the efficacy has shown…

Autologous stem cell transplantation can prove to be safer in some instances compared with allogeneic transplantation for treating hematological malignancies, as the risk of graft-versus-host disease is eliminated. In this video, Paul Richardson, MD, from the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, highlights the importance of administering lenalidomide, bortezomib and dexamethasone (RVd), to maximize efficacy and limit toxicity. Dr Richardson discusses studies of daratumumab and milatuzumab in combination with RVd, and how high-dose melphalan, which exposes patients to high levels of alkylation, may not be the ideal treatment option for hematological malignancies, particularly with the introduction of CAR T-cell therapy. While…

Speaking from the British Society for Haematology (BSH) 2018 Annual Scientific Meeting, in Liverpool, UK, Bart Biemond, MD, PhD, from the Academic Medical Centre, Amsterdam, Netherlands, discusses new therapeutic approaches in sickle cell disease that are targeting red blood cell adhesion and oxygen affinity, both of which drive most of the organ failure seen in latter stages of the disease. Examples of these drugs include rivipansel, crizanlizumab and modified heparin agents that are currently in Phase II or III trials

The CLARITY study (ISCRTN13751862) is the first clinical trial looking at the combination of venetoclax and ibrutinib for treating relapsed/refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Here, Peter Hillmen, MBChB, PhD, FRCP, FRCPath, from the University of Leeds and Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK, discusses the promising results, including a response to treatment in all patients, with a significant proportion showing no detectable minimal residual disease (MRD) after 6 months of combination therapy. Prof. Hillmen touches on the steps going forward, such as investigating the combination in Phase III studies and eventually the aim of earlier use in the treatment…

While the treatment landscape of chronic lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL) has been exciting with many breakthrough therapies, there are still key areas for improvement. Speaking from the British Society for Haematology (BSH) 2018 Annual Meeting in Liverpool, UK, Peter Hillmen, MBChB, PhD, FRCP, FRCPath, from the University of Leeds and Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK stresses the importance of moving novel therapies rapidly into Phase III trials if they have shown promising results. Prof. Hillmen also talks about banking samples and translational research to improve understanding and refine treatment.

The UK is in a leading position internationally for use of minimal residual disease (MRD) measurements in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). In this interview, Richard Dillon, MBBS, from King’s College London, UK, discusses the importance of using MRD in these patients and how its use in the UK has advanced. Dr Dillion discusses the Phase III MyeChild01 (NCT02724163) and AML19 (ISRCTN78449203) trials for children and younger adults with AML. These studies are effectively utilizing MRD measurement as a key marker to choose which patients undergo transplantation. The studies are also collecting additional data, on factors such as quality of life,…

In this interview, Bart Biemond, MD, PhD, from the Academic Medical Centre, Amsterdam, Netherlands, provides an insight is provided into current and prospective therapies for sickle cell disease (SCD). Combining different treatment modalities is the current goal to tackle SCD; however, as improvements are being seen, with survival rates increasing in all patient populations, there is a corresponding increase in complications and side effects, and despite these improvements there have not been any new drug approvals in the last 20 years. Dr Biemond emphasizes his hope for the future of SCD treatment. This video was recorded at the British Society…

It is important that current techniques for the monitoring of minimal residual disease (MRD) in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) are validated to ensure sensitivity and accuracy. Here, Peter Hillmen, MBChB, PhD, FRCP, FRCPath, from the University of Leeds and Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK, talks about the two MRD measurements of note; flow cytometry and high-throughput sequencing. While the use of flow cytometry is easier with current clinical structures, high-throughput sequencing could offer improved sensitivity soon, though it could be the case that both methods would be utilized going forward. Prof. Hillmen was speaking from the British Society…

Richard Dillon, MBBS, from King’s College London, UK, discusses the current landscape for minimal residual disease (MRD) in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The evolution of MRD-guided therapies is timely, with MRD moving to being clinically relevant. Dr Dillion mentions multiple studies conclusively proving that MRD is one of the most, if not the most, relevant prognostic factor in AML. In the last few years, MRD measurement has been incorporated into treatment protocols, enabling physicians to choose the best treatment for each individual patient. This interview was recorded at the British Society for Hematology (BSH) 2018 Annual Scientific Meeting, held in…

Minimal residual disease (MRD) is the small number of leukemic cells that remain after treatment and there are no signs of cancer. However, it is a major cause of relapse, and as such, MRD eradication is now a crucial focus in hematological cancer therapy. In this video, Peter Hillmen, MBChB, PhD, FRCP, FRCPath, from the University of Leeds and Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK, talks about the strength of MRD negativity as a predictive marker in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Speaking from the British Society for Haematology (BSH) 2018 Annual Meeting in Liverpool, UK, Prof. Hillmen outlines the…

Willem Ouwehand, MD, PhD, of the University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK updates us on developments in clinical hematology at the British Society for Haematology (BSH) 2018 Annual Scientific Meeting, Liverpool, UK. He notes the influx of new compounds and interventions coming into the field, and notes the importance of keeping the cost of these treatments reasonable. He briefly discusses developments in the genome editing of stem cells, and holds promise that this may even be curative for certain rare disorders of blood; for instance, sickle cell disease.

The Checkmate 205 study (NCT02181738) is looking at nivolumab in previously treated and newly diagnosed patients with classical Hodgkin lymphoma. Here, Graham Collins, MA, MBBS, MRCP, FRCPath, DPhil, from Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK, summarizes the key points from the study. From the British Society for Haematology (BSH) 2018 Annual Meeting in Liverpool, UK, Dr Collins impresses that although there is uncertainty over the PD1 inhibitors mechanism of response, the treatment is safe and effective, and the fact that it is different to how other chemotherapy drugs are used is important.

Difficult multidisciplinary team decisions occur within follicular lymphoma (FL) due to the heterogeneity that exists within the disease. In this video, Wendy Osborne, MBBS (Hons), MRCP, FRCPath, of Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle, UK, overviews some of the challenges we face within FL. Importantly, around a fifth of patients are asymptomatic and we should avoid overtreating them. For these patients, single agent rituximab may be beneficial, but it is important to evaluate each patient on a case-by-case basis. She also considers different frontline options, and whether maintenance therapy is the correct choice to make; although there is…

Acquired von Willebrand disease is a rare condition that has been reported in post-autologous bone marrow transplant (BMT) patients, though never in post-allogeneic BMT. Here, HaemSTAR Co-lead Pip Nicolson, MA, MB BChir (Cantab), MRCP (UK), from the University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK, describes the first ever reported case of acquired von Willebrand disease in a patient who underwent an allogeneic BMT. Speaking at the British Society for Haematology (BSH) 2018 Annual Meeting in Liverpool, UK, Dr Nicolson goes on to explain how this case study helped identify a possible link between acquired von Willebrand disease and an onset of graft-versus-host…

There have been many promising therapies for lymphoma recently, with several interesting clinical trials in progress or upcoming. In this video, Graham Collins, MA, MBBS, MRCP, FRCPath, DPhil, from Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK, talks about the particularly interesting POLARIX study (NCT03274492), which is looking at polatuzumab vedotin combined with R-CHP versus R-CHOP in patients with previously untreated diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). In another area, CAR T-cell therapy has been effective in treating multiple cancer types and Dr Collins outlines a trial comparing an autograft approach with a CAR T-cell approach for relapsed/refractory DLBCL, which could…

Willem Ouwehand, MD, PhD, of the University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK, discusses non-malignant hematology, particularly rare inherited disorders of hematopoietic stem cells and of the coagulation. He notes the culture of data sharing that has been predominant over the last few years, not just within the UK, but internationally, between consultant hematologists. Subsequently, this joint effort has facilitated molecular diagnoses for thousands of patients. Moreover, he applauds the efforts of the 100,000 Genomes Project, in so far as integrating genomics to the bedside. This video was recorded at the British Society for Haematology (BSH) 2018 Annual Scientific Meeting, held in…

Wendy Osborne, MBBS (Hons), MRCP, FRCPath, of Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle, UK, gives an overview of the talks given regarding recent updates in lymphoma research at the British Society for Haematology (BSH) 2018 Annual Scientific Meeting, held in Liverpool, UK. She discusses opportunities to improve outcomes for patients with lymphoma; assessing opportunities to analyze tumor biology through pathways and biomarkers to identify drugs and targets. Moreover, she discusses the difficulties we face with regards to the time frames of designing pharmaceutical trials, as well as logistical difficulties in introducing new drugs and agents into our treatment…

HaemSTAR is a network of clinical hematology registrars within the UK that aims to promote clinical research in non-malignant hematology. The disparity in the number of research studies, treatment options and amount of research funding for non-malignant hematology compared with malignant hematology requires addressing. Here, HaemSTAR Co-lead Pip Nicolson, MA, MB BChir (Cantab), MRCP (UK), from the University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK, explains the different ways in which HaemSTAR aims to promote clinical research for non-malignant hematology. Dr Nicolson emphasizes the importance of increasing the involvement of registrars in clinical trials to increase overall research activity. This video was recorded…

While there has been a range of new therapeutic options emerging for lymphoma, this introduces the challenge of assessing them quickly yet thoroughly. However, a consequence of rapid development is the neglection of rigorous investigations like randomized controlled trials. Here, Graham Collins, MA, MBBS, MRCP, FRCPath, DPhil, from Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK, describes the key ways to accelerate patient outcomes, including the use of a strong biological basis for therapies and involving statisticians when designing clinical studies. Speaking from the British Society for Haematology (BSH) 2018 Annual Meeting in Liverpool, UK, Dr Collins discusses the option…

A large proportion of gynecological tumors are classed as rare tumors because of their variable morphologies and pathologies. We interviewed Marcia Hall, MBBS, PhD, FRCP, of the East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust, Hertfordshire, UK, about these rare tumors at the UK Oncology Forum (OF) 2018, held in Liverpool, UK. She describes her ongoing project, RANGO, which aims to set up an anonymous database detailing different rare gynecological tumors and the way that they were treated, as well as a tissue bank that will enable future researchers to access a wide variety of rare tumor types.

Dr. Jack West summarizes findings of a retrospective analysis from Dr. Arbour of MSKCC, evaluating the clinical outcomes of patients with advanced NSCLC on daily steroids while receiving an immune checkpoint inhibitor against PD-1 or PD-L1.

In this Virtual Patient Case, renown clinical expert Dr. Martyn Caplin utilizes a follow-up clinical scenario to elucidate the latest advances and insights from pivotal clinical trials on carcinoid syndrome. Earn CME credit for a related activity at the following location: http://elc.imedex.com/ELC/Specialty-Search.aspx?search=carcinoid © 2018 Imedex, LLC.

In this Virtual Patient Case, renown clinical expert Dr. Martyn Caplin utilizes a clinical scenario to elucidate the latest advances and insights from pivotal clinical trials on carcinoid syndrome. Earn CME credit for a related activity at the following location: http://elc.imedex.com/ELC/Specialty-Search.aspx?search=carcinoid © 2018 Imedex, LLC.

Aplastic anemia (AA) results in T-cells attacking bone marrow stem cells, causing loss of all blood cell types. Generally, this condition is treated with a stem cell transplant in combination with anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG) and cyclosporin. However, these treatments are not readily available in the developing world, as Kenneth Charles, MBBS, FRCP, FRCPath(Haem), from the University of the West Indies (St Augustine), Mount Hope, Trinidad & Tobago, explains at the British Society for Haematology (BSH) 2018 Annual Meeting in Liverpool, UK. Dr Charles discusses an AA treatment strategy his team applied in Trinidad & Tobago, using the anti-T-cell therapy alone,…

In this whiteboard video, Dr. John N. Allan of Weill Cornell Medicine discusses the mechanisms of action of anti-apoptotic BCL2 inhibitors. Earn CME credit for a related activity at the following location: http://elc.imedex.com/ELC/Specialty-Search.aspx?search=cll © 2018 Imedex, LLC.

In this whiteboard video, Dr. John N. Allan of Weill Cornell Medicine discusses the mechanisms of action of anti-CD20 agents. Earn CME credit for a related activity at the following location: http://elc.imedex.com/ELC/Specialty-Search.aspx?search=cll © 2018 Imedex, LLC.

In this whiteboard video, Dr. John N. Allan of Weill Cornell Medicine discusses the mechanisms of action of BRC signaling inhibitors. Earn CME credit for a related activity at the following location: http://elc.imedex.com/ELC/Specialty-Search.aspx?search=cll © 2018 Imedex, LLC.

Collaboration for Oncology Data in Europe (CODE) is an alliance that brings together patient associations, charities and treatment centers in Europe. The main aim of CODE is to help build a pan-European oncology data network to facilitate data sharing. Here, Ashley Woolmore, Initiative Lead for CODE, stresses the need to understand clinical practice in real time, and highlights how CODE have ensured data sharing complies with privacy regulations to protect patients. This video was recorded at the UK Oncology Forum (OF) 2018, held in Liverpool, UK.

Dr. Jack West reviews the remarkable results of the NEJ009 trial that tested the combination of carboplatin/pemetrexed with gefitinib as initial therapy compared to gefitinib followed by chemotherapy in patients with EGFR mutation-positive advanced NSCLC.

Stephen Robinson, MBBS, MRCP, MRCPath, PhD, of University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, UK, describes his role in a debate at the British Society for Haematology (BSH) 2018 Annual Scientific Meeting, Liverpool, UK, discussing whether CAR T-cells would become the standard of care for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) in 5 years time. Dr Robinson notes that although CAR T-cells are one of the most exciting and progressive technologies of our generation, limitations still exist. He notes how prior to these therapies being readily implemented into clinical practice, it is important that we regularly follow-up patients to sufficiently evaluate…

Gaucher disease (GD) is a rare genetic disorder which is seldom diagnosed because of its rarity, although diagnoses can be achieved easily with enzyme or bone marrow testing, as well as genetic tests. Genetic testing of GD has shown surprising links to other diseases, including Parkinsons disease and multiple myeloma, as Derralyn Hughes, MA, DPhil, FRCP, FRCPath, of the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK, explains here. This link has opened doors for new research to explore whether glucosylceramide, the substance which builds up in the organs in GD, can be manipulated to alleviate Parkinsons symptoms. This video…

Stephen Robinson, MBBS, MRCP, MRCPath, PhD, of University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, UK, speaks to us about one of the most exciting developments in hematological oncology: CAR T-cells. This therapy, which allows the patient’s own immune system to target and attack tumors has been shown to be particularly effective in patients with aggressive, refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), and children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Dr Robinson notes that the field is still very much in infancy, and longer term follow up and clinical studies are essential to evaluate the efficacy of CAR T-cell therapy. This video…

Diversity in blood donors is crucial; there is a deficit in ethnic minority donors, which has a severe impact on the treatment of people with conditions such as sickle cell disease and thalassemia. Here, Kenneth Charles, MBBS, FRCP, FRCPath(Haem), from the University of the West Indies (St Augustine), Mount Hope, Trinidad & Tobago, discusses possible reasons for this trend, and highlights the importance of engaging young people from minority groups in the culture of blood donation. This interview was conducted at the British Society for Haematology (BSH) 2018 Annual Meeting, in Liverpool, UK.

Autologous transplant is unsuccessful in ~50% of Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) patients. Here, Stephen Robinson, MBBS, MRCP, MRCPath, PhD, of University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, UK, describes how we can utilize agents in the management of HL when patients have failed previous autologous transplant, prior to allogenic transplant. He describes an array of novel agents we have available to such instances, such as brentuximab vedotin, nivolumab and pembrolizumab. This video was recorded at the British Society for Haematology (BSH) 2018 Annual Scientific Meeting, in Liverpool, UK.

Speaking from the American Society of Oncology (ASCO) 2018 Annual Meeting in Chicago, IL, Nina Shah, MD, from the University of California, San Francisco, CA, details her recent Phase II study (NCT01729091), which explored the efficacy of NK-cells combined with standard chemotherapy and auto?HSCT for the treatment of high-risk multiple myeloma (MM). The results are promising, with 61% of patients testing negative for measurable residual disease (MRD) 100 days after treatment. Dr Shah also looks to the future of NK-cell therapies for MM, suggesting how the NK-cells could be manipulated to be more effective in this context.