Wendy Stock, MD – Anjuli Seth Nayak Professor of Medicine- The University of Chicago Medicine
In this presentation, Wendy Stock, MD, addresses optimizing outcomes for adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Dr. Stock expresses gratitude for the opportunity and highlights the importance of such meetings, drawing from her own experience when starting her career. She discusses the positive changes in patient outcomes, particularly emphasizing minimal residual disease (MRD) eradication as a key goal. The importance of blending new therapies with older approaches and using less aggressive treatment for older patients and AYAs is mentioned. Dr. Stock highlights that survival rates have significantly improved from around 30-40% to now consistently exceeding 70%, though challenges remain.
Dr. Stock addresses the completion of the first generation of AYA trials and emphasizes that high-risk disease biology, toxicity, adherence, and access to care remain significant issues. Strategies to improve outcomes are explored, including optimizing toxicity management by potentially reducing pegylated asparaginase doses. She discusses the impact of obesity on outcomes and introduces the concept of incorporating diet and exercise to enhance treatment effectiveness. The integration of new agents such as monoclonal antibodies (blinatumomab, inotuzumab) is shown to significantly improve MRD-negative outcomes, offering promise for future treatment protocols. The presentation concludes by discussing ongoing and planned trials that incorporate novel agents, emphasize reducing toxicity, and aim for improved outcomes in the AYA population with ALL.