The European Hematology Association (EHA)

Outcomes in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) have significantly improved after the introduction of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). To facilitate discrimination of patients’ probability of dying of CML or other causes, the European LeukemiaNet recently published a new scoring system, EUTOS long-term survival (ELTS). This score was based on CML patients who were initially treated with imatinib. Researchers report findings from a study that evaluated the prognostic value of ELTS score in CML patients who were treated with nilotinib, a second-generation TKI. Read More ›

A large phase 3 trial compared blinatumomab, a bispecific CD19-directed CD3 T-cell engager (BiTE®) antibody construct, with standard-of-care chemotherapy regimens in adults with relapsed or refractory Philadelphia-negative B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).

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Developments in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) continue to move at a rapid pace. New agents show deep and durable responses in relapsed and treatment-naïve patients. This session includes reports of large clinical trials that demonstrate durable activity and safety of targeted agents for CLL. Read More ›

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (alloHSCT) is a potentially curable treatment modality for adults with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), offering significant improvement in survival and reduction in relapse incidence. This approach is limited, however, by toxicity and early mortality. Researchers report outcomes of patients who received RIC followed by alloHSCT in the UKALL14 trial. Read More ›

Treatment options for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in patients aged >60 years include intensive chemotherapy (IC) and azacitidine (AZA). The multicenter RAS-AZIC study of the East German Study Group (OSHO), evaluated first-line treatment with AZA followed by AZA or IC in these patients. Data from the planned interim analysis are presented. Read More ›

Somatic mutations affecting isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) or 2 (IDH2) genes are found in 15% to 20% of patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), with incidence increasing in older patients. These mutated enzymes represent therapeutic targets, and selective inhibitors of IDH1 and IDH2 are in early-phase development. This study assessed differences in outcomes for patients with relapsed AML and IDH1/IDH2 mutations. Read More ›

Anthracycline and Ara-C have been standard induction agents for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) for 30 years. Several trials comparing 90 mg/m² of daunorubicin with 45 mg/m² have found either overall benefits or benefit in specific patient subgroups, such as FLT3-ITD–mutant patients. This analysis confirms the value of higher-dose daunorubicin after a median follow-up of 2+ years. Read More ›

Inotuzumab ozogamicin (InO), a humanized anti-CD22 antibody conjugated to calicheamicin, has demonstrated superior responses compared with chemotherapy in patients with relapsed and refractory acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in a phase 3 trial known as INO-VATE. In this late-breaking presentation, researchers report overall survival and progression-free survival findings for InO relative to chemotherapy. Read More ›

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-modified T cells are emerging as an effective and safe therapy for children and young adults with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). This study assesses CD19 CAR T cells in pediatric patients with ALL, including patients with a history of central nervous system (CNS) involvement. Read More ›

Ibrutinib, an inhibitor of Bruton’s tyrosine kinase, is approved for use as monotherapy in patients with treatment-naïve and relapsed chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Studies of ibrutinib in combination with other agents are underway. Follow-up data from a large phase 3 study of ibrutinib + BR versus BR in relapsed CLL have now reached the 2-year point. Read More ›