Month: May 2024

Graft failure is a rare but fatal complication following haploidentical allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. A second transplant is almost the only salvage measure for transplant failure. However, outcomes from second transplants have generally been poor, as reported in previous literature. The 50th European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT) annual meeting was held in Glasgow, UK, from April 14th to 17th, 2024. The conference focused on the latest advancements in stem cell transplantation and cellular therapy, driving better clinical outcomes for patients with blood disorders. At this conference, a team led by Professor Yuqian Sun from Peking University People's Hospital presented their findings in an oral report titled "Salvage Haploidentical Transplantation with Flu/Cy Regimen and Donor Switching After Primary Graft Failure: Follow-Up Results," which garnered significant attention. Professor Sun was invited to share the main results of this study and the progress in salvage treatments for graft failure after haploidentical allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

As scheduled, the 2024 China Society of Clinical Oncology (CSCO) guidelines conference has arrived, with many CSCO oncology treatment guidelines being updated or published for the first time. In the field of hematologic oncology, the much-anticipated CAR-T cell therapy guidelines have been significantly updated. The "CSCO CAR-T Cell Therapy for Malignant Hematological Diseases and Management of Related Infections Guidelines 2023" (referred to as the 2023 Guidelines) has been renamed to "CSCO CAR-T Cell Therapy for Malignant Hematological Diseases Guidelines 2024" (referred to as the 2024 Guidelines). At the conference, Professor Wenjun Zhang from Tongji Hospital affiliated with Tongji University and the Tongji University Institute of Hematology shared the key updates of the 2024 Guidelines. The highlights are organized below for our readers.

In the evolving landscape of hematology and oncology, innovative treatments for challenging conditions like relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (R/R MM) are of paramount importance. It is in this context that the recent phase I/II, open-label study investigating the efficacy of bispecific CAR-T cell therapy targeting BCMA and CD19 comes to light, marking a significant advancement in the therapeutic domain. This study, meticulously carried out by a dedicated team of researchers led by Professor Kailin Xu from the Department of Hematology at The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, alongside esteemed colleagues from various prestigious institutions across China, has been a beacon of hope for patients grappling with this relentless malignancy. The findings of this groundbreaking research were meticulously documented, underscoring not only the potential of bispecific BC19 CAR T cells as a viable treatment option but also the collaborative effort and expertise that epitomizes the spirit of innovation in the field. This endeavor, emblematic of the strides being made in hematology research, was brilliantly showcased during a session at a renowned medical conference, an event that has become a cornerstone for the dissemination of cutting-edge scientific knowledge and clinical practices.