Hematology Frontier

The 2024 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting was grandly held in Chicago from May 31 to June 4. At this conference, Chinese researchers presented the first results of the Phase I study of SHR-A1912 in patients with B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (B-NHL) on the international stage, including preliminary key data from the dose-escalation (D-ESC) and dose-expansion (D-EXP) phases. To promote the standardization of lymphoma diagnosis and treatment in China, Hematology Frontier invited the principal investigator of this study, Professor Zengjun Li from Shandong Cancer Hospital, to deeply analyze the study’s highlights and discuss future trends in the field of lymphoma treatment.

The 2024 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting took place in Chicago, USA, from May 31 to June 4. The ASCO Annual Meeting gathers oncology experts, doctors, and researchers from around the world to share the latest research findings, discuss cutting-edge diagnostic and therapeutic techniques, and advance the field of oncology. A study by Professor Jianxiang Wang and Professor Ying Wang's team from the Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, was selected for an oral presentation (Abstract 6505) at the conference. The study explores the therapeutic application of the CD3×CD19 bispecific antibody CN201 in relapsed/refractory adult acute B-cell lymphoblastic leukemia (R/R B-ALL), showing promising treatment prospects. "Oncology Frontier - Hematology Frontier" invited Professor Ying Wang for an interview to discuss this study and the treatment of R/R B-ALL.

As summer begins, the sun shines warmly and everything thrives. In this vibrant season, two major international events in the pharmaceutical world—the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO 2024) and the European Hematology Association (EHA 2024) annual meetings—are about to take place. These meetings are not only platforms for showcasing global pharmaceutical innovations but also important venues for domestic and international oncology and hematology experts to exchange ideas and spark insights. On the eve of these events, Oncology Frontier - Hematology Frontier invited Professor Jun Zhu from Peking University Cancer Hospital to discuss "Chinese Original Drugs on the International Stage: Opportunities and Challenges." Under Professor Zhu's guidance, we will review the achievements of Chinese anticancer drugs in lymphoma treatment, examine the gaps with international standards, and look ahead to future developments. Through continuous learning, innovation, and international cooperation, Chinese anticancer drug research and development (R&D) will reach new heights, bringing hope to cancer patients and contributing to the dream of a Healthy China with Chinese wisdom and strength.

With the continuous advancement of immunotherapy technologies, CD7 CAR-T cell therapy is emerging as a new option for treating leukemia and lymphoma, showing significant potential. Recent clinical studies have revealed multiple new developments in CD7 CAR-T cell therapy. However, challenges remain, such as improving safety, reducing side effects, and optimizing treatment protocols to enhance long-term efficacy. At the recent "2024 Nanjing Lymphoma Forum," Professor Yongxian Hu from The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine delivered an excellent report titled "New Advances in CD7 CAR-T Cell Therapy." Following the forum, Hematology Frontier invited Professor Hu for an interview to further discuss this topic.

At the 2024 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting, a multicenter randomized clinical trial was presented, focusing on a collaborative palliative care and oncology model for patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and high-risk myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) receiving non-intensive treatment (Abstract LBA6508). Dr. Areej El-Jawahri from Massachusetts General Hospital shared her professional insights on this study and end-of-life (EOL) care strategies in an exclusive interview with Hematology Frontier. Here, we present the key points to convey cutting-edge international perspectives.

As the efficacy of CAR-T therapy in B-cell lymphoma becomes increasingly recognized, some studies have focused on its application in treating refractory/relapsed central nervous system (CNS) B-cell lymphoma. Refractory/relapsed CNS B-cell lymphoma patients were initially excluded from early CAR-T clinical trials, but as CAR-T therapy's real-world application grows, these patients can achieve optimistic outcomes. However, patients with high tumor burden face a high incidence of immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS) and poor outcomes. There is an urgent need for an effective bridging therapy to reduce ICANS incidence and improve remission rates in multidrug-resistant CNS-involved patients. From June 13-16, 2024, at the 29th European Hematology Association (EHA) Annual Meeting, Dr.  Hui Shi from Professors Xiaoyan Ke and Kai Hu's team at Beijing Gaobo Hospital will present a report titled "INCORPORATING RADIATION WITH CAR T-CELL THERAPY DEMONSTRATED A HIGH RATE OF REMISSION IN PATIENTS WITH B CELL LYMPHOMA INVOLVING THE CNS," offering new insights for treating refractory/relapsed multidrug-resistant CNS B-cell lymphoma patients.

Multiple myeloma (MM) is the second most common hematologic malignancy and is a disease of terminally differentiated plasma cells. As MM progresses, treatment becomes increasingly difficult, and the periods of remission after each relapse grow shorter. There is an urgent need for new therapeutic combinations that can provide deeper and more durable responses. Recently, Haematologica published the final results of the phase I/IIa ANCHOR study, which investigated the efficacy and safety of the novel alkylating peptide-drug conjugate melflufen flufenamide (melflufen) in combination with dexamethasone and either daratumumab or bortezomib for the treatment of relapsed/refractory MM.

Hemophilia B is characterized by a deficiency in clotting factor IX due to mutations in the F9 gene, impairing coagulation and increasing bleeding risk. Predominantly affecting males, hemophilia B can be classified as mild (factor IX activity >5% and <40% of normal levels), moderate (1%-5%), or severe (<1%). The primary clinical manifestation is bleeding, most commonly musculoskeletal bleeding, which can lead to severe joint disease and significantly impact the quality of life.

For chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients who achieve deep and durable molecular remission, the feasibility of discontinuing tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) has been established, challenging the notion of lifelong dependency on TKIs. Achieving treatment-free remission (TFR) without affecting overall survival (OS) is a key objective in current CML treatment. Recently, the Journal of Clinical Oncology (JCO) published the three-year follow-up results of the EURO-SKI study, providing a final analysis of prognostic factors related to TFR. Here, we present a summary of the findings from this comprehensive study.

With the rapid development of medical technology, modern lymphoma treatment has become a key focus in the field of oncology. From May 25 to 26, the Modern Lymphoma Treatment Academic Conference and the 5th International Lymphoma Radiation Oncology Group (ILROG) Continuing Education Annual Meeting were successfully held online. The conference featured thematic speeches, in-depth case analyses, and scientific experience exchanges, covering various subtypes including Hodgkin lymphoma, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, indolent lymphoma, extranodal lymphoma, plasma cell myeloma, and more. Core topics focused on the application of high-tech, optimization strategies for radiation therapy, new treatment methods, precise classification, and diagnostic techniques, providing participants with valuable insights into the latest advancements and future trends in the field. Notably, the conference brought together many internationally renowned experts who provided in-depth analyses and interpretations of lymphoma guidelines, evidence-based medicine, and clinical practice, offering excellent academic references. Professor Shunan Qi from the Cancer Hospital of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, representing the organizing unit of this conference, gave an exclusive interview to "Oncology Frontier - Hematology Frontier" to provide a detailed interpretation of the conference's exciting content and advancements.