Hematology Frontier

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.

llogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (allo-HSCT) and Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy have become crucial in the treatment of leukemia. However, the effectiveness and safety of these treatments continue to be hot topics of research. Recent breakthrough studies have provided valuable insights, particularly in the treatment of children with relapsed/refractory B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL), prevention and monitoring of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), and management of complications following CAR-T therapy. The 50th European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT) annual meeting, held from April 14 to 17, 2024, in Glasgow, UK, focused on the latest advancements in stem cell transplantation and cellular therapy, pushing forward better clinical outcomes for hematologic patients. At this conference, Professor Shaoyan Hu and her team from the Affiliated Children's Hospital of Soochow University reported on six studies. Oncology Frontier - Hematology Frontier specially invited Professor Shaoyan Hu and her team members to share their research findings on the efficacy and safety of allo-HSCT and CAR-T cell therapy in pediatric leukemia patients in a roundtable discussion format and to provide insightful commentary on these six studies.

From April 14 to 17, 2024, the 50th European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT) Annual Meeting was grandly held in Glasgow, UK, a city renowned for its historical significance. This year marks the 50th anniversary of EBMT, and the event gathered leading figures in the field of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and over 6,000 hematology experts from around the world. The attendees reviewed the remarkable achievements in the fields of hematology and bone marrow transplantation over the past 50 years and explored forward-looking patient management strategies. At the conference, chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy, a highlight of this meeting, showcased a series of breakthroughs in the treatment of multiple myeloma and lymphoma, attracting significant attention. This issue features a special invitation to Professor Jun Ma from the Harbin Institute of Hematological Oncology to provide an insightful interpretation of five major research studies in the field of CAR-T cell therapy. Here, we present a compilation of these insights for our readers.

The "2024 Chinese Society of Clinical Oncology (CSCO) Guidelines for Malignant Hematologic Diseases" are set to be released, updating the latest treatment strategies and methods for malignant hematologic diseases. This is a significant event for the hematology field in China. "Oncology Frontier" conducted an exclusive interview with Professor Jun Ma from the Harbin Institute of Hematology and Oncology to discuss the CSCO guidelines and the treatment of hematologic diseases. The interview is summarized below.

From April 14 to 17, 2024, the 50th European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT) Annual Meeting was grandly held in Glasgow, UK, a city renowned for its historical significance. This year marks the 50th anniversary of EBMT, and the event gathered leading figures in the field of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and over 6,000 hematology experts from around the world. The attendees reviewed the remarkable achievements in the fields of hematology and bone marrow transplantation over the past 50 years and explored forward-looking patient management strategies. At the conference, chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy, a highlight of this meeting, showcased a series of breakthroughs in the treatment of multiple myeloma and lymphoma, attracting significant attention. This issue features a special invitation to Professor Jun Ma from the Harbin Institute of Hematological Oncology to provide an insightful interpretation of five major research studies in the field of CAR-T cell therapy. Here, we present a compilation of these insights for our readers.

From April 14 to 17, 2024, the 50th European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT) Annual Meeting was grandly held in Glasgow, UK, a city renowned for its historical significance. This year marks the 50th anniversary of EBMT, and the event gathered leading figures in the field of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and over 6,000 hematology experts from around the world. The attendees reviewed the remarkable achievements in the fields of hematology and bone marrow transplantation over the past 50 years and explored forward-looking patient management strategies. At the conference, chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy, a highlight of this meeting, showcased a series of breakthroughs in the treatment of multiple myeloma and lymphoma, attracting significant attention. This issue features a special invitation to Professor Jun Ma from the Harbin Institute of Hematological Oncology to provide an insightful interpretation of five major research studies in the field of CAR-T cell therapy. Here, we present a compilation of these insights for our readers.

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) is a crucial therapeutic option for a variety of benign and malignant hematological diseases. In recent years, the proportion of haploidentical transplants has been increasing due to advancements in the technology. From April 14 to 17, 2024, the 50th European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT) Annual Meeting was held in Glasgow, UK. The conference focused on the latest developments in stem cell transplantation and cellular therapy, pushing forward better clinical prognoses for hematologic patients. At this EBMT Annual Meeting, Professor Huang He's team from the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine was selected for one invited report, five oral presentations, and fifteen posters. "Oncology Outlook - Hematology News" invited Dr. Yishan Ye  from The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine to share insights and progress from his oral presentation on the study comparing haploidentical allo-HSCT with related/unrelated matched transplants, which potentially shows better prognostic outcomes.

In recent years, advancements in Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation (HCT) technology have significantly improved long-term survival rates, with about 80% of patients achieving disease-free survival for more than two years post-transplant. However, as time progresses, long-term survivors of transplantation still face the risk of chronic complications, which directly impact their quality of life and outcomes post-transplant. The 50th European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT) annual meeting took place from April 14 to 17, 2024, in Glasgow, UK. At the meeting, Professor Rachel Phelan from the Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, a specialist in blood and marrow transplantation, introduced the recently updated "International Guidelines for Screening and Prevention Measures for Long-Term Survivors of Transplant and Cell Therapy" (Bone Marrow Transplant. 2024 Feb 27. Epub ahead of print). Hematology News invited Professor Phelan to share and interpret the key updates of the guidelines with a broad readership.

Mucormycosis is a group of rare and highly invasive fungal diseases, and its combination with allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation increases the difficulty of diagnosis and treatment. Previously, the difficulty in rapidly diagnosing mucormycosis often led to poor prognosis in patients with transplantation-associated mucormycosis. At the 50th European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT) Annual Meeting, Dr. Xu Fang from Professor Yue Lu 's team at Hebei Yanda Lu Daopei Hospital reported a recent clinical study that analyzed the characteristics and prognostic factors of patients with allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation combined with mucormycosis.

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a common and aggressive hematological malignancy with poor prognosis. For patients with relapsed/refractory (R/R) AML, allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-SCT) is one of the important treatment options. However, patients with R/R AML often face primary or secondary drug resistance and limited treatment options due to complications and physical condition, resulting in low re-induction remission rates. Therefore, selecting the appropriate chemotherapy regimen before transplantation to achieve deeper remission and secure better timing for transplantation, thereby optimizing the outcome of allo-SCT and extending patient survival, is a critical clinical issue. From April 14 to 17, 2024, the 50th European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT) Annual Meeting was held in Glasgow, UK, focusing on the latest advances in stem cell transplantation and cellular therapy, and pushing forward better clinical outcomes for patients with hematological diseases and malignancies. In this issue, we are pleased to have Professor Jie Jin share her insights on the latest research in pre-transplant chemotherapy for patients with relapsed/refractory AML.