Hematology Frontier

Relapsed and refractory acute myeloid leukemia (AML) presents one of the most formidable challenges in oncology, lacking a unified and efficient treatment strategy. Dr. Johannes Schetelig, Head of the Cell Therapy Unit at the Technical University of Dresden and Chair of the Clinical Trials Unit within the DKMS, offers invaluable insights into the complexities and evolving approaches in managing this condition. From the nuances of defining refractory AML at various stages to the critical decision-making involved in stem cell transplantation, Dr. Schetelig's expertise sheds light on current practices and future directions. This article delves into the multifaceted strategies for treating relapsed and refractory AML, focusing on patient suitability for stem cell transplantation, predictive clinical characteristics for better outcomes, and proactive measures to prevent relapse post-transplantation. 

Chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) is a clinical syndrome occurring after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT), where the recipient’s organs are attacked by donor-derived lymphocytes during the reconstitution of the donor's immune system. This includes both classic cGVHD and overlapping syndromes and is one of the main complications of transplantation, with an incidence rate of 30% to 70%. The mechanisms behind cGVHD are complex, its clinical manifestations diverse, and the individual differences significant. The course of the disease can be prolonged and persistent; if not properly diagnosed and treated, it can severely affect the patient's quality of life and long-term survival. With the introduction of guidelines, there are now standardized diagnostic criteria and first-line treatment protocols for cGVHD, but there is still no consensus on second-line treatments. PI3Kδ inhibitors, which interfere with the proliferation and survival of lymphocytes by inhibiting the activity of the PI3Kδ enzyme and thus suppress tumor growth, have not only introduced new drugs and strategies for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma but have also shown therapeutic potential in the treatment of GVHD. At the recent 50th European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT) annual meeting, a basic study from the Second Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University was selected for an oral presentation (Abstract No: OS7-05) [1], showcasing the activity of PI3Kδ inhibitors in the treatment of cGVHD. "Oncology Frontier - Hematology Frontier" has invited Professor Qingxiao Song from The Second Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University (Xinqiao Hospital) to interpret and comment on this research for our readers.there is still no consensus on second-line treatments. PI3Kδ inhibitors, which interfere with the proliferation and survival of lymphocytes by inhibiting the activity of the PI3Kδ enzyme and thus suppress tumor growth, have not only introduced new drugs and strategies for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma but have also shown therapeutic potential in the treatment of GVHD. At the recent 50th European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT) annual meeting, a basic study from the Second Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University was selected for an oral presentation (Abstract No: OS7-05) [1], showcasing the activity of PI3Kδ inhibitors in the treatment of cGVHD. "Oncology Frontier - Hematology Frontier" has invited Professor Qingxiao Song from The Second Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University (Xinqiao Hospital) to interpret and comment on this research for our readers.

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is a common and effective treatment in the field of hematology. As techniques have matured, stem cell transplantation not only serves as a treatment for malignant blood diseases such as leukemia but also offers a new solution for curing thalassemia. The 50th European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT) Annual Meeting took place in Glasgow, UK, from April 14th to 17th, 2024. The conference highlighted the latest advancements in stem cell transplantation and cellular therapies, pushing hematologic patients towards better clinical outcomes. At this meeting, Professor Li Chunfu from the Gaobo Medical (Hematology) Guangdong Research Center and Southern Chunfu (Children’s) Hematology Institute delivered an excellent oral presentation on the modified TCRαβ-T cell depleted hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (TDH) for treating severe thalassemia. "Oncology Frontier - Hematology Frontier" invited Professor Li to share his insights and experiences regarding transplantation treatments for thalassemia with our readers.

Lentiviral vectors are commonly used in engineering CAR-T cells; however, they can sometimes lead to false positive results for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) following CAR-T infusion. Identifying such false positives can be challenging.

Multiple myeloma is a clonal plasma cell proliferative disorder that has seen significant therapeutic advancements over the past few decades due to deepening biological research. With the development of proteasome inhibitors, immunomodulatory drugs, monoclonal antibodies, Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy, and other new drugs, the survival and prognosis for patients with multiple myeloma have undergone milestone changes. From April 14 to 17, 2024, the 50th European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT) annual meeting was held in Glasgow, UK. At the conference, Professor Reuben Benjamin from King's College Hospital in London gave a special report on the clinical application and future prospects of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and CAR-T cell therapy in multiple myeloma patients. Hematology News invited Professor Benjamin to share his insights with a broad audience.

The 2024 China Clinical Oncology Society (CSCO) Guidelines Conference was held in Jinan on April 26-27, 2024. As always, the conference updated and released multiple CSCO cancer treatment guidelines. Professor Tiejun Gong, Deputy Director of the Harbin Institute of Hematologic Oncology, gave an insightful interpretation of the leukemia section in the "2024 CSCO Guidelines on Malignant Hematology." After the conference, "Oncology Frontier - Hematology Frontier" invited Professor Gong to introduce the characteristics and updates in leukemia treatment in the 2024 CSCO Malignant Hematology Guidelines, discuss current challenges in leukemia treatment, and express his views on potential improvements.