Hematology Frontier

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.

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.

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 Nanjing Lymphoma Forum" was held in Nanjing from May 11-12, 2024. The conference, primarily conducted through in-person exchanges, invited renowned experts in the field of lymphoid tumors from both domestic and international arenas. Through lectures, case discussions, and other forms of interaction, the forum focused on the latest achievements and advancements in the basic and clinical aspects of international lymphoid tumors. The goal was to further enhance the overall level of lymphoma diagnosis and treatment in China. At the conference, Professor Donglu Zhao from the Harbin Hematology and Oncology Research Institute gave a detailed presentation on the "CSCO Lymphoma Diagnosis and Treatment Guidelines — Interpretation of the Key Points of the Burkitt Lymphoma Guidelines." For a deeper understanding of this topic, "Oncology Frontier - Hematology Frontier" has compiled the content for readers' reference.