J. Blokken PhD, PharmD

How I treat in 2024: Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia and Acute Myeloid Leukaemia

Over the last decades, major advances in the molecular profiling of acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) led to a deeper understanding of its pathophysiology and revealed potential therapeutic opportunities. As a result, the classification of AML subtypes has evolved from a morphological to a molecular and genetic basis. After years of stagnation, we recently witnessed a rapid expansion of the therapeutic armamentarium in this disease. Therefore, Professor Sébastien Anguille from Antwerp University Hospital gave an overview of the recent advances in this setting. On the other side, in acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), about half of the adult patients who do not achieve a complete molecular response or who subsequently relapse cannot be cured with the current chemotherapy and targeted agents. In recent years, different immune-based therapies emerged, including monoclonal antibodies, bispecific antibodies, CAR-T cell therapy and antibody drug conjugates. These new treatment options were discussed by Professor Nicolas Boissel from the Saint-Louis Hospital in Paris, France.

Artificial intelligence: When algorithms meet medicine

In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) has woven itself into our daily lives for many applications. In order to get a better view on how AI enters medicine, Dr. Jan Moritz Middeke (University Hospital Dresden, Germany) and Prof. Gilles Louppe (University of Liège, Belgium) gave an overview on practical applications, promising results and potential pitfalls of the use of AI in daily clinical practice.

Journal scan

SUMMARY

In this section of the Belgian Journal of Hematology (BJH), we aim to provide a snapshot of pivotal studies published in recent issues of the most important international journals focusing on haematology. Importantly, the selection of the studies discussed here is the sole responsibility of the publisher and was not influenced by third parties. Do you miss an important study, or did you read a hidden jewel that deserves to be shared with your colleagues? Please, let us know (editor@bjh.be) and we will make sure to include it in the journal scan section of the next BJH issue.

(BELG J HEMATOL 2023;14(8):351–4)

New haematology reimbursements in Belgium

OVERVIEW OF BELGIAN REIMBURSEMENT NEWS

(BELG J HEMATOL 2023;14(7):320–1)

Highlights from the International Conference on Malignant Lymphoma (ICML)

SUMMARY

The 17^th International Conference on Malignant Lymphoma (ICML) was held in Lugano, Switzerland from 13–17^th June, 2023. Once more, the program addressed the state-of-the-art on the biology, pathology and management of lymphoid neoplasms through a broad plethora of general sessions, ‘Focus-on’ and educational sessions. Below, we summarise some of the key sessions in the field of aggressive lymphomas, Hodgkin lymphoma, mantle cell lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, and follicular lymphoma.

(BELG J HEMATOL 2023;14(7):308–12)

Real-world evidence in the treatment of high-risk acute myeloid leukemia

Based on the results of the phase III Study 301, Vyxeos Liposomal was approved in Europe in 2018 for the treatment of adult patients with newly diagnosed therapy-related acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) and AML with myelodysplasia-related changes. Since then, various real-world studies have assessed the safety and efficacy of this drug in routine clinical practice. The real-world evidence that was obtained not only supports the results from the clinical trial but also addresses an important data gap in terms of the achievement of minimal residual disease (MRD) negativity. Below we summarize the real-world experience with Vyxeos Liposomal in patients with high-risk AML.

Journal scan

SUMMARY

In this section of the Belgian Journal of Hematology (BJH), we aim to provide a snapshot of pivotal studies published in recent issues of the most important international journals focusing on haematology. Importantly, the selection of the studies discussed here is the sole responsibility of the publisher and was not influenced by third parties. Do you miss an important study, or did you read a hidden jewel that deserves to be shared with your colleagues? Please, let us know (editor@bjh.be) and we will make sure to include it in the journal scan section of the next BJH issue.

(BELG J HEMATOL 2023;14(6):265–9)