BJH - volume 15, issue 6, october 2024
N. Kint MD, PhD, M.C. Vekemans MD, N. Meuleman MD, PhD, J. Caers MD, PhD, C. Doyen MD, J. Depaus MD, R. Callens MD, G. Claes MD, C. Jacquy MD, PhD, A. Kentos MD, PhD, H. Maes MD, F. Offner MD, PhD, A. Salembier MD, R. Schots MD, PhD, K. Theunissen MD, I. Vande Broek MD, PhD, A. Van De Velde MD, PhD, K.L. Wu MD, PhD, M. Delforge MD, PhD
Despite significant advances in therapeutic modalities, the treatment of relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) is still challenging. In this publication, we aim to provide an update on therapeutic modalities for RRMM in Belgium. First, novel combinations of well-established therapeutic agents will be discussed. Second, T-cell redirection therapies will be addressed. These include bispecific antibodies, both anti-BCMA x CD3 and anti-GPRC5D x CD3, as well as chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy. Third, we discuss novel modalities such as antibody-drug conjugates, selinexor, venetoclax, melflufen and CELMoDs. Finally, a general flowchart regarding overall treatment sequencing will be proposed, providing an integrated treatment recommendation from frontline to relapse.
(BELG J HEMATOL 2024;15(6):225–32)
Read moreBJH - volume 15, issue 4, june 2024
M.C. Vekemans MD, N. Kint MD, PhD, G. Claes MD, C. Doyen MD, V. Galle MD, C. Jacquy MD, PhD, H. Maes MD, N. Meuleman MD, PhD, O. Rizzo MD, A. Salembier MD, H. Schots MD, PhD, G. Verstraete MD, M. Delforge MD, PhD
Despite the increasing availability of more effective treatments for newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM) patients that provide longer disease-free periods, almost all patients will experience a relapse. Managing relapse after regimens that have included a proteasome inhibitor (PI), an immunomodulatory drug (IMID), and often an anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody can be challenging, but therapeutic options have greatly increased over the past decades. This review covers the current second-line therapeutic options and provides updated information on novel agents for the treatment of early relapses in MM patients.
(BELG J HEMATOL 2024;15(4):158–64)
Read moreBJH - volume 15, issue 3, may 2024
M.C. Vekemans MD, N. Meuleman MD, PhD, N. Kint MD, PhD, G. Claes MD, C. Doyen MD, V. Galle MD, C. Jacquy MD, PhD, H. Maes MD, O. Rizzo MD, A. Salembier MD, H. Schots MD, PhD, G. Verstraete MD, M. Delforge MD, PhD
With the introduction of immunomodulatory drugs, proteasome inhibitors and anti-CD38 monoclonal antibodies, major improvements have been achieved in the treatment and outcome of multiple myeloma. Different treatment combinations are now in use and quadruplets have been investigated with success. This rapidly changing therapeutic landscape urges for an update on practical guidelines. Based on an extensive review of the recent literature, we propose recommendations on myeloma management, to be used by haematologists as a reference for daily practice.
(BELG J HEMATOL 2024;15(3):103–16)
Read moreBJH - volume 15, issue 1, february 2024
M.C. Vekemans MD
Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), also known as myelodysplastic neoplasms, are clonal myeloid disorders characterised by ineffective clonal haematopoiesis leading to peripheral blood cytopenia and a variable risk of transformation to acute myeloid leukaemia. Even if hematopoietic stem cell transplantation remains the only curative option, most patients with MDS are ineligible to this procedure because of age or comorbidities. In lower-risk MDS, the main approach still aims at improving cytopenia, mainly anaemia. In higher-risk MDS, hypomethylating agents represent the standard-of-care, but are not curative. This article summarised recent developments in this disease.
(BELG J HEMATOL 2024;15(1):27–30)
Read moreBJH - volume 13, issue 5, september 2022
M.C. Vekemans MD
The 30th EHA meeting was held in Vienna in June 2022, an opportunity to meet again with colleagues from all over the world after two years of restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We selected ten abstracts featuring clinical advances and novel treatment approaches across hematologic diseases, abstracts that will probably change our daily practice in the near future.
(BELG J HEMATOL 2022;13(5):214–8)
Read moreBJH - volume 12, issue 8, december 2021
N. Meuleman MD, PhD, J. Caers MD, PhD, K. Fostier MD, P. Vlummens MD, S. Pans MD, L. Goethals MD, PhD, J. Alexiou MD, M. Cliquennois MD, C. Doyen MD, A. de Weweire MD, R. Schots MD, PhD, M. Delforge MD, PhD, M.C. Vekemans MD
Despite major improvements in the diagnosis and treatment of multiple myeloma (MM), bone damage remains a major feature of this disease. With the development of new diagnostic tools, conventional skeletal studies have been progressively replaced by novel imaging techniques. Today, imaging plays a crucial role in defining symptomatic multiple myeloma, measurement of the extent of skeletal involvement and assessing therapeutic response including minimal residual disease (MRD). Based on an extensive review of the recent literature, we propose an array of Belgian recommendations for myeloma imaging to be used as a reference by haematologists in their daily practice.
(BELG J HEMATOL 2021;12(8):338–43)
Read moreBJH - volume 12, issue 5, september 2021
M.C. Vekemans MD
Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and for the second consecutive year, the 26th Annual EHA Meeting turned to a full virtual edition. Despite the fact that we were not able to meet and share this event with our colleagues, the content of this edition was outstanding, with many live sessions covering numerous haematological innovations. We selected twelve interesting abstracts that will probably change our daily practice in the near future.
(BELG J HEMATOL 2021;12(5):230-9)
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