T. Feys MBA, MSc

Highlights in acute myeloid leukaemia

SUMMARY

The 2023 annual meeting of the American Society of Hematology (ASH) again featured some interesting studies related to acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). In newly diagnosed patients, the FLT3 inhibitor quizartinib and the combination of ivosidenib and a hypomethylating agent (HMA) yielded promising results in patients harbouring a FLT3-internal tandem duplication (ITD) or IDH1 mutation, respectively. Additionally, the nuclear export inhibitor selinexor, combined with azacitidine and venetoclax (SAV), resulted in encouraging responses in unfit AML patients. In the relapsed/refractory (R/R) setting, the menin inhibitor revumenib and CD33 CART cells emerged as promising regimens for paediatric and adult patients with KMT2A rearranged AML. Finally, vaccination using host-derived leukaemia cells and donor-derived dendritic cells represents a promising strategy to reduce the relapse risk for AML patients following an allogeneic transplant.

(BELG J HEMATOL 2024;15(1):22–6)

New haematology reimbursements in Belgium

OVERVIEW OF BELGIAN REIMBURSEMENT NEWS

(BELG J HEMATOL 2024;15(1):31–2)

New haematology reimbursements in Belgium: NPLATE® (ROMIPLOSTIM), BEKEMV® (ECULIZUMAB), YESCARTA® (AXICABTAGENE CILOLEUCEL, AXI-CEL)

OVERVIEW OF BELGIAN REIMBURSEMENT NEWS

(BELG J HEMATOL 2023;14(8):355)

Haematological highlights from ASCO 2023

SUMMARY

At the ASCO 2023 conference, a dedicated session focused on exploring the most recent advancements in the management of haematological malignancies. CAR therapy brought promising results for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), spanning B-ALL with obe-cel and brexu-cel and introducing CD5 CAR-T cells for T-ALL patients. Notably, combining inotuzumab ozogamicin with blinatumomab or DA-EPOCH chemotherapy achieved significant efficacy in ALL patients. Additionally, an observational study underscored the critical importance of treating adolescents and young adults with ALL at specialised cancer centres. In acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), the trifunctional NK cell engager SAR44359 displayed promising anti-leukaemic activity. Finally, luspatercept and the telomerase inhibitor imetelstat boosted transfusion independence and haemoglobin levels in myelodysplastic syndrome patients.

(BELG J HEMATOL 2023;14(7):313–9)

New haematology reimbursements in Belgium

OVERVIEW OF BELGIAN REIMBURSEMENT NEWS

(BELG J HEMATOL 2023;14(7):320–1)

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)

Recent advances in targeted therapies for patients with acute myeloid leukemia

Over the last decade, major advances in the molecular profiling of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) led to a deeper understanding of its pathobiology and revealed potential therapeutic vulnerabilities. As a result, the classification of AML subtypes has evolved from a morphologic to a molecular and genetic basis. After years of stagnation, we have recently witnessed a rapid expansion of the therapeutic armamentarium for AML. Apart from the use of low-intensity induction therapy with hypomethylating agents and venetoclax in patients who are ineligible for intensive chemotherapy, this includes the introduction of targeted agents for the treatment of AML patients harboring specific driver mutations.