EHA 2016 – Leukemia

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (alloHSCT) is a potentially curable treatment modality for adults with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), offering significant improvement in survival and reduction in relapse incidence. This approach is limited, however, by toxicity and early mortality. Researchers report outcomes of patients who received RIC followed by alloHSCT in the UKALL14 trial. Read More ›

Treatment options for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in patients aged >60 years include intensive chemotherapy (IC) and azacitidine (AZA). The multicenter RAS-AZIC study of the East German Study Group (OSHO), evaluated first-line treatment with AZA followed by AZA or IC in these patients. Data from the planned interim analysis are presented. Read More ›

Somatic mutations affecting isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) or 2 (IDH2) genes are found in 15% to 20% of patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), with incidence increasing in older patients. These mutated enzymes represent therapeutic targets, and selective inhibitors of IDH1 and IDH2 are in early-phase development. This study assessed differences in outcomes for patients with relapsed AML and IDH1/IDH2 mutations. Read More ›

Anthracycline and Ara-C have been standard induction agents for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) for 30 years. Several trials comparing 90 mg/m² of daunorubicin with 45 mg/m² have found either overall benefits or benefit in specific patient subgroups, such as FLT3-ITD–mutant patients. This analysis confirms the value of higher-dose daunorubicin after a median follow-up of 2+ years. Read More ›

Inotuzumab ozogamicin (InO), a humanized anti-CD22 antibody conjugated to calicheamicin, has demonstrated superior responses compared with chemotherapy in patients with relapsed and refractory acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in a phase 3 trial known as INO-VATE. In this late-breaking presentation, researchers report overall survival and progression-free survival findings for InO relative to chemotherapy. Read More ›

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-modified T cells are emerging as an effective and safe therapy for children and young adults with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). This study assesses CD19 CAR T cells in pediatric patients with ALL, including patients with a history of central nervous system (CNS) involvement. Read More ›

Ibrutinib, an inhibitor of Bruton’s tyrosine kinase, is approved for use as monotherapy in patients with treatment-naïve and relapsed chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Studies of ibrutinib in combination with other agents are underway. Follow-up data from a large phase 3 study of ibrutinib + BR versus BR in relapsed CLL have now reached the 2-year point. Read More ›

Acalabrutinib is a second-generation inhibitor of Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) that is currently being evaluated in patients with previously untreated and relapsed chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), as well as other hematologic malignancies. Researchers report phase 1/2 study results for acalabrutinib, including overall response rates, rates of treatment-related lymphocytosis, bleeding risk, and other safety details. Read More ›