VJHemOnc Podcast

Myeloma 2022: day one highlights

At the Myeloma 2022 meeting held in Scottsdale, AZ, there were several fascinating sessions that took place covering a variety of topics, including novel targets, T-cell engager therapy, myeloma at the single-cell level, the role of measurable residual disease (MRD), and more. Leading experts came together to discuss, debate, and answer questions, bringing you the latest in the field.

In this exclusive podcast, Keith Stewart, MB, ChB, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Canada, Gareth Morgan, MD, PhD, FRCP, FRCPath, NYU Langone, New York, NY, and Faith Davies, MBBCh, MRCP, MD, FRCPath, NYU Langone, New York, NY, share some key highlights from day one at this year's meeting. The experts talk on updates in MRD and prognosis, antibody therapy for amyloidosis, and more. 

Immune dysregulation and targeting in MDS

Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are a type of rare and heterogeneous hematological malignancy, and immune dysregulation plays a major role in the development of this disease and progression to acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Several novel targets are being explored in this field with the aim of increasing treatment options for patients and improving response to therapies. 

In this exclusive podcast, you will hear from leading experts Uwe Platzbecker, MD, Leipzig University Hospital, Leipzig, Germany, Alan List, MD, Precision BioSciences, Durham, NC, David Sallman, MD, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, and Daniel Starczynowski, PhD, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, Cincinnati, OH, as they discuss immune dysregulation and targeting in MDS. This discussion took place at the 1st International Workshop on Myelodysplastic Syndromes (iwMDS) held in Miami, FL. 

The future of CAR-T therapy in ALL

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is an aggressive and heterogeneous disease with a high mortality rate. However, several advances have been made in recent years to improve treatment options for patients. Novel immunotherapies, such as chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy and antibodies, are continuously being explored and have greatly changed the treatment landscape. 

 

In this exclusive podcast, you will hear from experts Noelle Frey, MD, MSCE, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, Bijal Shah, MD, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, and Shannon Maude, MD, PhD, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, who discuss the future of CAR-T therapy in ALL, highlighting the impact of the approval of tisagenlecleucel (tisa-cel) in adult patients, the promise of allogeneic products, and more. This discussion took place at the 4th International Workshop on CAR-T (iwCAR-T) meeting held in Tampa, FL.

An insight into novel targets in myeloma and mechanisms of resistance to PIs and IMiDs

Multiple myeloma has seen many advances in recent years, and novel targeted agents are transforming the field. Several immunotherapies, including CAR-T therapy and T-cell engagers, are providing hope for patients, and novel targets are continuously being explored, especially in the relapsed/refractory setting.

In this exclusive podcast, leading experts Lawrence Boise, PhD, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, GA, and Paola Neri, MD, PhD, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada, discuss novel targets in multiple myeloma, including RAS and PIKfyve, and further comment on the epigenomics and epigenetics of resistance to proteasome inhibitors and IMiDs, as well as PROTAC therapy for difficult to manipulate targets.

Key updates in the treatment and management of MPNs

Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) are a class of hematological cancers characterized by the excessive production of a particular blood cell. MPNs is an umbrella term covering disorders such as myelofibrosis (MF), polycythemia vera (PV), and essential thrombocythemia (ET). Pathological features are a key aspect of MPN diagnostics, hence improvements in digitally visualizing pathology and the use of machine learning for tracking patients will aid the field. Multiple clinical trials are underway for different therapeutic agents, including calreticulin-directed vaccines and antibodies for ET and MF. There are three approved JAK inhibitors for MF: ruxolitinib, fedratinib and pacritinib. An evolving question is whether combinations of JAK inhibitors will further the benefits observed in monotherapy, and if combinations will go as far as achieving disease modification.

In this exclusive podcast, leading experts Claire Harrison, MD, DM, FRCP, FRCPath, Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK, Ruben Mesa, MD, UT Health San Antonio MD Anderson Cancer Center, San Antonio, TX, and Jean-Jacques Kiladjian, MD, PhD, Saint-Louis Hospital & Paris Diderot University, Paris, France, hold a fascinating discussion on current developments in the management and treatment of MPNs.

 

Addressing unmet needs and future treatment approaches in AL amyloidosis

Amyloidosis is a heterogeneous disease that results from the deposition of abnormal protein aggregates in various tissues and organs. The treatment and diagnosis of amyloidosis remain a challenge, and experts agree that there are several unmet needs in the field. In recent years, there have been advances in clinical trials investigating novel treatment approaches for amyloidosis, providing patients with more hope.

In this exclusive podcast, Angela Dispenzieri, MD, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, shares some insights into the treatment and management of light chain (AL) amyloidosis, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis and raising awareness of this disease. Dr Dispenzieri also discusses important clinical trials, unmet needs and challenges in the field, and the promise of novel agents being evaluated for the treatment of this disease.

Myeloma treatment in the UK: updates from Muk Nine b: OPTIMUM & the importance of genomics

While the treatment of multiple myeloma has seen several recent advances, challenges still remain when approaching patients with high-risk disease, and experts agree that incorporating genomic testing is an important step in treatment. In the UK, the Muk Nine b: OPTIMUM trial is a pivotal trial looking into the treatment of high-risk patients, providing insights into the importance of genomics. 

 

In this exclusive podcast, UK experts Graham Jackson MBBS, FRCP, FRCPath, MD, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle, UK, and Martin Kaiser, MD, FRCP, FRCPath, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK, share some insights into myeloma treatment from a UK perspective, discussing the importance of genomics, key updates from the OPTIMUM, MASTER, and Myeloma XI trials, and the importance of chromosome 1q.

Updates in lymphoma and CLL treatment in the UK

In recent years, there have been many advances in the treatment of lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) in the UK. Several novel agents and clinical trials are emerging in both lymphoma and CLL, providing more options for patients. 

In this exclusive podcast, leading experts Kate Cwynarski, FRCP, FCRPath, PhD, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK, and Andrew Davies, MRCP, PhD, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK, hold a fascinating discussion on recent updates in the lymphoma and CLL treatment landscape from a UK perspective. Dr Cwynarski and Dr Davies discuss several trials, including the POLARIX trial (NCT03274492), the FLAIR trial (ISRCTN01844152), the MARIETTA trial (NCT02329080), novel promising agents, and the future treatment of lymphoma. 

The importance of early intervention and interception in myeloma

Multiple myeloma is a heterogenous and complex disease, with many experts agreeing that screening for precursor conditions can improve patient outcomes. With several new technologies emerging and an increased understanding of precursor conditions, it is evident that early intervention and interception are important steps in finding a cure for this disease. 

In this exclusive podcast, Irene Ghobrial, MD, of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, discusses the importance of early interception in multiple myeloma and how screening and risk stratification can help with finding a cure.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the EBMT & projects in the pipeline

The 48th Annual Meeting of the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT), which took place on 19-23 March 2022, was held virtually for the third time in a row due to the unprecedented humanitarian crisis in Ukraine. Despite the great success of this year’s Annual Meeting, the EBMT had to face significant challenges during these past two years of COVID-19 pandemic. 

Join us for this insightful discussion where leading experts Christian Chabannon, MD, PhD, Paoli-Calmettes Institute, Marseille, France, and President of the EBMT Anna Sureda, MD, PhD, Catalan Institute of Oncology, Duran I Reynals Hospital, Barcelona, Spain, review the efforts of the EBMT during the COVID-19 pandemic, and comment on the impact of the pandemic on transplantation practices. Prof. Chabannon and Dr Sureda also discuss the relevance of stem cell transplantation within the context of CAR-T therapy and outline the EBMT’s future projects.