VJHemOnc Podcast

Moving forward in MPN: timing driver mutations and novel therapies from ASH 2020

Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) are a heterogeneous group of rare myeloid neoplasms characterized by the abnormal proliferation of hematopoietic stem cells within one or more terminal myeloid lineages. Recent advances in the field have drastically improved our understanding of the pathophysiology of MPNs, which have expanded the scope for potential novel therapies.

In this podcast, we are joined by Jyoti Nangalia, MBBChir, of Wellcome Sanger Institute, UK, Srdan Verstovsek, MD, of the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, and Cem Akin, MD, of the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, to discuss pioneering data surrounding MPN pathogenesis and novel therapies presented at this year’s virtual American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting and Exposition.   

The MDS sessions: lower-risk disease

Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) represent a range of disorders characterized by morphologic dysplasia, cytopenias, and a risk of progression to acute myeloid leukemia. Patients with lower-risk MDS are defined as having a risk of very low, low, or intermediate disease according to the IPSS-R. The armamentarium of treatment approaches is broadening in the field of lower-risk MDS, however, greater advances in treatment strategies are required before we can confidently alter the natural course of disease in the majority of patients.

In this podcast, Amer Zeidan, MBBS, Yale University and Yale Cancer Center, New Haven, CT, chairs an insightful discussion on lower-risk MDS, focusing on diagnostic approaches and associated challenges, current management of disease as well as future novel therapeutic options for MDS patients. Dr Zeidan is joined by Valeria Santini, MD, of the University of Florence, Florence, Italy, Rami Komrokji, MD, of H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, and Olatoyosi Odenike, MD, of the University of Chicago, Chicago, IL.

The AML Sessions: FLT3-mutated disease

Mutations in the FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) gene are seen in 30% of all acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cases, most commonly involving the internal tandem duplication region (FLT3-ITD) which constitutively activate its kinase activity and thus, allows for leukemia cell proliferation and survival. A particularly poor prognosis is conferred by mutant FLT3, increasing relapse risk, and decreasing overall survival. For this reason, FLT3 genetic testing is advised at diagnosis, and the development of FLT3 inhibitors represent a significant research area over the past decade. Integration of these inhibitors, such as midostaurin and gilteritinib, have helped to improve outcomes of patients with AML but challenges remain, especially treatment resistance.

In this podcast, Naval Daver, MD, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX chairs an insightful discussion on FLT3 mutated AML as part of the AML sessions, together with Amir Fathi, MD, MPH, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA; Jessica Altman, MD, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL; and Eunice Wang, MD, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY. They discuss novel treatment combinations for FLT3 mutated cancer, as well as treatment options for front-line and post-transplant maintenance settings, and mechanisms of resistance.

 

The Lymphoma Sessions: highlights from iwNHL 2020

This year’s virtual International Workshop on Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (iwNHL) highlighted key progress in our understanding of various non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) subtypes, the role of the immune microenvironment, as well as evaluating novel therapeutic strategies in development for patients with NHL.

In this podcast, John Gribben, MD, DSc, FRCP, FRCPath, FMed Sci, of Barts Cancer Institute, London, UK, chairs a compelling discussion on key highlights from the iwNHL 2020 virtual meeting, including the next questions from the results of the KEYNOTE-204 trial in Hodgkin lymphoma, the significance of immunotherapy and the microenvironment, and an overview of exciting novel agents in NHL. Prof. Gribben is joined by Peter Borchmann, MD, of the University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany, Martin Hutchings, MD, PhD, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark, and Stephen Ansell, MD, PhD, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN.

The MDS sessions: clinical trial participation, endpoints & approvals

Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) represent a range of disorders characterized by morphologic dysplasia, cytopenias, and a risk of progression to acute myeloid leukemia. With hematopoietic stem cell transplantation representing the only curative option for patients with MDS, the field has not seen the rapid evolution in treatments witnessed in other hematological malignancies.

In this podcast, Amer Zeidan, MBBS, Yale University and Yale Cancer Center, New Haven, CT, chairs a discussion evaluating issues pertaining to MDS, from clinical trial designs to the latest understanding of disease biology as well as future outlooks. Dr Zeidan is joined by Amy DeZern, MD, MHS, of Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, Michael Savona, MD, of Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, Mikkael Sekeres, MD, MS, of The Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH and David Steensma, MD, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA.

The AML sessions: venetoclax-based regimens

The BCL-2 inhibitor venetoclax has been evaluated in many hematological malignancies, including acute myeloid leukemia (AML). More recently, emerging mechanisms of resistance and future directions of venetoclax in combination with hypomethylating agents and IDH inhibitors have been evaluated and data presented at EHA 2020, as well as SOHO 2020 has shown promising results in AML.

In this podcast, Naval Daver, of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, leads an exciting discussion alongside Courtney DiNardo and Marina Konopleva, also from The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, as well as Andrew Wei of Monash University, Melbourne, Australia, on the latest updates in the use of venetoclax-based regimens for the treatment of AML.

 

The AML Sessions: IDH inhibitors

IDH mutations are present in 20% of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients and the use of IDH targeting agents has shown favorable clinical responses in AML, with ivosidenib and enasidenib (IDH1 and IDH2 inhibitors) being approved by the US F.D.A for relapsed/refractory AML patients.

In this podcast, Amir Fathi of Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, chairs a panel discussion evaluating the use of IDH inhibitors in AML and myelodysplastic syndromes, the potential of combination therapies using these agents, and the development of differentiation syndrome in AML. Dr Fathi is joined by Stephane De Botton of Gustave Roussy Institute, Villejuif, France, and Daniel Pollyea of the University of Colorado, Denver, CO.

The AML sessions: advances in immuno-oncology from SOHO 2020

The field of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) has seen rapid progression in the field of immuno-oncology which has led to vast improvements in patient outcomes. The annual Society of Hematological Oncology (SOHO) allowed great discussion of the translation of key data into clinical practice, including the state of the art in immunotherapy for AML.

In this podcast, Marion Subklewe of LMU Hospital Munich, Munich, Germany, leads a panel discussion evaluating checkpoint inhibitors, anti-CD47 therapy, BiTEs and CAR T-cell approaches in AML alongside Naval Daver of the University of Texas MD Anderson Center, Houston, TX, David Sallman of H. Lee Moffit Cancer Center, Tampa, FL and Amer Zeidan of Yale University and Yale Cancer Center, New Haven, CT.

Advances in CAR-T and cellular therapy from EBMT 2020: MSCs, clinical trial updates and gene-edited effector cells

Cell therapy involves the transplantation of viable cells into a patient in order to trigger a medicinal effect. CAR-T is a popular form of cell therapy, specifically immunotherapy, that can use a patient’s own altered immune cells to fight cancer.

In this podcast, Annalisa Ruggeri, MD, of IRCCS Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesu, Noopur Raje, MD, of Massachusetts General Hospital, Matthew Frigault, MD, of Massachusetts General Hospital, and Maksim Mamonkin, PhD, of Baylor College of Medicine, discuss key updates and clinical trial results in the field of CAR-T and cellular therapies presented at EBMT 2020.

SOHO 2020: Next questions in hematological malignancies

The Society of Hematologic Oncology (SOHO) 2020 Virtual Annual Meeting brought together global leading experts in hematological oncology who updated the community on the latest data and hot topics in the treatment and management of hematological malignancies.

The next questions session at SOHO 2020 illuminated important future considerations in many disease areas of hematological oncology as well as unmet needs in these patient populations.

In this podcast, we hear from Sagar Lonial, MD, FACP, of Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, GA, Srdan Verstovsek, MD, PhD, and Loretta Nastoupil, MD of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, Amer Zeidan, MBBS, of Yale University and Yale Cancer Center, New Haven, CT, and finally John DiPersio, MD, PhD, of Washington University, St. Louis, MO, on the next questions in the treatment of patients with hematological malignancies.