Hematologic Oncology

A supplemental biologics license application has been submitted to the FDA to expand the approval of blinatumomab (Blincyto) to include the treatment of pediatric and adolescent patients with Philadelphia chromosome-negative relapsed or refractory B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

The FDA has granted midostaurin a breakthrough therapy designation as a potential treatment for adult patients with newly diagnosed FLT3-mutated acute myeloid leukemia.

Epigenetic therapy has emerged as a novel approach, not necessarily by killing cancer cells, but perhaps by altering the network of chemical changes that affect the DNA/chromatin within cancer cells.

Marie Huong Nguyen, MD, assistant professor, Hematology and Oncology, University of Michigan Health System, discusses the safety and efficacy of ABL001 as a potential treatment for patients with chronic myeloid leukemia.

The phase III TOWER study has been halted after an independent panel determined that blinatumomab (Blincyto) improved overall survival versus standard chemotherapy in patients with Philadelphia chromosome–negative relapsed or refractory B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Jaroslaw P. Maciejewski, MD, PhD, chair, Department of Translational Hematology and Oncology Research, Cleveland Clinic, discusses the impact of eltrombopag on an expansion of clones with somatic mutations in patients with refractory aplastic anemia.

Betty Hamilton, MD, associate staff physician, Department of Hematologic Oncology and Blood Disorders and Blood and Marrow Transplant Program, discusses the prognostic impact of molecular mutations in acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic syndromes on allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant outcomes and the adverse impact of TET2 mutations.

Early diagnosis and early commencement of the most effective treatment available are essential in managing patients with chronic myeloid leukemia, particularly since therapeutic options have expanded and testing technology has advanced.

Venetoclax has received an FDA breakthrough therapy designation for use in combination with hypomethylating agents in treatment-naïve patients with acute myeloid leukemia who are not eligible for standard high-dose induction treatment.