US Oncology Research Announces Schedule of Presentations at the 2019 American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting and Exposition

During the 61st American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting and Exposition, principal investigators from The US Oncology Network (The Network) and US Oncology Research will demonstrate detailed results from more than 20 studies covering topics including lymphoma, multiple myeloma, leukemia and more. The ASH Annual Meeting, a leading scientific event in malignant and non-malignant hematology, will be held December 7-10 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando.

"The future of cancer treatment is being cultivated at many practices in the community setting," said Michael Seiden, MD, PhD, president of The US Oncology Network. "I'm proud of the work being done by research investigators in The US Oncology Network. It's amazing to see the quality of their research presented at ASH every year. Their innovations are truly making a difference that impact cancer patients now and in the future."

Jeff Sharman, MD, medical director of Hematology Research for The US Oncology Network and director of Research at Willamette Valley Cancer Institute and Research Center (WVCI), will present an oral abstract titled, “ELEVATE TN: Phase 3 Study of Acalabrutinib Combined with Obinutuzumab (O) or Alone Vs O Plus Chlorambucil (Clb) in Patients (Pts) with Treatment-Naive Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL),” on Saturday, December 7 at 7:30am ET in Hall D, Level 2.

“BTK inhibitors have revolutionized the treatment of CLL,” said Dr. Sharman. “This study led to the FDA approval of acalabrutinib in previously untreated CLL and presents compelling evidence of both safety and efficacy of the drug. With a second approved BTK inhibitor in CLL, there are now more available options for patients in need of therapy.”

Additionally, Dr. Sharman will share his expertise during an education program on indolent lymphomas. His presentation titled, “Targeting CD20: Teaching an Old Dog New Tricks,” will take place Saturday, December 7, 2:00pm-3:30pm ET as well as Sunday, December 8, 9:30am-11:00am ET in Tangerine 1 (WF1), Level 2.

“CD20 is an established target for the treatment of both lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia,” said Dr. Sharman. “For nearly 2 decades, rituximab was an unequaled therapeutic in this space as the standard of care. With novel subcutaneous formulations, biosimilar molecules, second generation anti-CD20 antibodies, immunologically synergistic combinations and novel bispecific approaches, CD20-directed therapies are undergoing a dramatic change.”

Christopher Yasenchak, MD, associate chair of Hematology Research for The US Oncology Network and hematologist with WVCI, is presenting an oral abstract titled, “Phase 2 Study of Frontline Brentuximab Vedotin Plus Nivolumab in Patients with Hodgkin Lymphoma Aged ≥60 Years,” on Saturday, December 7 at 2:30pm ET in W224, Level 2.

“Elderly patients with Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma experience markedly inferior outcomes with conventional chemotherapy when compared to younger patients. This is due to differences in disease biology, increased rates of advanced disease, medical co-morbidities and treatment-related morbidity and mortality. As such, novel treatment strategies are needed,” said Dr. Yasenchak. “The combination of brentuximab vedotin and nivolumab delivered in the frontline setting shows a high response rate and improved toxicity profile. This regimen may fill an unmet need for elderly patients unfit for conventional chemotherapy.”

Furthermore, Robert Rifkin, MD, FACP, medical director of Biosimilars for McKesson, associate chair of Hematology Research and myeloma disease lead for The US Oncology Network, and hematologist with Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers (RMCC), will present “Daratumumab (DARA) Maintenance Therapy Improves Depth of Response and Results in Durable Progression-Free Survival (PFS) Following Dara Plus Cyclophosphamide, Bortezomib, and Dexamethasone (CyBorD) Induction Therapy in Multiple Myeloma (MM): Update of the Lyra Study.” The oral presentation will take place Monday, December 9 at 5:30pm ET in Hall E2, Level 2.

“This is an important study for multiple myeloma patients treated in the community setting as it gives them a treatment option that is relatively non-toxic that may increase the depth of response and achieve durable remissions,” said Dr. Rifkin. “Additionally, DARA-Cy-Bord is safe and easy to manage.”

Physicians with US Oncology Research worked with McKesson Data, Evidence and Insights investigators on a real-world evidence (RWE) study titled, “Treatment Patterns and Outcomes of Patients with Relapsed Follicular Lymphoma Treated with Idelalisib in a Community Oncology Setting.” The poster presentation will take place Sunday, December 8, 6:00pm-8:00pm ET in Hall B, Level 2.

“This study evaluated patient profiles, treatment patterns and clinical outcomes among adult patients with relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma who initiated treatment with Idelalisib within The US Oncology Network,” said Presenting Author David Andorsky, MD, a hematologist with RMCC, a practice in The US Oncology Network. “These findings enhance available data on relapsed follicular lymphoma patient outcomes in real-world practice.”

The full schedule of affiliated data presentations, including location and author information, can be found here. For more information or to interview a trial investigator, contact Claire Crye at 281.825.9927 or Claire.Crye@usoncology.com or Edie DeVine at 209.814.9564 or Edie.DeVine@gcihealth.com.