Noninferiority Shown for Pirtobrutinib vs Ibrutinib in CLL/SLL
The noncovalent Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor pirtobrutinib achieved noninferiority to the covalent BTK inhibitor ibrutinib in terms of overall response rate in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) or small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL), according to findings from a randomized...
Chemotherapy-Free Regimen Improves Outcomes in Newly Diagnosed Patients With Ph-Positive ALL
Initial results from the phase III GIMEMA ALL2820 trial demonstrated that a front-line, chemotherapy-free regimen combining the tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) ponatinib and the bispecific T-cell engager blinatumomab significantly outperformed a standard treatment strategy of imatinib plus...
Doublet Therapy Yields Higher Response Rates and Fewer Complications Than Standard Induction in AML
The combination of azacitidine and venetoclax led to improved efficacy outcomes with fewer complications than standard intensive induction chemotherapy as upfront treatment for patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), according to trial findings presented at the 2025 American Society of...
Jennifer Woyach, MD, on Relapsed/Refractory CLL: Next-Generation BTK Inhibitor
Jennifer Woyach, MD, of The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, reviews phase I data on rocbrutinib, a new selective next-generation inhibitor of Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK), in patients with relapsed/refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and prior exposure to BTK and/or BCL-2 inhibitors (Abstract 87).
Jennifer Woyach, MD, on CLL/SLL: Pirtobrutinib vs Ibrutinib in Treatment-Naive and Relapsed/Refractory Disease
Jennifer Woyach, MD, of The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, discusses results from the first head-to-head comparison of pirtobrutinib vs ibrutinib in treatment-naive patients and patients with covalent Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitor–naive relapsed/refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL) (Abstract 683).
One in Three Families of Children With ALL Face Financial Hardship During Treatment
A new multicenter study reports that nearly one-third of families with children undergoing chemotherapy for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) develop substantial financial hardships during the 2 years of treatment. These difficulties—defined as the inability to pay for housing, food, or utilities, ...
Non–Total Body Irradiation Conditioning Regimen for Young Patients With MRD-Negative B-ALL
Two-year event-free survival rates were above 75% for children, adolescent, and young adult patients with B-cell acute lymphocytic leukemia (B-ALL) who had negative measurable residual disease (MRD) by next-generation sequencing prior to hematopoietic cell transplantation and who received a...
New Pooled Analysis Strengthens Case for MRD as Surrogate Endpoint in AML
Measurable residual disease (MRD), regardless of the method of assessment, is a robust individual-level predictor for overall survival among patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) who have already received induction therapy, according to findings from a pooled analysis presented at the 2025...
Black Patients With AML Face Younger Onset and Significantly Worse Survival Outcomes
A new analysis spanning more than 3 decades of Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group and American College of Radiology Imaging Network (ECOG-ACRIN) clinical trial data demonstrates that Black patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) present with the disease at a significantly younger age and...
Amir Fathi, MD, on Newly Diagnosed AML: Azacitidine and Venetoclax vs Conventional Induction Chemotherapy
Amir Fathi, MD, of Massachusetts General Hospital, discusses data from the phase II PARADIGM trial, which prospectively tested whether azacitidine plus venetoclax was superior to intensive induction chemotherapy in fit patients with newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia (AML)—and could challenge the current treatment standard (Abstract 6).
Othman Al-Sawaf, MD, PhD, on Previously Untreated CLL: Fixed-Duration vs Continuous Targeted Treatment
Othman Al-Sawaf, MD, PhD, of the University Hospital of Cologne, presents results from the phase III CLL17 trial, which compared continuous ibrutinib monotherapy to fixed-duration venetoclax plus obinutuzumab to fixed-duration venetoclax plus ibrutinib for previously untreated patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) (Abstract 1).
Fixed-Duration Doublet Noninferior to Continuous Ibrutinib in CLL
Early results from the CLL17 trial show that fixed-duration doublet regimens with venetoclax are noninferior to continuous ibrutinib therapy, with similar 3-year progression-free survival rates, for patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), according to findings presented at the 2025...
Anand Patel, MD, on Ph-Positive ALL: TKI Plus Inotuzumab Ozogamicin–Based Therapy
Anand Patel, MD, of the University of Chicago, discusses results from a phase II trial that showed tyrosine kinase inhibitor plus inotuzumab ozogamicin–based therapy resulted in major molecular response in patients newly diagnosed with Philadelphia chromosome (Ph)-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) (Abstract 441).
Ibrahim Aldoss, MD, on Older Adults With B-Cell ALL: CD19 CAR T-Cell Therapy
Ibrahim Aldoss, MD, of City of Hope, presents findings from a small, single-center study of patients aged 55 years and older with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in first complete remission who were treated with CD19-directed CAR T-cell therapy. Researchers found the therapy was safe, resulted in low-grade adverse events, and led to preliminary durable measurable residual disease response (Abstract 443).
Jayastu Senapati, MBBS, on B-Cell ALL: Brexucabtagene Autoleucel as Consolidation Therapy
Jayastu Senapati, MBBS, of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, presents initial results from a phase II trial of brexucabtagene autoleucel as consolidation therapy in front-line high-risk B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) or relapsed/refractory B-ALL after cytoreduction (Abstract 1573).
Aaron Logan, MD, PhD, on Relapsed/Refractory B-Cell ALL: Real-World Data on Brexucabtagene Autoleucel and Transplant
Aaron Logan, MD, PhD, of UCSF Health, discusses research examining the effect of transplant before or after treatment with brexucabtagene autoleucel in the real world for adult patients with relapsed or refractory Philadelphia chromosome–negative B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) (Abstract 516).
FDA Grants Traditional Approval to Pirtobrutinib for CLL/SLL
On December 3, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted traditional approval to pirtobrutinib (Jaypirca), a noncovalent Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor, for adults with relapsed or refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia or small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL) who have...
How an Endowed Chair in Cord Blood Research Is Providing New Hope for Patients With High-Risk Leukemia
In 2016, Filippo Milano, MD, PhD, Associate Professor, Translational Science and Therapeutics Division, and Director of the Cord Blood Transplant Program at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center in Seattle, published the results of his landmark study investigating whether an alternative stem cell donor...
Geriatric Assessment–Guided Approach to Treatment Intensity in Older Adults With Acute Myeloid Leukemia
“Pretreatment geriatric assessment in older adults with acute myeloid leukemia is feasible, can identify several functional impairments, and [can] guide the selection of treatment intensity,” resulting in low rates of early mortality, according to Vijaya R. Bhatt, MBBS, MS, of the University of...
New Study Explores Why Male Patients With AML May Have Worse Outcomes
New research has ruled out hormone signaling as the reason why men with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) tend to have poorer outcomes than women, even when treated with the same intensive chemotherapy—a finding that helps refine future research and could influence clinical trial design. The...
Dexrazoxane Use and Cardiovascular Health-Care Utilization in Children With Acute Myeloid Leukemia
In a U.S. cohort study reported as a research letter in JAMA Oncology, Zheng et al found that increasing use of dexrazoxane in newly diagnosed children with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) receiving front-line anthracycline treatment has been accompanied by a reduction in intensive care unit...
FDA Approves Ziftomenib for NPM1-Positive AML
On November 13, 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved ziftomenib (Komzifti), a menin inhibitor, for the treatment of adults with relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with a susceptible NPM1 mutation who have no satisfactory alternative treatment options...
Adding an Investigational Monoclonal Antibody to Ibrutinib May Allow Patients With CLL to Discontinue Daily Treatment
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is the most prevalent type of leukemia in the Western hemisphere, accounting for between 25% and 35% of all leukemias in the United States. According to the American Cancer Society, nearly 24,000 new cases of CLL will be diagnosed in the United States this year,...
Revumenib Approved by FDA for NPM1-Positive AML
On October 24, 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved revumenib (Revuforj), a menin inhibitor, for the treatment of relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukemia with a susceptible nucleophosmin 1 (NPM1) mutation, in adult and pediatric patients 1 year and older who have no...
AML: Alliance Global Study Challenges Age-Based Treatment Decisions
An international study conducted by the Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology and the Acute Myeloid Leukemia Cooperative Group has revealed that age-based classifications in the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) may be outdated and overly simplistic. Their findings were published by...
Ziftomenib in Relapsed or Refractory NPM1-Mutant AML
As reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology by Wang et al, a phase I/II trial (KOMET-001) has shown activity of the oral menin inhibitor ziftomenib in patients with relapsed or refractory NPM1-mutant acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Study Details In the phase II portion of the trial, 92 patients...
Inotuzumab Ozogamicin Followed by Blinatumomab in Older Patients With Newly Diagnosed B-Cell ALL
As reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology by Wieduwilt et al, findings in a cohort of the phase II Alliance study A041703 indicate that the chemotherapy-free regimen of inotuzumab ozogamicin followed by blinatumomab was highly active in patients aged ≥ 60 years with newly diagnosed B-cell...
9/11 First Responder Study Shows How Toxic Exposures May Lead to Blood Cancers
A recent study has found that mutations in blood-forming cells may explain the increased risk for leukemia and other blood disorders among first responders exposed to the 9/11 World Trade Center (WTC) disaster site and its toxic dust. The study also points to a novel strategy for use against...
Use of Obecabtagene Autoleucel CAR T-Cell Therapy for B-Cell Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia
Treatment with obecabtagene autoleucel was the focus of the phase Ib/II multicenter FELIX study of more than 100 adults with relapsed or refractory B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).1 The initial report in 2024 revealed a rate of complete remission or complete remission with incomplete...
Cytogenetic Remission Linked to Improved Survival in Patients With AML
Patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) who achieve cytogenetic remission may have better survival outcomes than patients with new or sustained cytogenetic abnormalities, according to findings from a study published in the American Journal of Hematology. The study elucidated how cytogenetic...
Bijal Shah, MD, on CAR T-Cell Therapy in ALL
Bijal Shah, MD, of Moffitt Cancer Center, summarizes his presentation on the role of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), touching on its use in the front-line setting for newly diagnosed patients with high risk-features as well as in patients with relapsed or refractory disease. Dr. Shah also discusses the role of measurable residual disease, improving the duration of response after CAR T-cell therapy, how stem cell transplantation fits into this treatment paradigm, and ongoing/upcoming clinical trials in the space.
Does Early Pesticide Exposure Lead to Higher Mortality Risk in Pediatric ALL?
New study findings show that children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) who were exposed to pesticides during their mother's pregnancy may have a higher risk of death, according to findings published in Cancers. “This study highlights that exposures in the home environment, even before a...
Early Study Results With Novel Bruton’s Tyrosine Kinase Degrader in Relapsed or Refractory Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
In a phase I, first-in-human trial of nearly 50 patients with relapsed or refractory B-cell malignancies, the orally administered, small molecule degrader bexobrutideg (NX-5948) was reported to be well tolerated, including in those with a longer duration of treatment and higher doses. Clinical...
Contemporary Management of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia, According to Hagop M. Kantarjian, MD, FASCO
Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is one of the success stories among the hematologic malignancies. Now, with decades of data informing its management, it is time to change some of the practices to which clinicians have become accustomed, said leukemia expert Hagop M. Kantarjian, MD, FASCO, Professor...
Nicholas J. Short, MD: Focus on TP53-Mutated ALL
Nicholas J. Short, MD, of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, discusses TP53 abnormalities in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), which are uncommon in pediatric patients but may occur in 10% to 15% of adult patients with ALL. Dr. Short reviews recent research into their impact on outcomes, relapse, and the development of secondary cancers, and discusses novel therapeutic algorithms being employed.
Naval G. Daver, MD, and Uma Borate, MBBS, Debate Lower-Intensity Regimens in AML
Naval G. Daver, MD, of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, and Uma Borate, MBBS, of The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, give highlights of a lively debate they engaged in at the SOHO meeting. They discuss concomitant vs sequential use of lower-intensity regimens in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), as well as ongoing trials in this space and the role of measurable residual disease.
Michael J. Mauro, MD, on the ENABLE Study in Heavily Pretreated Patients With CML
Michael J. Mauro, MD, of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, reviews findings from the phase Ia/Ib ENABLE study, which evaluated ELVN-001, a highly selective, active-site inhibitor designed to target BCR-ABL1, in heavily pretreated patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML).
Nirav N. Shah, MD, MSHP, on a BTK Degrader in Relapsed or Refractory CLL
Nirav N. Shah, MD, MSHP, of the Medical College of Wisconsin, presents results from a phase Ia study of bexobrutideg, a Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) degrader. The agent was tested in a heavily pretreated population of patients with relapsed or refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and resulted in a response rate of over 80%.
All-Trans Retinoic Acid and Arsenic Trioxide in High-Risk Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia
As reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology by Platzbecker et al, the European intergroup phase III APOLLO trial showed that an all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) plus arsenic trioxide (ATO; ATRA-ATO)–based regimen was associated with improved event-free survival vs a standard ATRA plus...
Farhad Ravandi, MD, on AML: Highlights of Ongoing Research
Farhad Ravandi, MD, provides an overview of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) research highlighted in a session at SOHO, including data on menin inhibitors in NPM1-mutated disease; FLT3 inhibitors in FLT3-mutated disease; IDH inhibitors in IDH1-mutated disease; the role of measurable residual disease; what’s on the horizon for immunotherapy; risk stratification; and a discussion of the use of lower-intensity regimens.
Elias Jabbour, MD, on CAR T-Cell Therapy for Adult Patients With Relapsed/Refractory B-Cell ALL
Elias Jabbour, MD, discusses long-term findings and predictors of sustained remission among adult patients with relapsed/refractory B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) who did not undergo a stem cell transplant, but received the chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy obecabtagene autoleucel.
Geriatric Assessment–Guided Approach to Treatment Intensity in Older Adults With AML
Based on the results of a single-center phase II trial published by Bhatt et al in the American Journal of Hematology, pretreatment geriatric assessment in older adults with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) appeared to be feasible, to identify several functional impairments, to help guide the selection ...
Underlying Mechanisms of Chemoresistance in AML
Researchers have discovered that an isoform of the transcription factor RUNX1 orchestrates chemoresistance in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), according to findings published in Blood Cancer Discovery. They identified that the long-isoform RUNX1C's connection to BTG2 may enable cellular...
Immunoglobulin Replacement Therapy and Infection Risks in CLL
Immunoglobulin replacement therapy did not lead to a reduction in the risk for serious infections leading to hospitalizations for patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), according to the results of a real-world Australian cohort study published in Blood Advances. This finding is at odds...
Acute Myeloid Leukemia With RUNX1::RUNX1T1 Fusion
The ASCO Post is pleased to present Hematology Expert Review, an ongoing feature that quizzes readers on issues in hematology. In this installment, Syed Ali Abutalib, MD, and L. Jeffrey Medeiros, MD, explore the impact of the prognostic marker RUNX1::RUX1T1 fusion on the diagnosis and treatment of...
Can Planned C-Sections Increase the Risk of Childhood ALL?
Children born by planned cesarean section (C-section) may have an increased risk of developing acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) later in life, according to a recent study published by Kampitsi et al in the International Journal of Cancer. Alhough the researchers did find an association, they...
Preclinical Leukemia Chip Platform Improves Evaluation of CAR T-Cell Therapies
Investigators have bioengineered an organotypic immunocompetent chip—a laboratory device that combines the physical structure of human leukemia bone marrow and a functioning immune system—to empower real-time spatiotemporal monitoring of CAR-T cell functionality for leukemias. The preclinical...
Frontline Triplet Regimens for Intensive Chemotherapy-Ineligible IDH-Mutant AML
In a single-center study reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, DiNardo et al investigated whether frontline triplet regimens consisting of a hypomethylating agent, venetoclax, and an isocitrate dehydrogenase inhibitor were active in intensive chemotherapy-ineligible patients with IDH-mutant ...
Dual Menin and KAT6A/7 Inhibition Improves Outcomes in NUP98-Rearranged Pediatric AML Models
A combination of menin inhibition and KAT6A/7 inhibition significantly improved survival for NUP98-rearranged pediatric acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in AML model systems, even in menin inhibitor–resistant cells, according to findings published in Cancer Discovery. The MYST gene family histone...
MRD-Guided Therapy With Ibrutinib/Venetoclax or Ibrutinib Alone in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
In an update from the UK phase III FLAIR trial reported in The New England Journal of Medicine, Munir et al compared the survival benefit of measurable residual disease (MRD)–guided therapy with ibrutinib/venetoclax vs ibrutinib alone in chronic lymphocytic leukemia. An interim analysis showed...
