Hematology

Results from part A of a phase 3 trial showed sutimlimab caused patients to experience a rapid and sustained inhibition of C1-activated hemolysis in patients with cold agglutinin disease.

Teclistamab is an off-the-shelf, T-cell redirecting, bispecific antibody targeting both B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) and CD3 receptors.

Data from a phase 3 trial comparing acalabrutinib against ibrutinib in adults with previously treated CLL showed acalabrutinib presented with non-inferior PFS and significantly fewer events of atrial fibrillation.

Phase 3 data presented at the 2021 ASCO Annual Meeting have reinforced the long-term survival benefits and well-established safety profile of single-agent ibrutinib for patients with CLL.

Analysis from the phase 3 ANDROMEDA study also shows doubling rates of organ response with no new safety signals for patients taking daratumumab and hyaluronidase-fihj.

Although historic study results with mantel cell lymphoma showed discouraging findings, new CAR T-cell therapies routinely show between 40% and 50% of patients respond long-term without relapsing.

Selinexor in combination with bortezomib and dexamethasone is used for adult patients with multiple myeloma who have received at least 1 prior therapy.

Ssatuximab (Sarclisa, Sanofi) is used in combination with carfilzomib and dexamethasone for patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma.

Melphalan flufenamide (Pepaxto; melflufen) is approved for use in combination with dexamethasone to treat adult patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma.

Tivozanib was the first therapy approved by the FDA for adult patients with relapsed or refractory advanced renal cell carcinoma following 2 or more prior systemic therapies.

The researchers obtained genomic data from more than 2000 pediatric patients with leukemia to identify associated gene variants.

Although prolonged COVID-19 infections are rare, even in children or young adults with compromised immunity, it could have public health implications.

The AHA released a report to provide guidance about CVST, TTS, and VITT after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.

Fatigue-inducing anemias caused by chronic diseases and inflammation may be treatable with a combination of inexpensive oral medications, according to a study published in Nature Communications.

Use of tranexamic acid is not associated with complications such as deep vein blood clots, heart attacks, seizures, or strokes or mini strokes when used in high-risk patients, according to a study published in Anesthesiology.

An interim analysis from the phase 3 ALPINE trial comparing zanubrutinib against ibrutinib demonstrated positive results in the treatment of relapsed or refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia or small lymphocytic lymphoma.

The FDA hold was announced in December 2020 following the diagnosis of one patient with hepatocellular carcinoma in the HOPE-B pivotal trial.

Directions in Oncology Pharmacy® is getting to know oncology pharmacy professionals through a series of interviews. In this issue, we talk to David DeRemer, PharmD, BCOP, FCCP, FHOPA, president of the Hematology/Oncology Pharmacy Association (HOPA) Board of Directors, whose term ends this month.

As the most accessible member of the health care team, the pharmacist can provide patients with cancer with the information and support necessary to get through what could be the most challenging time in their lives.

Loncastuximab tesirine-lpyl is a CD19-targeted antibody drug conjugate.

B cell activating factor appears to promote antibodies against, and inhibitors of, the missing blood clotting factor that is given to patients with hemophilia A to control their bleeding.

The study shows that brentuximab vedotin allowed for reduced radiation exposures and resulted in fewer adverse effects for patients, according to its authors.

Pharmacokinetic differences in pediatric patients should be considered when administering direct oral anticoagulants, as should potential administration difficulties when pellets or oral solutions are not available.

Selection of any BTK inhibitors for mantle cell lymphoma should consider factors such as cardiovascular or bleeding risks, predisposition for gastrointestinal adverse effects, and potential medication nonadherence.

CLL is the most common leukemia in adult patients in the western world, with 21,040 estimated new cases in 2020.