Innovations in onco-hematology in 2018

Violaine Havelange (1), Xavier Poire (1), Jean-Philippe Defour (2), Stefan N Constantinescu (3), Pascale Saussoy (2), Eric Van Den Neste (1), Sarah Bailly (1) Published in the journal : February 2019 Category : Onco-Hématologie

In 2018, major developments have been achieved in the diagnostic and therapeutic fields of CAR-T cell immunotherapy, next-generation sequencing (NGS), and targeted therapies. Several studies have demonstrated the benefits of CAR-T cells in refractory or relapsing diffuse large B-cell lymphomas. NGS is a major breakthrough in the diagnosis and management of patients with myeloid neoplasia and represents an important prognostic tool that will probably replace many other conventional factors in the future. Finally, several targeted therapies reviewed in this article are about to revolutionize the management of acute myeloblastic leukemia.

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Innovations in onco-haematology : What to remember from 2017 ?

Marie-Christiane Vekemans, Eric Van Den Neste, Sarah Bailly Published in the journal : February 2018 Category : Onco-Hématologie

The landscape of Multiple Myeloma treatments is rapidly evolving, with more and more potent therapeutic options. The most exciting news are probably those regarding a new class of therapies targeting the B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) via different mechanisms. CAR T-cells as well as antibody-drug conjugates targeting this antigen have yielded very promising results. This next-generation MM treatments will probably lead to a paradigm shift from purely “survival-focused” to “quality of-life-focused”. Biomarkers of minimal residual disease (MRD) and molecular/cytogenetic techniques will undoubtedly be of great help in redefining treatment goals and selecting appropriate treatments. Treating MM in earlier stages will also impact the way we consider this disease today. The management of chronic lymphocytic leukemia has evolved tremendously over the past years, notably due to the efficacy of new oral therapies and the increased consideration of prognostic factors.

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