VJHemOnc Podcast

Join Carsten Niemann, a leading hematological oncologist from Copenhagen University Hospital, as he delves into the transformative power of artificial intelligence in personalizing blood cancer care. Discover how AI enhances treatment for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia by predicting individual risks and improving decision-making. Niemann discusses a novel treatment infection model his team developed, while Gareth Morgan from NYU Langone highlights AI's role in classifying multiple myeloma patients and its potential to predict transplantation needs.

Michele Redell, a physician at Texas Children’s Cancer Center, and Mark Litzow from Mayo Clinic, dive into the complexities of pediatric leukemias. They discuss the Pediatric Acute Leukemia Screening Trial and the unique challenges in treating acute myeloid leukemia. The conversations explore crucial studies on drug responses in children versus adults, and advancements in CAR-T therapy. Insights into managing relapsed acute lymphoblastic leukemia showcase new strategies aimed at improving outcomes for young patients facing these formidable challenges.

Lorna Warwick, from the Lymphoma Coalition, shares insights from a global patient survey on the psychosocial effects of living with lymphoma. Surabhi Chaturvedi, a senior psychotherapist in hematological oncology, discusses the emotional and psychological distress faced by blood cancer patients and emphasizes the need for better psychosocial support. They explore the vital role of communication, community, and emotional support in enhancing patient well-being and coping strategies for both patients and healthcare providers.

Lalit Kumar, an expert in blood cancer management from Artemis Hospital in India, discusses the challenges of diagnosis and treatment in rural areas. Joseph Mikhael, from the Translational Genomics Research Institute, highlights racial disparities in multiple myeloma treatment in the U.S., emphasizing the need for education and trust. Other guests address socioeconomic barriers in clinical trial recruitment and the stark differences in care accessibility for chronic lymphocytic leukemia across various income countries, advocating for more equitable healthcare options.

Andrew Kuykendall, a doctor from Moffitt Cancer Center, and Lucia Masarova, affiliated with MD Anderson Cancer Center, dive into the complexities of polycythemia vera (PV) and essential thrombocythemia (ET). They discuss unique challenges in treating adolescent and young adult patients, emphasizing personalized treatment strategies. The duo critiques current clinical trials and advocates for collaborative research to improve outcomes. They also explore the feasibility of early interventions and the importance of defining clear treatment goals.

Omolade Awodu from the University of Benin discusses the latest clinical trials in hemophilia, spotlighting innovative treatments like Consissimab and Fiti Suran. Radek Kaczmarek from Indiana University delves into the advancements in gene therapies, including the use of adeno-associated viral vectors and challenges in delivering transgenes. Matteo Luciani shares insights on the hurdles patients face, emphasizing the need for long-lasting solutions to improve treatment adherence, especially for young children.

In a deep dive into myelodysplastic syndromes, Andrew Wei, an expert from Alfred Hospital and Monash University, discusses the dual roles of inflammation and immune interventions. He highlights the critical targeting of STAT and IRAK4, accompanied by insights from the STIMULUS-MDS2 trial on sabatolimab. The conversation also touches on the importance of learning from past clinical trial pitfalls, the potential of targeted therapies, and how overcoming challenges in drug development could revolutionize MDS treatment.

Rabi Hanna, an expert at The Cleveland Clinic, Subarna Chakravorty from King’s College Hospital, and Ali Taher from the American University of Beirut dive into groundbreaking updates in sickle cell disease (SCD) and thalassemia. They discuss the promising results of the RUBY trial and the substantial findings from the ENERGIZE trial, highlighting improved hemoglobin levels. The conversation also tackles the high costs and complexities of gene therapies, unmet needs in patient care, and the critical need for better access and innovative treatments.

Naveen Pemmaraju, a medical doctor at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, joins the discussion on unmet treatment needs in myelofibrosis (MF). They explore the complexities of managing prefibrotic MF and the challenges of thrombocytopenia. Insights into novel therapies like megakaryocyte-focused treatments and the importance of early intervention are highlighted. The conversation emphasizes patient participation in choosing therapies and the potential of innovative approaches like immune vaccines to improve outcomes.

Join experts Manali Kamdar, a leader at the University of Colorado Cancer Center, Tycel Phillips from City of Hope, and Chan Cheah of Linear Clinical Research as they dive into the transformative role of BTK inhibitors in treating mantle cell lymphoma. They discuss groundbreaking trial results, including the SHINE trial, and the significance of tumor profiling in guiding treatment for high-risk patients. The panel also explores the shift away from chemotherapy towards targeted therapies and the exciting future options such as CAR-T cells and bispecific antibodies.