The latest in hematology Certain heritable hematologic cond | Figure 1

Post in Infectious Diseases, Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, Hematologic Oncology, Hematology

The latest in hematology

Certain heritable hematologic conditions, like thalassemia and sickle cell, in their more severe forms can lead to profound morbidity and even shorten lifespans in affected individuals. They came to being, though, for the right Darwinian reasons: they protect against infections like malaria. How does treatment of these conditions, then, affect the risk of developing malaria? In this issue of The Differential: Hematology, we report on a study that examines risk of malaria in people with sickle cell anemia who are appropriately treated with hydroxyurea. It turns out that the medication may help with both diseases.

Zanubrutinib Versus Ibrutinib in Relapsed/Refractory Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia and Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma

The Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor ibrutinib has a record of negative outcomes for patients with relapsed/refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia. These negative outcomes are thought to be related to off-target kinase inhibition. As a test, researchers compared outcomes of ibrutinib to a next-generation BTK inhibitor, zanubrutinib. At the median follow up, zanubrutinib showed significantly better outcomes, including overall response rate. Read article

Ponatinib and Blinatumomab for Philadelphia Chromosome-Positive Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia

Researchers tested combining two chemotherapy-free approaches, ponatinib and blinatumomab, for patients with Philadelphia chromosome-positive (Ph-positive) acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Findings were positive for patients with newly diagnosed and relapsed or refractory Ph-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia and could potentially lead to a reduction in the number of therapies needed for newly diagnosed patients. Read article

Hydroxyurea is Associated with Lower Malaria Incidence in Children with Sickle Cell Anemia in Sub-Saharan Africa

The REACH trial provides children with sickle cell anemia (SCA) in sub-Saharan Africa a maximum tolerated dose of hydroxyurea. Hydroxyurea decreases SCA-related complications, but has also shown to lower rates of malaria. While researchers were unable to draw conclusions on their primary goal of better understanding this relationship, they were able to identify an important treatment threshold. Read article

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