Blood Podcast

Pembrolizumab after ASCT in PTCL, germline predisposition to myeloid neoplasms in patients with hypoplastic bone marrow, and limited plasticity of monocyte fate and function

In this week’s episode, we’ll discuss pembrolizumab after autologous stem cell transplantation in patients with peripheral T-cell lymphoma. Newly reported phase 2 study results show that blocking PD-1 with pembrolizumab had a favorable safety profile and demonstrated promising activity, supporting further confirmatory studies in this setting; germline genetic predisposition to myeloid neoplasms in patients with hypoplastic bone marrow. Researchers report mutations that are significa...

Review Series on Hematopoietic Stem Cells

In this week’s bonus episode of Blood Podcast, your source for innovative ideas and cutting-edge information. In this episode Associate Editor, Dr. John Crispino discusses the Review Series on Hematopoietic Stem Cells with authors, Dr. David Kent and Dr. Jennifer Trowbridge.    

WGS informs risk of follicular lymphoma transformation; resolvin D4 regulates neutrophil deployment; Hodgkin lymphoma-directed treatment for early-stage NLPHL

In this week's episode, we’ll learn more about what whole genome sequencing reveals about genetic subtypes of follicular lymphoma and risk of transformation, discuss the role of the lipid mediator, resolvin D4, in infectious neutrophil deployment and emergency granulopoiesis, and learn more about Hodgkin lymphoma-directed therapy and the role of PET in early-stage nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma. 

Ventricular arrhythmias in sickle cell anemia, molecular heterogeneity of pediatric lymphoproliferative disorders, the role of the bone marrow microenvironment in myeloid disorders

In this week's episode, we'll learn more about ventricular arrhythmias in sickle cell anemia, discuss the molecular heterogeneity of pediatric monomorphic post–solid organ transplant lymphoproliferative disorders, and uncover the role of the bone marrow microenvironment as a driver of myeloid disorders.

Silent infarcts in iTTP remission, a ZDHHC palmitoyltransferase regulates oxidative phosphorylation in AML, and hepatic sinusoid as a niche for ANKL

In this week’s episode, we discuss the impact of silent cerebral infarction in patients with immune mediated thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (or iTTP) in clinical remission, how the survival of leukemia stem cells is highly dependent on oxidative phosphorylation in the mitochondria, and targeting iron import as a potential therapeutic approach in aggressive natural killer cell leukemia (or ANKL).

Poverty and relapse risk in children with ALL, eligibility and enrollment of diverse populations in myeloma trials, and clonal hematopoiesis in VEXAS syndrome

In this week's episode, we’ll learn more about poverty and relapse risk in children with ALL, discuss eligibility criteria and enrollment of diverse racial and ethnic populations in multiple myeloma clinical trials, and learn more about clonal hematopoiesis in VEXAS syndrome.

Pembrolizumab in PMBCL, allogeneic CD19 CAR T cells for pediatric B-cell ALL, and fetal iron overload in β-thalassemia

In this week's episode, we'll discuss if some patients with relapsed or refractory primary mediastinal B-cell lymphoma can be cured by checkpoint blockade alone. Next, autologous CAR T cells are highly effective, yet not always feasible in children with relapsed or refractory B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Lastly, we'll discuss ironing out beta-thalassemia during pregnancy.

Gene therapy for WHIM syndrome, fate of hematopoietic stem cells after transplantation, and the role of C-terminal FGF23 peptides in iron conservation

In this week's episode, we’ll discuss the findings from a study attempting gene therapy for WHIM syndrome for the first time, learn more about the fate of hematopoietic stem cells after transplantation, and discuss the role of C-terminal FGF23 peptides in iron conservation.

Key role of hepcidin in polycythemia vera, signatures of CAR T cell dysfunction, and IL-34 as a novel AML therapy?

In this week's episode, we'll discuss new evidence on the critical role of hepcidin, the master regulator of iron metabolism, in the pathogenesis of polycythemia vera. Next, costimulatory molecules regulate mechanisms of CAR T cell dysfunction. Finally, we'll discuss how TREM2 is a novel receptor for IL-34, promoting differentiation of normal and leukemic myeloid cells. 

BMT as initial treatment for severe aplastic anemia, macrophage metabolic rewiring in sickle cell disease, and predicting outcomes using PET radiomics in diffuse large B cell lymphoma

In this week’s episode we’ll report on the findings from a phase 2 trial of bone marrow transplantation as initial therapy for patients with severe aplastic anemia, discuss the utility of a PET radiomics-based model in predicting outcomes in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, and learn more about macrophage metabolic rewiring in sickle cell disease.

End of the vincristine/steroid pulse era in pediatric ALL?, “trial and error” with abatacept in GVHD, and hemorrhage risk with dasatinib therapy

In this week’s episode we will review no survival benefit for vincristine/steroid pulses in contemporary studies of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (or ALL). Next, the rheumatology drug abatacept may be a promising strategy for the treatment of acute graft-versus-host disease (or GVHD). Finally, we'll discuss the hemorrhage risk of dasatinib therapy.

Prolonged response after stopping TPO-RA in ITP, TP53 mutations and myelofibrosis outcomes, clinical picture of ERCC6L2 disease, where variants predispose to marrow failure and malignancy

Hodgkin lymphoma outcomes in the novel agent era, genomic safe harbors for precision T cell engineering, and a transcriptomic atlas to map imatinib resistance in CML

In this week’s episode, we'll discuss how patients with relapsed or refractory Hodgkin lymphoma survival outcomes have improved after development of several novel agents. Next, precision engineering of therapeutic T cells through extragenic safe harbors. Finally, using a single-cell atlas to map features of imatinib resistance in diagnostic CML bone marrow, investigators present gene expression signatures predictive of response to TKI therapy.

Pembrolizumab plus AVD for classical Hodgkin lymphoma, targeting the CD40/CD40-ligand axis in Waldenström Macroglobulinemia, and CXCR4-expressing CAR-cytokine induced killer cells in AML

In this week’s episode we’ll discuss the findings from a study exploring the combination of concurrent pembrolizumab, adriamycin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine in newly diagnosed classical Hodgkin lymphoma, learn more about the effects of targeting the CD40/CD40-ligand axis in Waldenström Macroglobulinemia, and review the findings from a study aimed at improving the bone marrow homing of CAR-cytokine induced killer cells in AML.

How I Treat Series: Emergent CAR T-Cell Toxicities

In this bonus episode, Associate Editor, Dr. Helen Heslop discusses the How I Treat series on Emergent CAR-T cell toxicities with authors Dr. Fabiana Perna, Dr. Natalie Grover and Dr. Nirali Shah.

Specific CD8+ T cell clones in ITP, Refining DLBCL prognosis with the “dark-zone signature”, and rethinking the regenerative role of HSCs in acute hematopoietic emergencies

In this week’s episode, we will review patients with chronic ITP having clonal expansions of a specific subset of CD8 T cells, called terminally differentiated effector memory T cells, or TEMRA. Next, for patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphomas, use of a so-called dark-zone signature, previously referred to as the double-hit signature, could help refine prognosis. Finally on today's podcast we'll discuss rethinking the role of hematopoietic stem cells following physiologic emer...

Tips for Trainees for a Career in Publishing with Drs. Nancy Berliner and Andrew Roberts

In this special episode, Trainee Council Chairs, Drs. Becky Zon and Ajay Major, interview Dr. Nancy Berliner, Blood Editor-in Chief and Dr. Andrew Roberts, Blood Deputy Editor, on their careers in academic editing and publishing, including career development tips for trainees who are interested in a career in publishing.

Axi-cel in refractory large B-cell lymphoma, effects of C1 inhibitor deficiency on coagulation, and the evolution of therapy-related myeloid neoplasms

In this week’s episode we’ll report on the findings from a 5-year follow-up study of axicabtagene ciloleucel in refractory large B-cell lymphoma, discuss the role of C1 inhibitor deficiency in coagulation and venous thrombosis, and learn how chemotherapy signatures can be used to track the evolution of therapy-related myeloid neoplasms.

Gut microbiota and outcomes in DLBCL, NFIA-ETO2 fusion cooperates with TP53 in leukemogenesis, and the impact of nirmatrelvir + ritonavir on CLL patient outcomes during the Omicron surge

In this week’s episode we'll review imbalances in gut microbiota may impact the efficacy and safety of immunochemotherapy in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Next, the NFIA-ETO2 fusion, found exclusively in pediatric patients with pure erythroid leukemia, impairs the normal process of erythroid differentiation. Finally, we'll look at the effectiveness of nirmatrelvir plus ritonavir in patients with CLL infected with SARS-CoV-2 during the Omicron surge.  

Revised response criteria for high-risk MDS, machine learning guides diagnosis of bone marrow failure syndromes, and RhD-positive transfusions for Asian-type DEL patients with serologic RhD-negative typing

In this week’s episode, we’ll discuss the newly revised International Working Group response criteria for patients with higher-risk MDS, learn more about the utility of machine learning in the differential diagnosis of bone marrow failure, and discuss whether patients with the Asian-type DEL allele, who type as serologic Rh-D-negative, can be safely transfused with RhD-positive blood.

AIHA during pregnancy, rapid immune tolerance induction in severe hemophilia A, and aging changes control of HSC proliferation

In this week’s episode we will review treatment and outcomes for patients with autoimmune hemolytic anemia during pregnancy. Next, rapid immune tolerance induction in patients with hemophilia A and high-titer inhibitors. Finally, researchers compare kinetics and cell cycle progression in hematopoietic stem cells from cord blood, young adults, and aged healthy donors.

Review Series on Classical Myeloproliferative Neoplasms

In this episode Associate Editor, Dr. Mario Cazzola discusses the review series on Classical Myeloproliferative Neoplasms, with authors, Dr. Ann Mullaly and Dr. Alison Moliterno.  

Factor H variants in paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria, the role of factor XII in SCD-related thrombosis, and clinical features of therapy-related NPM1-mutated AML

In this week’s episode, we’ll learn how rare germline genetic variants in complement factor H (CFH) affect the course of paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria, discuss the role of coagulation factor XII in thrombotic complications and vaso-occlusion associated with sickle cell disease, and learn more about the overlapping features of therapy-related and de novo NPM1-mutated AML.

Lenalidomide and genetic profiling in myeloma, T-cell immunotherapy upregulates AML cell MHC-class II, and young fecal microbiota rejuvenate HSCs

In this week’s episode we will review optimizing the value of post-transplant lenalidomide maintenance in multiple myeloma. Next, T-cell immunotherapies targeting AML antigens upregulate MHC Class II expression on AML cells. Finally, young bugs rejuvenate old blood: transplanting fecal microbiota from younger mice into older mice improved hematopoietic stem cell function and restored lymphoid differentiation potential.

HLA-E-restricted immune response in EBV infection, the role of NRX-0492 in CLL, and NSAIDs for bone marrow failure in Ghosal Hematodiaphyseal Dysplasia

In this week’s episode we’ll learn how HLA-E-restricted immune responses help control Epstein-Barr virus infection, discuss the activity of NRX-0492 in chronic lymphoblastic leukemia, and learn more about the efficacy of non-steroid inflammatory drugs in the treatment of bone marrow failure associated with Ghosal Hematodiaphyseal Dysplasia.

Review Series on Germ Line Predisposition to Hematologic Malignancy

In this bonus episode Associate Editor, Dr. Mario Cazzola discusses the review series on Germline predisposition to hematologic malignancies with authors, Dr. Lucy Godley, Dr. Anna Brown, and Dr. Dennis Hickstein.   

Anti-malaria benefit of hydroxyurea in SCA, IL-22 in the treatment in lower GI acute GVHD, and FLT3-ITD changes depend on context in AML

In this week’s episode we will review a study in sub-Saharan Africa where treatment of sickle cell anemia with hydroxyurea is associated with a lower incidence of malaria. New research suggests mild myelosuppression associated with hydroxyurea treatment may actually have a salutary effect. Next, a potential new treatment approach in lower GI acute GVHD. Adding an interleukin-22 therapy to corticosteroid treatment was well tolerated with a high rate of response in this very challengi...

Single-cell genotyping of MDS/CMML clonal output, VTE risk in diffuse glioma, and Del(1p32) is an adverse prognostic factor in myeloma

In this week’s episode we’ll discuss how azacytidine therapy influences the contributions of mutated HSC clones to hematopoiesis in MDS and CMML, learn more about the risk of venous thromboembolism in patients with adult-type diffuse glioma, and discuss the importance of 1p32 deletions as an independent and adverse prognostic factor in myeloma.

RUNX1 isoform imbalance drives ML-DS, VWF-binding RNA aptamer for hemophilia A treatment, and EZH1/2 inhibitor valemetostat in relapsed/refractory ATL

In this week’s episode we will review an imbalance among RUNX1 isoforms is key to the pathogenesis of trisomy 21-associated myeloid leukemia, raising the possibility that equilibrium could be restored genetically or pharmacologically. Next, an RNA aptamer demonstrating promising results in patients with hemophilia A. Lastly, phase 2 data on valemetostat, a selective inhibitor of EZH1 and 2, in relapsed or refractory adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma.

Phase 3 trial of leniolisib in activated PI3Kδ syndrome, dabrafenib plus trametinib in relapsed/refractory hairy cell leukemia, and TγδLGL leukemia as a more symptomatic subset of leukemia

In this week’s episode, we’ll discuss the findings from a phase 3 trial of PI3Kδ inhibitor leniolisib in activated PI3Kd syndrome, learn more about the efficacy and safety of dabrafenib plus trametinib in relapsed/refractory BRAF V600E mutation-positive hairy cell leukemia, and review the findings from a study conducted in an international cohort of patients with Tγδ LGL leukemia.

Review Series on Banked Allogeneic Immune Effector Cells

In this bonus episode Associate Editor, Dr. Helen Heslop discusses Banked Allogeneic Immune Effector Cells with Blood Author Dr. Jeffrey Miller.  

Hydroxyurea for secondary stroke prevention in SCD, mutant CALR as a rogue cytokine in MPNs, and parsing pathobiology in Burkitt lymphoma

In this week’s episode we will first review a new clinical trial evidence that for patients with sickle cell anemia in resource limited settings, both low and moderate dose hydroxyurea are effective for secondary stroke prevention. Next, a research article showing how secreted mutant calreticulin functions as a “rogue cytokine” in myeloproliferative neoplasms, acting in a paracrine manner to promote growth of nearby tumor cells. Finally, we’ll review new research on the pathobiology...

HSCT for hypomorphic RAG deficiency, EBV-driven lymphoid neoplasms in pediatric ALL, and clonal hematopoiesis and recurrent vascular events in stroke patients

In this week’s episode we’ll discuss the benefits of early diagnosis and hematopoietic stem cell transplant in patients with hypomorphic RAG deficiency, learn more about EBV-driven lymphoid neoplasms associated with pediatric ALL maintenance therapy, and analyze the associations between clonal hematopoiesis and recurrent vascular events and death in patients with ischemic stroke. 

MRD dynamics during ixazomib maintenance in MM, disparities in CAR T-cell therapy for ALL, and BAX variants and resistance to BH3-mimetics in AML

In this week's episode, we’ll discuss the dynamics of measurable residual disease, or MRD, over time in myeloma patients undergoing ixazomib maintenance. Serial measurements were feasible and provided more detailed risk stratification than single timepoint measurements—findings that could have implications for the use of MRD to guide treatment duration. Up next, a research article exploring the relationships between poverty, and lack of neighborhood opportunity, with outcomes of CAR...

Itacitinib monotherapy for GVHD, the role of ERG in EVI1-driven AML, and germline DDX41 mutations in myeloid neoplasms

In this week's episode, we’ll discuss the safety and efficacy of itacitinib monotherapy in low-risk acute GVHD, learn how ERG was discovered to be a key transcriptional target in EVI1-driven AML, and define a unique subtype of myeloid neoplasms characterized by germline DDX41 mutations.

Blood Review Series on Single-Cell Genomics

In this bonus episode Associate Editor, Dr. Bertie Göttgens and Dr. Ravi Majeti discuss the series on Single Cell Genomics and Heme Malignancies-Leukemia/MPNs.

Stem cell transplant for SCD normalizes brain blood flow, novel GALE variants disrupt platelet development, and revisiting risk classification in NPM1-mutant AML

In this week’s episode, new research shows that in children with sickle cell disease, stem cell transplantation normalizes blood flow in the brain. The improvements in cerebral hemodynamics seen in this study may help explain the stroke protection seen following transplant in this high-risk patient population. Next up, a research article providing new insights on thrombocytopenia related to the GALE gene, including the identification of several previously unreported variants. The fin...

Allogeneic transplantation in older and infirm AML patients, cilta-cel in progressive multiple myeloma, and anti-CD20 therapy in relapsed TTP

In this week’s episode we’ll discuss the benefits of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in older and medically infirm patients with AML, learn more about the efficacy and safety of cilta-cel in patients with progressive multiple myeloma after exposure to other BCMA-targeting agents, and review the role of anti-CD20 therapy in relapsed immune-mediated thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura.

Piezo antigens define a new blood group system, enasidenib in mutant-IDH2 relapsed/refractory AML, and breakthrough COVID-19 despite prophylaxis in B-cell malignancies

In this week’s episode, we’ll discuss new research revealing that the mechanosensory ion channel Piezo1 is the elusive carrier molecule of the Er blood group antigens, thus establishing a new blood group system. Next, we review results of a randomized phase 3 trial of enasidenib versus conventional treatment in late-stage mutant-IDH2 relapsed or refractory AML. Although the primary endpoint of overall survival was not met, investigators say the risk benefit ratio remains positive. Fi...

Immune thrombocytopenia in pregnancy, ASCT in adults with inborn errors of immunity, and long-term health outcomes of childhood AML survivors

In this week’s episode we’ll discuss whether pregnancy increases the risk of bleeding in women with immune thrombocytopenia, compare the outcomes of allogeneic stem cell transplantation versus conservative management in adults with inborn errors of immunity, and learn more about the long-term health outcomes and late mortality in childhood AML survivors.

How I Treat Series: Management of High-risk Patients Following Allogeneic Transplant

In this episode, Associate Editor, Dr. Robert Zeiser and Dr. Yi-Bin Chen discuss the series on How I Manage High-Risk Patients Following Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation.

IL-13/IL-4 signaling and fibrotic progression in myelofibrosis, VWF-targeted thrombolysis in acute ischemic stroke, and NK cell dysfunction in relapsed AML

In this week’s episode, we'll discuss involvement of IL-13 and IL-4 signaling in fibrotic progression of myelofibrosis; next, we review results on a novel agent using vWF-dependent mechanisms to lyse pathological thrombi in acute ischemic stroke. Finally, we’ll shed new light on findings that implicate the GARP-TGF-beta-1 pathway in the loss of natural killer cell cytotoxicity in relapsed AML.

Effects of iron repletion on donor RBC quality, long-term outcomes in relapsed/refractory hairy cell leukemia after vemurafenib, and off-the-shelf cryopreserved platelets for detecting HIT

In this week’s episode, we’ll discuss the effects of iron repletion on the quality of donated red blood cells and donor well-being, learn more about the long-term outcomes of patients with relapsed/refractory hairy cell leukemia after vemurafenib monotherapy, and discuss the use of off-the-shelf cryopreserved platelets for detecting heparin-induced thrombocytopenia and vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia.

Germline predisposition variants occur in all age groups in MDS, αβ-haplo-HCT excels in children with acute leukemias/MDS, and poor outcomes after CAR T cell failure in B-cell lymphomas

In this week’s episode, research shows that in patients with myelodysplastic syndromes, or MDS, the frequency of pathogenic or likely pathogenic germline variants is relatively high across all age groups, not just younger patients. Based on these results, it may be time to expand genetic testing to all patients.  Next, we'll review primary results of a prospective, multicenter study of children with acute leukemias or MDS who underwent T-cell receptor αβ+ and CD19+ cell-depleted hapl...

Predicting VTE in multiple myeloma, azithromycin promotes relapse after HSCT, and dual antigen targeted NK cells in B cell malignancies

In this week’s episode we’ll discuss the newly developed PRISM score for risk prediction of venous thromboembolism in multiple myeloma, learn more about relapse-promoting effects of azithromycin after allogeneic stem cell transplantation, and discuss the efficacy of off-the-shelf natural killer cells in preventing antigen escape in lymphoma and leukemia.

Using MRD to guide CLL treatment intensity, donor NK cells boost immune reconstitution after haplo-BMT, and EZH2 drives retinoic acid resistance in variant APL

In this week’s episode we discuss encouraging results of a phase 2 study using a sequential ibrutinib-venetoclax treatment approach driven by MRD findings in individual patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia, or CLL. Next, we examine new research demonstrating that donor natural killer cells trigger release of beta-2 microglobulin by host dendritic cells, greatly accelerating donor-derived immune reconstitution after allogeneic bone marrow transplant in mice. We’ll look at the th...

Tolerability of CD19 CAR T cells in lymphoma, causes of platelet spherocytosis, and using prebiotics to reduce GVHD

In this week’s episode, we’ll discuss patient-reported outcomes in the phase 3 ZUMA-7 trial of CAR T-cell therapy in second-line relapsed/refractory large B-cell lymphoma, learn more about the association between the loss of α4A- and β1-tubulin and severe platelet spherocytosis, and discuss the interaction between prebiotic galactooligosaccharides and mouse gut microbiota in graft-versus-host disease.

Transplant in adult Ph+ ALL, acalabrutinib and ventricular arrythmias, and antibody prevention of fetal/neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia

In this week’s episode we discuss the role of allogeneic transplant in adult patients with Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia. In a retrospective study, transplant provided no survival benefit in patients with rapid and deep responses to induction therapy that included BCR-ABL1 inhibitors. Up next, we discuss the evidence for an increased risk of ventricular arrythmias with use of acalabrutinib, which has emerged as a class effect of Bruton tyrosine kinase ...

Restricting dietary methionine in AML, transferrin in high altitude-induced hypercoagulability, and LIF as protection against GVHD

In this week’s episode, we’ll learn more about the impact of dietary methionine restriction on the progression of AML, discuss transferrin upregulation as a cause of high-altitude-induced hypercoagulability, and learn more about the protective effects of leukemia inhibitory factor against graft-versus-host disease.

Sickle hemoglobin activates monocytes via TLR4, germinal center B cells provide a niche for T-cell lymphoma, and a combination immunosuppression regimen for acquired hemophilia A

In this week’s episode, we will review a study that cell-free hemoglobin S was found to induce high levels of pro-inflammatory cytokine production in monocytes. The effect is mediated by Toll-like receptor 4, or TLR4, suggesting intriguing therapeutic possibilities for sickle cell disease.  Secondly, germinal center B cells with aberrant expression profiles undergo independent clonal evolution in the microenvironment of angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma. New findings published in Bl...