Research
Wilmot Oncologists Participate in American Society of Hematology Meeting
Congratulations to all Wilmot Cancer Institute physicians and researchers who were invited to present data at the ASH annual meeting, taking place virtually on Dec. 5 through 8, 2020.
ASH is the world’s leader in supporting hematology research and clinical advances for diseases such as leukemia and lymphoma. Here are some highlights:
- Paul Barr, M.D., medical director for Wilmot’s Clinical Trials Office (CTO), is presenting a study on a three-drug cocktail being evaluated to treat patients with relapsed or refractory CLL. Similarly, Patrick Reagan, M.D., is also presenting study data on a new drug regimen for older patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.
- Clive Zent, M.D., presents a recent paper, published in the journal Blood, demonstrating why some combinations of therapies do not work for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), and laying the scientific groundwork for more effective combinations of targeted treatments.
- In a live question-and-answer session, Laura Calvi, M.D., discusses the characteristics of aging hematopoietic stem cells.
- Carla Casulo, M.D., presents two papers. One addresses the need for molecular genotyping for a rare type of large cell lymphoma to improve treatment decision-making; and the second paper discusses the factors and needs to improve quality of life in adolescents and young adults with lymphoma.
- Wilmot’s director, Jonathan Friedberg, M.D., M.M.Sc., is a panelist discussing the clinical practice patterns and available data guiding the management of patients with Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Friedberg is also a co-author on numerous studies with other Wilmot oncologists, involving the latest discoveries on care of people with lymphoma.
- Several Wilmot oncologists, led by Melissa Loh, M.D., and fellow Jodi Lipof, M.D., present data suggesting that the number of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplants in older adult with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is too low and not rising — despite many key improvements in care for this population. They conclude that strategies are need to boost referrals for older adults and suggest that formal fitness assessments and more effective therapies and regimens will help. In a second study led by Loh, published in Blood Advances, researchers suggested ways to improve decision-making, taking into account patient preferences.
- Brea Lipe, M.D., was involved in several clinical studies offering new data on treatment for multiple myeloma; and Kristen O’Dwyer, M.D., was invited to speak at a special education session on leukemia.