“Revolutionizing Blood Cancer Treatment: Insights from ASH 2024 Conference”
Industry leaders at the ASH 2024 conference have laid out a vision for the future of blood cancer treatment, emphasizing the potential for a cure. Representatives from GlaxoSmithKline, AstraZeneca, Regeneron, and Johnson & Johnson discussed the expanding toolkit of strategies, including CAR-T therapy, bispecifics, antibody-drug conjugates, and other approaches, that are allowing drug developers to shift their focus towards treating to cure rather than just managing the disease.
Andres Sirulnik from Regeneron highlighted early data suggesting that Orspono, a bispecific antibody, has the potential to treat newly diagnosed patients with follicular lymphoma. Mark Wildgust from J&J shared data showing that Darzalex significantly reduces the risk of people with smoldering myeloma progressing to multiple myeloma. Susan Galbraith from AstraZeneca discussed the development of cancer drug cocktails for defined durations, appealing to younger patients. GSK highlighted the journey of Blenrep, an antibody-drug conjugate for multiple myeloma, and its potential survival benefits.
In another session, research presented at ASH revealed that bone marrow transplants can be transformative for AML patients but are often out of reach for those from disadvantaged communities. Patients from ZIP codes with lower levels of education had lower odds of receiving a transplant, highlighting access barriers based on socioeconomic status. The study’s lead author, Natalie Wuliji, emphasized the need to address these barriers to ensure comparable outcomes for all patients.
Additionally, a study of 9/11 first responders found a higher risk of blood cancer due to toxic exposure, leading to potential new treatment targets. Clonal hematopoiesis mutations were identified as a common precursor to many blood cancers, with IL1RAP emerging as a potential target to tackle these mutations and prevent disease development.
Lastly, experts at the conference criticized Pfizer for the sudden withdrawal of its sickle cell drug Oxbryta, calling the move “tone deaf” and highlighting systemic flaws in treating the disease. The drug was initially hailed as a game-changer but later found to increase risks of pain crises and fatal events, leading to concerns about patient safety and trust in the healthcare system.
Overall, the ASH 2024 conference showcased the latest advancements and challenges in blood cancer treatment, emphasizing the importance of innovation, access, and patient-centered care in the fight against these diseases.