EHA 2024 Hybrid Conference: Roundup

The European Hematology Association (EHA) hosted its annual EHA2024 Hybrid Conference from June 13 to 16, 2024, in Madrid, Spain. This conference served as a worldwide hub for hematology professionals, imparting a dynamic platform for sharing knowledge, collaboration, and exploring the future of hematology.

Cutting-Edge Science Took Center Stage

The conference featured hematological subspecialties, and the focus was thrombosis and hemostasis, where attendees learned about leading studies on blood clot formation, preventative measures, and advancements in dealing with hemophilia and bleeding disorders. Insights were shared on novel oral anticoagulants for preventing venous thromboembolism and the recent understanding of antiphospholipid syndrome.

Hematologic malignancies were another focus. The conference focussed on blood cancers, including leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma. Participants gained insights on treatment plans, CAR-T cell therapy, and other emerging techniques for treating cancers. 

Results from the randomized Phase 3 DREAMM-8 observed the efficacy of belantamab mafodotin plus pomalidomide and dexamethasone, provided via Dimopoulos, highlighting advancements in myeloma remedy.

Transfusion medicine also gained attention, including exploring blood product production, patient-specific transfusion practices, and coping with transfusion-related complications. Discussions delved into the state-of-the-art statistics on red blood cell storage or personalized strategies for platelet transfusion.

During EHA 2024, stem cell transplantation programming focused on insights into stem cell mobilization techniques, the history of stem cell conditioning, and strategies to prevent graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Presentations projected novel methods for preventing GVHD and the capability of haplo-identical stem cellular transplantation.

EHA2024 Included Diverse Learning Formats

The EHA2024 Hybrid Conference included diverse learning formats. Renowned hematologists brought keynote plenary lectures on recent discoveries and promising research avenues in hematology. 

• CAR-T cell therapy
  • ELA026, presented by Dr. Abhishek Maiti, discussed the safety and efficacy of ELA026 to treat hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis.
  • DESCAR-T, presented by Pierre SYu Zhengtephan, suggested that the transformed indolent non-Hodgkin lymphoma (TriNHL) has a better outcome than large B-cell lymphoma (LBCL) when treated with CAR T-cell therapy.

• Targeted therapies
  • QUANTUM-FIRST, a study led by Dr.Mikkael A. Sekeres, presented the effect of quizartinib continuation therapy on patients with FLT3-ITD+ AML who achieved remission after initial treatment. 
  • TRANSFORM-1, presented by Dr. Naveen Pemmaraju, compared the efficacy and safety of Navitoclax combined with Ruxolitinib versus Ruxolitinib plus placebo in patients with untreated Myelofibrosis.

Engaging oral presentations, followed by discussions with researchers, provided insights into cutting-edge research on various hematological topics. 

• Dr. Hannah Choe presented the SIERRA trial, which discussed the outcome in patients with active r/r AML who had a TP53 mutation. 
• A study by Jihyun Song identified a mechanism for elevated hemoglobin levels in the Aymara people. This mechanism involves alternatively spliced NFKB1, which increases hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) activity and leads to the overexpression of inflammatory genes.

Poster presentations allowed participants to offer their research and connect with fellow researchers. 

Hands-on workshops provided practical training on brand-new strategies and technology in hematology, empowering members with valuable skills.

EHA2024 Focused on Building Connections, Collaboration

Beyond clinical exploration, the EHA2024 Hybrid Conference fostered connections and collaborations amongst hematology professionals. 

• Industry representatives from various pharmaceutical industries, such as Ascentage Pharma shared insights into therapeutic advancements. 
• Other leading pharmaceutical industries like AstraZeneca tested the Calquence combination therapy (ECHO trial). 
• Kite Pharma presented the (CAR) T-cell therapy presentations (Real-World Manufacturing Experience of Axicabtagene Ciloleucel for Patients with Relapsed or Refractory Large B-Cell Lymphoma Treated in Second Line versus Third Line of Therapy and Beyond) that led to the advancement in hematology. 

The event also facilitated connections with patient advocacy organizations, providing deeper information on patient needs and priorities, leading to more patient-centered treatment approaches. 

Furthermore, the conference promoted global collaboration by permitting the development of joint research projects and sharing satisfactory practices with international colleagues, accelerating global advancements in hematology.

EHA2024 Presidential Sessions Featured Leading Experts

The conference featured distinguished Presidential Sessions. Some notable presentations included:

• Prof. Saskia Middeldorp (Netherlands) spoke about multinational scientific trials in pregnancy to improve maternal health effects in thrombosis.
• Prof. Ari Melnick (United States) explored and focused on the epigenome for lymphoma remedy.
• Prof. Bruno Paiva (Spain) offered innovative equipment for tracking sicknesses like Multiple Myeloma.
• Prof. Antonio Risitano (Italy) investigated the capability of the supplement machine to heal inhibition.
• Prof. Claire Harrison (United Kingdom) mentioned improvements in disorder-modifying treatments for Myeloproliferative Neoplasms.

EHA2024 Offered a Glimpse into the Future of Hematology

The EHA2024 Hybrid Conference set the stage for discussions on the future of hematology. Advancements in personalized medicine were key to exploring tailoring treatment plans to individual patients’ precise genetic and molecular makeup. 

• The discussions centered on using genomics to treat acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and personalized management of Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPNs).
• The potential of gene editing was additionally explored, focusing on tools like CRISPR for curative remedy of blood problems at the genetic degree. 
• Mr. Feng Zhang from the Broad Institute offered CRISPR programs in hematology, highlighting its transformative capability.

The conference showcased the rise of digital hematology, highlighting digital technologies like synthetic intelligence and massive data analysis in diagnosing, treating, and researching hematological diseases.

Highlighted Studies from the Conference

• SEVEN-DAY VEIN-TO-VEIN POINT-OF-CARE–MANUFACTURED CD19 CART CELLS (GLPG5101) IN RELAPSED/REFRACTORY NON-HODGKIN LYMPHOMA: RESULTS FROM THE PHASE 1/2 ATALANTA-1 TRIAL Kersten M. (Jun, 2024; S243)

• EORTC-1537-COBRA: VERY EARLY FDG-PET-RESPONSE ADAPTEDTARGETED THERAPY FOR ADVANCED HODGKIN LYMPHOMA: A SINGLE-ARMPHASE II STUDY Hutchings M. (Jun, 2024; S226)

• ACALABRUTINIB PLUS BENDAMUSTINE AND RITUXIMAB IN UNTREATED MANTLE CELL LYMPHOMA: RESULTS FROM THE PHASE 3 Wang M. (Jun, 2024; LB3439)

• SINGLE-AGENT EPCORITAMAB LEADS TO DEEP RESPONSES IN PATIENTS(PTS) WITH RICHTER’S TRANSFORMATION (RT): PRIMARY RESULTS FROM THE EPCORE CLL-1 TRIAL Kater AP. (Jun, 2024;S163)

• GLOFITAMAB PLUS GEMCITABINE AND OXALIPLATIN (GLOFIT-GEMOX) FOR RELAPSED/REFRACTORY (R/R) DIFFUSE LARGE B-CELL Abramson J. (Jun, 2024; LB3438)

• THE RANDOMIZED STUDY GHSG HD21 SHOWS SUPERIOR TOLERABILITY AND EFFICACY OF BRECADD VERSUS BEACOPP IN ADVANCED-STAGE CLASSICAL HODGKIN LYMPHOMA Borchmann P. (Jun, 2024; S225)
• EXCELLENT OUTCOME OF PATIENTS WITH RELAPSED OR REFRACTORY PRIMARY MEDIASTINAL B CELL LYMPHOMA  TREATED WITH AXICABTAGENE CILOLEUCEL : A STUDY FROM THE FRENCH DESCAR-T NATIONAL REGISTRY  Galtier J. (Jun, 2024; S240)