Hematology

Fatigue-inducing anemias caused by chronic diseases and inflammation may be treatable with a combination of inexpensive oral medications, according to a study published in Nature Communications.

Use of tranexamic acid is not associated with complications such as deep vein blood clots, heart attacks, seizures, or strokes or mini strokes when used in high-risk patients, according to a study published in Anesthesiology.

An interim analysis from the phase 3 ALPINE trial comparing zanubrutinib against ibrutinib demonstrated positive results in the treatment of relapsed or refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia or small lymphocytic lymphoma.

The FDA hold was announced in December 2020 following the diagnosis of one patient with hepatocellular carcinoma in the HOPE-B pivotal trial.

Directions in Oncology Pharmacy® is getting to know oncology pharmacy professionals through a series of interviews. In this issue, we talk to David DeRemer, PharmD, BCOP, FCCP, FHOPA, president of the Hematology/Oncology Pharmacy Association (HOPA) Board of Directors, whose term ends this month.

As the most accessible member of the health care team, the pharmacist can provide patients with cancer with the information and support necessary to get through what could be the most challenging time in their lives.

Loncastuximab tesirine-lpyl is a CD19-targeted antibody drug conjugate.

B cell activating factor appears to promote antibodies against, and inhibitors of, the missing blood clotting factor that is given to patients with hemophilia A to control their bleeding.

The study shows that brentuximab vedotin allowed for reduced radiation exposures and resulted in fewer adverse effects for patients, according to its authors.

Pharmacokinetic differences in pediatric patients should be considered when administering direct oral anticoagulants, as should potential administration difficulties when pellets or oral solutions are not available.

Selection of any BTK inhibitors for mantle cell lymphoma should consider factors such as cardiovascular or bleeding risks, predisposition for gastrointestinal adverse effects, and potential medication nonadherence.

CLL is the most common leukemia in adult patients in the western world, with 21,040 estimated new cases in 2020.

Promising investigational oncology drugs include oral taxanes, small molecule drugs, and immunotherapies.

Common factors that contributed to reported increased dissatisfaction at work include role conflict, quantity of work, workflow disruptions, organizational culture, and leadership support.

Even while therapeutically anticoagulated, patients with cancer have risk factors for recurring venous thromboembolism and bleeding, according to a session at the Hematology/Oncology Pharmacy Association 2021 Virtual Annual Conference.

During the initial CAR T-cell therapy period, the total cost of care ranged from $350,000 to more than $2 million.

In a presentation at the Community Oncology Alliance 2021 Virtual Conference, Jeff Sharman, MD, summarized the most important developments in care for CLL.

The researchers found that patients who reduced their calorie intake by 10% or more and adopted a moderate exercise program immediately after their diagnosis had, on average, 70% less chance of having lingering leukemia cells after a month of chemotherapy than those not on the diet-and-exercise regimen.

According to previous studies, youth who are obese when they begin chemotherapy are more than twice as likely to have remaining cancer cells after 1 month of treatment compared to their lean counterparts.

As hematology and oncology pharmacists have become increasingly essential members of the care team, new investigational drugs could have a significant impact on the treatment landscape.

In this high-risk population, strategies for minimizing viral exposure during a pandemic are being considered with oncology treatment options.

Isatuximab in combination with carfilzomib and dexamethasone reduced the risk of disease progression or death by 45% versus standard of care alone.

Although pediatric patients represent a small portion of total acute myeloid leukemia cases, clinicians said there is a critical need for more effective therapies in this population.

Anti-inflammatory therapies could be effective at preventing heart disease in patients with clonal hematopoiesis, a common age-related blood condition, according to a new study published in Nature.

In a clinical trial of idecabtagene vicleucel in multiple myeloma, the overall response rate for the efficacy evaluable population was 72%, and 28% of participants achieved a stringent complete response.

Teclistamab showed promising clinical activity and a tolerable safety profile in patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma.

The FDA has approved axicabtagene ciloleucel (Yescarta) for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma following 2 or more lines of systemic therapy.

There are specific treatment options patients may qualify for depending on the cytogenetic or molecular abnormality detected.

Investigators recommended avoiding risk factors such as smoking and switching to a transdermal administration route for testosterone.

The FDA has approved melphalan flufenamide (Pepaxto; melflufen) for use in combination with dexamethasone to treat adult patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma.