Hematology Times
EHA 2012
Nanobody can treat/prevent TTP in baboons
Baboons in Tanzania
Credit: Charles J. Sharp Results of a preclinical, industry-run study indicate that a novel nanobody can reverse and prevent the symptoms of acquired thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). The nanobody—called ALX-0681—prevented and fully reversed thrombocytopenia and schistocytic hemolytic anemia in baboon models. And the drug did not confer an increased risk of bleeding, brain injury, or renal failure. Filip Callewaert, PhD, a researcher at Ablynx NV, the Belgium-based company . . . [Read Article] Gene sequencing reveals complex architecture of MM
Niccolò Bolli, MD, PhD
Using whole-exome sequencing, researchers have gained new insight into the clonal architecture of multiple myeloma (MM). The investigators also uncovered new information about the role of BRAF in MM. And both of these findings likely have important clinical implications, according to Niccolò Bolli, MD, PhD, of the University of Cambridge in the UK. Dr Bolli presented the findings at the 17th Annual Congress of the European Hematology Association as abstract 571, which was chosen as one of the meeting’s “best abstracts.” [Read Article] Drug for aHUS effective but expensive
Attendees at the 17th Annual
Congress of the EHA Photo courtesy of EHA Eculizumab elicits “phenomenal” results in atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS), according to two presentations given at the 17th Annual Congress of the European Hematology Association. But, as one speaker pointed out, the drug may prove too expensive for a lot of patients. “It’s the most expensive drug I’ve ever come across in my entire life,” said Adrian Newland, MD, of Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry in the UK. He noted that the drug costs about . . . [Read Article] Team discovers novel drivers of T-ALL
Kim De Keersmaecker, PhD
Photo courtesy of EHA Using whole-exome sequencing, a group of researchers has identified 7 new genes as drivers of T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL). The team also uncovered differences in mutation incidence between adult patients and children with the disease. Kim De Keersmaecker, PhD, of Katholieke Universiteit Leuven in Belgium, and her colleagues conducted this research and presented their results at the 17th Annual Congress of the European Hematology Association. [Read Article] Antibody proves active in aggressive B-cell malignancies
Attendees at the 17th Annual
Congress of the EHA Photo courtesy of EHA A novel trifunctional antibody can provide relief for pediatric patients with highly refractory B-cell malignancies, a small study suggests. The antibody, called FBTA05, elicited complete responses in 5 of 10 patients with heavily pretreated non-Hodgkin lymphoma or acute leukemia. The drug also enabled long-term survival in 2 patients and was generally well-tolerated. Friedhelm Schuster, MD, PhD, presented these results at the 17th Annual Congress of the European Hematology Association. [Read Article] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
