EHA

Late-breaking data from the phase 3 SENTRY trial show that selinexor plus ruxolitinib significantly improved spleen volume reduction in JAK inhibitor–naïve myelofibrosis, with rapid and sustained responses and an early signal for overall survival benefit. While symptom improvement was comparable to ruxolitinib alone, exploratory biomarker findings suggest potential disease-modifying activity, positioning the combination as a possible new frontline strategy.

New data presented at EHa 2026 by Prof Yizhen Li identify CD5 as a key intrinsic regulator of T-cell engager (TCE) efficacy, with potential implications across both hematologic malignancies and solid tumors. In the plenary abstract, investigators used genome-wide and targeted CRISPR knockout screens in primary human CD8+ T cells exposed to the CD19×CD3 bispecific Blinatumomab to identify T cell–intrinsic mechanisms limiting response. Importantly, the effect extended beyond B-ALL to multiple CD3-engaging bispecifics targeting CD20, BCMA, GPRC5D, DLL3, and GD2, supporting CD5 as a potentially generalizable therapeutic target for amplifying TCE efficacy.

For almost two decades, R-CHOP has remained the established frontline standard for DLBCL, yet approximately 40% of patients are not cured with first-line therapy. At EHA 2026, Prof Georg Lenz presented new phase 3 data from the frontMIND study suggesting that this long-standing backbone may now be open to improvement. The study showed that adding tafasitamab and lenalidomide to R-CHOP significantly improved progression-free survival (PFS) in previously untreated patients with high-risk DLBCL and high-grade B-cell lymphoma (HGBL), marking one of the first positive frontline intensification trials in this setting in recent years.

The AIEOP-BFM ALL 2017 trial represents one of the clearest demonstrations to date that frontline immunotherapy can outperform and out-safeguard conventional chemotherapy in pediatric ALL. Beyond its immediate implications for high-risk disease, the study may provide the framework for broader treatment redesign across ALL risk groups, with future trials now focused on how far chemotherapy exposure can be safely reduced while preserving—and potentially improving—long-term cure. In this exclusive Q&A, Prof Martin Schrappe suggests this may be only the beginning of chemotherapy de-escalation in childhood ALL.

AML harbouring NPM1 mutation or KMT2A rearrangement accounts for around 35–40% of cases and is driven by aberrant menin-dependent transcriptional programmes. EHA 2026, Dr Amer Zeidanpresented updated long-term results from the intensive induction cohort of KOMET-007, evaluating ziftomenib 600 mg in combination with 7+3 in newly diagnosed NPM1-mutated and KMT2A-rearranged AML. In the following Q&A, Dr Zeidan discusses the biological rationale for menin inhibition, the ongoing unmet need in NPM1-mutated AML, and the potential of KOMET-007 to reshape frontline treatment strategies.

As 2025 draws to a close, we’re celebrating another remarkable year of growth, collaboration and innovation at touchHAEMATOLOGY. From thought-provoking expert interviews and peer-reviewed research to dynamic conference coverage and an expanding portfolio of medical education, this year has been defined by meaningful conversations and impactful learning. We’ve had the privilege of engaging with leading clinicians, researchers and partner societies across the globe - bringing together diverse voices to support the haematology community with timely, accessible and authoritative content. As we reflect on the past 12 months, we’re proud to highlight the moments, milestones and stories that shaped our year.

2025 has brought exciting developments in haematology, with groundbreaking research and real-world progress showcased at EHA, ASH, EBMT and many more leading conferences around the world. We asked our key faculty to share what they believe has been most impactful so far this year – here’s what they told us.

CML experts consider early-line treatment and how quality of life can be optimized.

As part of touchHAEMATOLOGY Future Leaders 2025, Dr Simona Maria Di Modica shares the inspirations, discoveries, and future directions that shape her work at the intersection of iron metabolism and erythropoiesis.