The APOLLO trial investigated the efficacy of combining all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) and arsenic trioxide (ATO) versus the standard of care, ATRA and chemotherapy (CHT) in high-risk acute promyelocytic leukaemia (HR-APL). Despite early study termination due to the COVID-19 pandemic, 131 patients were analyzed. Results showed that ATRA-ATO achieved a 2-year event-free survival (EFS) of 89%, compared to 72% for ATRA-CHT. Both regimens had similar early death rates, but molecular relapse occurred only in the ATRA-CHT group. ATRA-ATO with initial idarubicin doses demonstrated superior outcomes, suggesting potential as a new standard for HR-APL.

Dr. Mandy Lauw, outgoing Chair of the YoungEHA Committee, discusses how YoungEHA supports young hematology professionals and offers tips on maximizing the EHA Congress for career development. Topics covered include the main aim and mission of YoungEHA, YoungEHA's contributions to this year’s EHA Congress and throughout the year, how young professionals can get the most out of the EHA Congress and its available activities and resources, making the most of virtual attendance, the main aims of the YoungEHA committee for the coming year and Dr. Lauw's hopes for the committee's future.

The EORTC-1537-COBRA trial investigated the efficacy of very early FDG-PET/CT response-adapted therapy in patients with advanced-stage Hodgkin lymphoma using brentuximab vedotin-containing regimens, i.e. brentuximab vedotin, doxorubicin, vinblastine and dacarbazine (A-AVD); and brentuximab vedotin, etoposide, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, dacarbazine and dexamethasone (BrECADD). This phase II study enrolled 150 patients, all of whom received an initial cycle of A-AVD, followed by an early PET/CT scan. Patients with negative PET results (Deauville scores 1–3) continued with A-AVD, while those with positive results (scores 4–5) switched to BrECADD. Radiotherapy was given only to those with residual PET positivity after chemotherapy.

The phase III DREAMM-7 trial evaluated the efficacy and safety of belantamab mafodotin plus bortezomib and dexamethasone (BVd) compared to daratumumab plus bortezomib and dexamethasone (DVd) in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) patients with ≥1 prior therapy. Involving 494 patients, the study found that BVd significantly improved progression-free survival (PFS) (36.6 months versus 13.4 months) and showed a strong trend towards improved overall survival (OS). BVd also resulted in a higher overall response rate (82.7% versus 71.3%) and longer median duration of response (35.6 months versus 17.8 months). Grade 3/4 adverse events were higher in the BVd group (90% versus 67%), including more frequent but manageable ocular events. These results support BVd as a potential new standard of care for RRMM.

The phase II RESTORE trial evaluated elritercept (KER-050), an investigational treatment for myelofibrosis (MF) and ruxolitinib-associated cytopenias. Elritercept, targeting specific transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) ligands to improve haematopoiesis, was tested alone and in combination with ruxolitinib. In Part 1 (N=41), the trial assessed safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and efficacy across doses (0.75-4.5 mg/kg). Results showed a 37% transfusion dependency among participants, with common adverse events including diarrhoea (22%), thrombocytopaenia (17%) and fatigue (15%). The recommended dose for Part 2 was 3.75 mg/kg, up-titrated to 5.0 mg/kg. Erythropoiesis improved in non-transfusion-dependent participants, with 54% showing increased hemoglobin (Hgb). Transfusion burden was reduced by ≥50% in 38% of transfusion-dependent participants. Additionally, spleen size and symptom scores decreased in 57% and 67% of evaluable participants, respectively. Elritercept showed potential to treat MF-related anemia, cytopenias, and splenomegaly, warranting further analysis.