Hematologic Malignancies

Several important lymphoma studies presented at ASCO 2026 provided new data across newly diagnosed and relapsed/refractory disease settings. The studies spanned aggressive B-cell lymphomas and classic Hodgkin lymphoma, evaluating novel antibody-based combinations, epigenetic targeting strategies and chemotherapy-sparing approaches. Dr Tycel Phillips provides his expert insights into the six most important studies of the meeting.

At EBMT26, Prof Meral Beksac discusses data from the phase III PERSEUS trial, where adding daratumumab to standard VRd induction and consolidation – followed by daratumumab–lenalidomide maintenance – has delivered striking gains in sustained MRD negativity and progression-free survival. The findings reinforce a shift toward quadruplet therapy as the new standard of care in TE NDMM.

The panel reviews treatment decision-making and monitoring for patients with chronic-phase chronic myeloid leukaemia on tyrosine kinase inhibitors.

We often focus on clinical excellence, but spend less time developing broader skills that could help us better lead with purpose and build more fulfilling, impactful careers. In this episode, part of a mini-series in partnership with LEADderm, Dr Jennifer Soung and Denise Mann explore how clinicians can engage with the media to educate, empower and extend their impact beyond the clinic.

In this edition of Haematology Horizons, we speak with Dr Hannah Levavi about the transformative role of immunotherapy in ALL. Dr. Levavi highlights how agents such as blinatumomab, inotuzumab and CD19-directed CAR-T therapies are reshaping frontline approaches, particularly for older or unfit patients traditionally unable to tolerate intensive chemotherapy.

Key takeaways Primary endpoint not met, but promising trends observed – The Galleri® test did not achieve a statistically significant reduction in combined Stage III–IV cancer diagnoses, but showed favourable shifts toward earlier detection in 12 high-risk cancers. Reduction in late-stage ...

As part of our Haematology Horizons practice pearl series, Dr Douglas Tremblay (Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, NY, USA) explores the contemporary role and limitations of HMAs across chronic myelomonocytic leukaemia subtypes, contrasts treatment goals by patient fitness and transplant eligibility and looks ahead to emerging HMA combinations and novel agents designed specifically for CMML.

In the randomized phase II PARADIGM trial, azacitidine plus venetoclax outperformed intensive chemotherapy in fit patients with newly diagnosed AML, improving event-free survival and response rates while reducing hospitalization and symptom burden. Patients receiving aza-ven were more likely to proceed to transplant and reported better quality of life, supporting its potential role as an alternative frontline strategy.

The FDA has awarded orphan drug designation to zavabresib for myelofibrosis, recognizing early clinical evidence of meaningful spleen size reduction and a manageable safety profile in combination with ruxolitinib. Interim data show durable responses in a subset of patients who had inadequate benefit from ruxolitinib alone, setting the stage for further development of this investigational bromodomain and extra-terminal (BET) inhibitor in advanced myelofibrosis treatment.