Leukemia
The European Hematology Association (EHA) 2026 Congress brought together the global hematology community to unveil the latest practice-shaping advances in hematological malignancies and blood disorders. From plenary and late-breaking trial results to prestigious award winners, novel therapeutics, translational science and emerging technologies, the meeting delivered a vast volume of data. In this expert-led round-up, leading specialists distil the most important data and key takeaways from across each disease area, offering an essential guide to the studies set to shape the future of hematology.
At EHA 2026, Erik Aerts, President of the hematology Nurses & Healthcare Professionals Group, highlighted the dual pressures shaping hematology nursing: rapidly increasing treatment complexity and a growing workforce shortage across Europe. He outlined how HNHCP is responding through expanded education, new learning programmes in AML, ALL and MPNs, and stronger international collaboration to support nurses in an evolving therapeutic landscape.
At EHA 2026, Prof George Vassiliou discusses the discoveries behind his Research Excellence Award, from defining clonal haematopoiesis as a precursor to blood cancer to uncovering new therapeutic vulnerabilities in AML. He explains why early detection and prevention may represent the next major shift in haematology—and why menin inhibitors, BCL2 inhibitors, and CAR T-cell therapies are reshaping the field.
Following his 2026 EHA Clinical Excellence Award, Prof Josep-Maria Ribera reflects on the transformation of acute lymphoblastic leukemia from a broadly treated disease into an increasingly molecularly stratified entity. In this interview, he discusses the rise of immunotherapy, the importance of combining targeted and immune-based approaches, and why understanding the growing number of ALL subtypes will be central to future progress.
At the European Hematology Association Congress 2026, the phase 3 BRUIN CLL-322 trial showed that fixed-duration Pirtobrutinib plus Venetoclax–Rituximab significantly improved progression-free survival versus venetoclax–rituximab alone in relapsed/refractory Chronic lymphocytic leukemia/Small lymphocytic lymphoma, with higher undetectable MRD rates and similar safety. Speaking after his presentation, Dr Matthew Davids said the findings could help establish a new fixed-duration standard of care in relapsed disease.
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.
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.
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 67th ASH Annual Meeting and Exposition brought over 30,000+ attendees, 5,000+ novel abstracts and 275+ exhibitors corporate supporters, academic leaders and patient-advocacy groups. The meeting highlighted innovations ranging from novel agents to real-world evidence and patient-centred care. In this article, hear from the experts on the key breakthroughs and clinical insights set to shape the future of haematology practice.
Discover the practice-changing data shaping the future of myeloma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia and small lymphocytic lymphoma. Our ASH25 coverage highlights the pivotal Majestec-3 results, emerging CAR T-cell innovations, and the landmark BRUIN CLL-313 trial poised to redefine first-line therapy. With expert commentary from Prof. Meletios-Athanasios Dimopoulos, this in-depth analysis uncovers what these breakthroughs mean for clinical practice.
Learn more about the six highly anticipated late-breaking abstracts at ASH 2025. From in-vivo CAR-T technology and novel ITP strategies to genomic diagnostics and pragmatic perioperative trials. These data showcase fresh, innovative research, potential practice shifts and early signals that we will all want to follow closely.
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