City of Hope®, one of the largest and most advanced cancer research and treatment organizations in the U.S., presented groundbreaking findings at the ASH Annual Conference in San Diego from Dec. 7 to 10. Recognized among the nation’s top five cancer centers by U.S. News & World Report, City of Hope experts showcased innovations in blood cancer therapies, side effect management, and risk prediction models.
Advances in Acute Leukemia Treatment
Dr. Ibrahim Aldoss shared updated results from a phase 2 study on revumenib, targeting KMT2Ar mutations in acute leukemias. The study demonstrated high rates of complete remission and a tolerable safety profile, with 64% of heavily pretreated patients responding to the therapy. Revumenib’s success led to FDA approval, offering new hope for high-risk patients.
Early CAR T Cell Therapy in Older Adults with B-ALL
Dr. Aldoss also reported on the use of CD19 CAR T cell therapy for older adults with B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL). Preliminary findings showed that a single infusion during remission was well-tolerated and provided durable remission without the need for additional treatments. This approach may redefine treatment for older B-ALL patients.
CAR T Therapy for Transformed Indolent Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
Dr. Swetha Kambhampati Thiruvengadam led a multicenter study evaluating CD19 CAR T therapy in transformed indolent non-Hodgkin lymphoma (tiNHL). Results revealed higher response rates and lower toxicity for tiNHL patients compared to those with de novo aggressive B cell lymphoma. This study highlights the potential for CAR T therapy in earlier treatment stages.
Novel Therapy for Rare Cytotoxic T Cell Lymphomas
Dr. Jasmine Zain presented promising phase 1 results for an anti-CD94 monoclonal antibody therapy targeting rare cytotoxic T cell lymphomas. The trial achieved an overall response rate of 33%, including complete responses, with manageable side effects. This therapy could transform treatment for these rare and fatal cancers.
Combination Therapy for Cutaneous T Cell Lymphomas
Dr. Christiane Querfeld shared findings from a study combining durvalumab with lenalidomide for cutaneous T cell lymphomas (CTCL). The combination therapy significantly outperformed durvalumab alone, with a 75% overall response rate and longer progression-free survival. These results may provide new hope for CTCL patients, particularly those in underserved populations.
Predicting Transplant Outcomes with CHARM
Dr. Andrew Artz introduced CHARM, a risk assessment model for older hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) patients. CHARM accurately predicts complications and functional recovery, enabling better patient selection and personalized care.
Engineered T Cells to Reduce Transplant Relapse
Dr. Monzr M. Al Malki reported on a trial using engineered donor T cells targeting residual disease in transplant patients. Early results showed significantly reduced relapse rates, indicating the potential for extending survival in high-risk populations.
Targeting AML Stem Cells with AOH1996
Dr. HyunJun Kang presented preclinical findings on AOH1996, a PCNA inhibitor that selectively targets leukemia stem cells in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). When combined with venetoclax, AOH1996 enhanced survival rates in animal models, paving the way for clinical trials.
Preventing GVHD in Transplant Patients
Dr. Haris Ali shared results from a phase 2a trial combining itacitinib with standard GVHD prophylaxis. This approach improved GVHD-free, relapse-free survival rates compared to historical benchmarks, offering a promising strategy for transplant patients.
City of Hope’s contributions to the ASH conference underscore its leadership in advancing cancer research and treatment, particularly for rare and underserved patient populations.
