Top in hem/onc: COVID-19 and VTE risk, CAR T-cell therapy approval
Researchers in China identified an increased risk for symptomatic venous thromboembolism in patients hospitalized with COVID-19. It was the top story in hematology/oncology last week.
The FDA approval of the first chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy for multiple myeloma was another top story. According to the agency, Abecma (idecabtagene vicleucel; Bristol Myers Squibb, bluebird bio) attacks the B-cell maturation antigen when it is expressed on the surface of cancer cells.
Read these and more top stories in hematology/oncology below:
Patients with COVID-19 at high risk for symptomatic VTE
Patients hospitalized with severe and non-severe COVID-19 appeared to be at increased risk for symptomatic venous thromboembolism, according to study results published in Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis. Read more.
FDA approves Abecma, first CAR T-cell therapy for multiple myeloma
The FDA approved idecabtagene vicleucel for the treatment of adults with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. The indication applies to patients who received at least four previous lines of therapy, including an immunomodulatory agent, a proteasome inhibitor and an anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody. Read more.
Incidence of lung cancer brain metastases has increased during COVID-19
Patients with non-small cell lung cancer presented with brain metastases at higher rates during the COVID-19 pandemic compared with historical rates, according to prospective data presented at European Lung Cancer Virtual Congress 2021. Read more.
FDA approves Sarclisa-based regimen for multiple myeloma
The FDA approved Sarclisa (isatuximab-irfc; Sanofi-Aventis) for use in combination with Kyprolis (carfilzomib, Amgen) and dexamethasone for the treatment of adults with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma who previously received one to three prior lines of therapy. Read more.
Adjuvant therapy does not extend survival in high-risk endometrial cancer
Postoperative systemic or radiation therapy did not extend survival for women with high-risk stage I endometrial cancer, according to results presented at the virtual Society of Gynecologic Oncology Annual Meeting on Women’s Cancer. Read more.