© Todd Buchanan 2017
The 2017 ASH Annual Meeting Photo courtesy of ASH
An additional presentation has been added to the late-breaking abstract session of the 2018 ASH Annual Meeting.
The session was expanded from six abstracts to seven this year because of a record number of “exciting” submissions, according to ASH Secretary Robert A. Brodsky, MD, of Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland.
“We received 98 late-breaking abstracts, which is a record,” Dr. Brodsky said.
“They were so exciting this year that we added a seventh, and, quite frankly, we could have added several more, but we just didn’t have time in the meeting.”
Dr. Brodsky discussed this year’s late-breaking abstracts during a recent press briefing.
Abstract LBA-1 reports results of rivaroxaban thromboprophylaxis in cancer patients with an increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE). Compared to placebo, rivaroxaban significantly reduced VTE and VTE-related death during treatment but not over the entire study period.
Abstract LBA-2 describes a phase 3, randomized trial comparing daratumumab plus lenalidomide and dexamethasone to lenalidomide and dexamethasone in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma who are ineligible for transplant. The addition of daratumumab reduced the risk of disease progression or death by 45%.
Abstract LBA-3 details results with HemoTypeSC, a test used to detect sickle cell trait and sickle cell disease. The test correctly identified all phenotypes in the 1,000 children studied.
Abstract LBA-4 describes a randomized, phase 3 study comparing ibrutinib plus rituximab to fludarabine, cyclophosphamide, and rituximab in younger patients with untreated chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Investigators found that ibrutinib plus rituximab provided significantly better progression-free and overall survival than the three-drug combination.
Abstract LBA-5 details a strategy for direct oral anticoagulant use in patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing surgery. Investigators say the strategy is likely to be “practice-changing” and incorporated into guidelines.
Abstract LBA-6 covers a trial of emapalumab in patients with primary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis. Emapalumab, which was recently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, produced responses in most of the 34 patients studied and had a favorable safety profile, according to investigators.
Abstract LBA-7 reports the discovery of a recurrent mutation in BCL2 that confers resistance to venetoclax in patients with progressive CLL. Investigators say this mutation could be a biomarker of CLL relapse.