The 2025 American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting highlighted a range of trials and analyses that could influence standards of care across multiple hematologic malignancies. Researchers presented data on novel agents, combination regimens, and real-world outcomes in multiple myeloma, leukemia, lymphoma, and other blood cancers.
1. Poorer outcomes for Black patients undergoing intensive chemotherapy for AML
A 30-year retrospective analysis of 10 ECOG‑ACRIN phase 2 and 3 trials (1984–2019) found that Black patients with acute myeloid leukemia had a 31.3% greater risk of disease recurrence or death and a 21.2% higher risk of death than White patients. Overall survival hazard ratio was 1.21 (95% CI, 1.01–1.45; P = .038) and disease‑free survival HR was 1.31 (95% CI, 1.05–1.64). Investigators called for analyses integrating ancestry, social factors, and comprehensive genomic profiling to clarify drivers of these disparities.
2. Epcoritamab combination improves outcomes in second‑line relapsed/refractory follicular lymphoma
The phase 3 EPCORE FL‑1 trial showed fixed‑duration epcoritamab-bysp plus rituximab and lenalidomide (R2) significantly improved progression‑free survival versus R2 alone. Median PFS was not estimable with the epcoritamab combination versus 11.7 months with R2 (HR, 0.21; P < .0001); objective response rates were 95% versus 79%. Investigators described the regimen as a new benchmark for second‑line therapy. The FDA approved epcoritamab plus R2 for relapsed/refractory follicular lymphoma in November 2025.
3. Chemo‑free option for Ph+ ALL with blinatumomab and ponatinib
In the phase 3 GIMEMA ALL2820 trial, blinatumomab plus ponatinib outperformed imatinib plus chemotherapy in Philadelphia‑positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Complete hematologic response rates were 94.3% versus 79.4% (P = .004). Authors noted a significant advantage for a chemotherapy‑free, targeted immunotherapeutic approach in this population.
4. Earlier use of cilta‑cel linked to better survival in multiple myeloma
A correlative analysis combining CARTITUDE‑1 and CARTITUDE‑4 data showed that earlier administration of ciltacabtagene autoleucel was associated with improved survival in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma. Patients treated after one prior line had the highest survival rates, supporting use of cilta‑cel earlier in the treatment course.
5. Talquetamab plus teclistamab yields responses in extramedullary myeloma
The phase 2 RedirecTT‑1 trial reported deep, durable responses with talquetamab‑tgvs combined with teclistamab‑cqyv in triple‑class‑exposed relapsed/refractory myeloma with true extramedullary disease. Overall response rate was 79% with a median time to first response of 2.6 months and median duration of response not reached; 12‑month DOR rate was 62.1%. Responses were generally higher in patients with lower baseline EMD volume but were also observed in those with higher volumes.
6. Real‑world elranatamab shows activity in elderly, frail myeloma patients
Real‑world data indicated elranatamab‑bcmm produced maintained responses in elderly and frail relapsed/refractory myeloma patients, with numerically shorter PFS but improved response rates compared with teclistamab. Elevated lactate dehydrogenase was associated with worse PFS (HR, 1.3) and OS (HR, 1.4), and prior exposure to BCMA‑directed therapies correlated with lower likelihood of complete response (adjusted OR, 0.32; P = .037).
7. Linvoseltamab shows high response rates in newly diagnosed myeloma
Early results from the phase 1/2 LINKER‑MM4 trial found that among 43 evaluable newly diagnosed patients, 56% achieved very good partial response or better and 26% achieved complete response or better; 82% of complete responses occurred within six months. Investigators described a favorable benefit‑risk profile for linvoseltamab in this setting.
8. Azacitidine plus venetoclax improves event‑free survival in AML
The phase 2 PARADIGM trial reported longer event‑free survival with azacitidine plus venetoclax versus intensive induction chemotherapy in AML: median EFS 14.6 months versus 6.2 months, with 1‑year EFS rates of 53% versus 39%. Investigators suggested the combination as an option for functionally fit, transplant‑eligible patients with intermediate or adverse‑risk, FLT3 wild‑type disease.
9. Fixed‑duration venetoclax combinations noninferior to continuous ibrutinib in CLL
The phase 3 CLL17 trial found that fixed‑duration venetoclax plus obinutuzumab or venetoclax plus ibrutinib produced noninferior progression‑free survival compared with continuous single‑agent ibrutinib in previously untreated chronic lymphocytic leukemia (HRs 0.87 and 0.84, respectively, with adjusted confidence intervals). Investigators recommended considering fixed‑duration regimens to allow treatment‑free intervals for most patients.
10. Gintemetostat shows single‑agent activity in heavily pretreated myeloma
A phase 1 study of gintemetostat (KTX‑1001) in heavily pretreated relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma reported signs of single‑agent activity: among 40 evaluable patients there was one very good partial response, one partial response, two minimal responses and 12 cases of stable disease. Early data indicated a favorable safety and tolerability profile.
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