Tag: ash-2025-the-top-10-takeaways-for-hematologic-oncology-care

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.

The 2025 American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting showcased data that may reshape treatment approaches across multiple hematologic malignancies. Researchers presented findings in myeloma, leukemia, lymphoma and other blood cancers that highlight new agents, combinations and real-world outcomes.

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 Black patients treated with intensive chemotherapy for acute myeloid leukemia had a 31.3% greater risk of disease recurrence or death and a 21.2% higher risk of death compared with White patients. Hazard ratios were 1.212 for overall survival and 1.313 for disease-free survival. Investigators called for analyses integrating ancestry, social factors and comprehensive genomic profiling to clarify drivers of outcome disparities.

2. Epcoritamab combo improves outcomes in second-line relapsed/refractory follicular lymphoma
The phase 3 EPCORE FL-1 trial showed fixed-duration epcoritamab plus rituximab and lenalidomide significantly improved progression-free survival and response rates versus rituximab-lenalidomide alone. Median PFS was not estimable with the epcoritamab combination versus 11.7 months with R2 (HR 0.21; P < .0001), and objective response rates were 95% versus 79%. Investigators described the regimen as a new benchmark for second-line follicular lymphoma. The FDA approved epcoritamab plus R2 in November 2025 based on these data.

3. Chemo-free option for Ph+ ALL with blinatumomab and ponatinib
The phase 3 GIMEMA ALL2820 trial favored a chemotherapy-free regimen of blinatumomab plus ponatinib over imatinib plus chemotherapy in Philadelphia-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Complete hematologic responses occurred in 94.3% of patients in the blinatumomab arm versus 79.4% in the comparator arm (P = .004), supporting a targeted immunotherapeutic approach without conventional chemotherapy.

4. Survival benefit with earlier use of cilta-cel in multiple myeloma
A correlative analysis of CARTITUDE-1 and CARTITUDE-4 trials found that ciltacabtagene autoleucel produced better survival outcomes when used earlier in the relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma treatment course. Patients with a single prior line of therapy had the highest survival compared with those who had received two or more prior lines, supporting earlier intervention with cilta-cel.

5. Talquetamab plus teclistamab yields deep, durable responses in myeloma with extramedullary disease
In the phase 2 RedirecTT-1 trial, talquetamab combined with teclistamab produced an objective response rate of 79% in triple-class exposed relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma with true extramedullary disease. Median time to first response was 2.6 months, median duration of response was not reached, and the 12-month DOR rate was 62.1%. Responses were generally higher in patients with lower baseline EMD volumes but remained meaningful in those with higher volumes.

6. Real-world elranatamab maintains activity in elderly, frail myeloma patients
Real-world data showed elranatamab produced higher response rates but numerically shorter progression-free survival compared with teclistamab among patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma. Higher lactate dehydrogenase was associated with worse PFS and OS, and prior exposure to BCMA-directed therapy correlated with lower rates of complete response. Investigators emphasized elranatamab’s role beyond clinical-trial populations and the need for optimized supportive care.

7. Linvoseltamab demonstrates high responses in newly diagnosed myeloma
In the phase 1/2 LINKER-MM4 trial, linvoseltamab produced notable responses in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma: among 43 evaluable patients, 56% achieved very good partial response or better and 26% achieved complete response or better, with 82% of complete responses occurring within six months. Investigators reported a favorable benefit–risk profile in this setting.

8. Azacitidine plus venetoclax improves event-free survival in AML
The phase 2 PARADIGM trial found that azacitidine combined with venetoclax prolonged event-free survival compared with intensive induction chemotherapy in patients with acute myeloid leukemia. Median EFS was 14.6 months with azacitidine–venetoclax versus 6.2 months with chemotherapy, with 1-year EFS rates of 53% and 39%, respectively. Findings support using the combination in functionally fit, transplant-eligible patients with intermediate or adverse risk, FLT3-wild-type AML.

9. Fixed-duration venetoclax combinations noninferior to continuous ibrutinib in CLL
The phase 3 CLL17 trial showed fixed-duration venetoclax plus obinutuzumab or venetoclax plus ibrutinib provided progression-free survival noninferior to continuous single-agent ibrutinib in previously untreated chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Results support considering fixed-duration therapy to allow treatment-free intervals for most patients with previously untreated CLL.

10. Gintemetostat shows single-agent activity in heavily pretreated myeloma
A phase 1 study reported preliminary single-agent activity with the EZH inhibitor gintemetostat in heavily pretreated relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma. Among 40 evaluable patients investigators observed one very good partial response, one partial response, two minimal responses and 12 cases of stable disease, with a favorable safety and tolerability profile in dose escalation.

These findings from ASH 2025 highlight emerging therapies and treatment strategies with the potential to alter standards of care across hematologic malignancies.

The 2025 American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting presented data poised to influence standards of care across multiple myeloma, leukemia, lymphoma, and other blood cancers. CancerNetwork highlighted the top 10 findings that could shift hematologic oncology practice.

1. A 30-year retrospective analysis of 10 ECOG-ACRIN phase 2 and 3 trials (1984–2019) found Black patients with acute myeloid leukemia had worse outcomes after intensive chemotherapy, with a 31.3% greater risk of disease recurrence or death and a 21.2% higher risk of death than White patients. Hazard ratios were 1.212 for overall survival (95% CI, 1.01–1.453; P = .0383) and 1.313 for disease-free survival (95% CI, 1.05–1.641). Investigators called for larger datasets that integrate ancestry, social determinants, and genomic profiling to clarify these disparities.

2. The phase 3 EPCORE FL-1 trial showed fixed-duration epcoritamab-bysp plus rituximab and lenalidomide (R2) significantly improved progression-free survival and response rates versus R2 alone in relapsed/refractory follicular lymphoma. Median PFS was not estimable with the epcoritamab regimen versus 11.7 months with R2 (HR, 0.21; 95% CI, 0.14–0.31; P < .0001); objective response rates were 95% versus 79%. The FDA approved epcoritamab plus R2 for relapsed/refractory follicular lymphoma in November 2025.

3. In the phase 3 GIMEMA ALL2820 trial, blinatumomab plus ponatinib outperformed imatinib plus chemotherapy for Philadelphia-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia, with complete hematologic responses of 94.3% versus 79.4% (P = .004), supporting a chemotherapy-free targeted immunotherapy approach in this population.

4. A correlative analysis of CARTITUDE-1 and CARTITUDE-4 indicated earlier use of ciltacabtagene autoleucel in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma was associated with better survival outcomes; patients with only one prior line of therapy had the highest survival rates, supporting earlier intervention with cilta-cel.

5. The phase 2 RedirecTT-1 trial reported deep, durable responses with talquetamab plus teclistamab in triple-class–exposed relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma with true extramedullary disease. Overall response rate was 79% (95% CI, 69%–87%), median time to first response 2.6 months, median duration of response not reached, and 12‑month DOR rate of 62.1% (95% CI, 49.0%–72.7%). Responses were higher in patients with lower baseline EMD volume but remained comparable to overall reports in those with higher volumes.

6. Real-world data showed elranatamab maintained responses in elderly, frail patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma, with numerically shorter PFS but higher response rates versus 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 a lower rate of complete response or better (adjusted OR, 0.32; P = .037).

7. The phase 1/2 LINKER-MM4 trial of linvoseltamab in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma reported that among 43 evaluable patients, 56% achieved very good partial response or better, 26% achieved complete response or better, and 82% of complete responders achieved that status within six months, supporting a favorable benefit–risk profile.

8. The phase 2 PARADIGM trial found azacitidine plus venetoclax prolonged event-free survival compared with intensive induction chemotherapy in AML, with median EFS of 14.6 months versus 6.2 months and one‑year rates of 53% versus 39%. Investigators said the data support azacitidine and venetoclax for functionally fit, transplant-eligible patients with intermediate or adverse‑risk, FLT3‑wild‑type AML.

9. The phase 3 CLL17 trial showed fixed‑duration venetoclax combinations were noninferior for PFS compared with continuous ibrutinib in previously untreated chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Hazard ratios were 0.87 (venetoclax/obinutuzumab vs ibrutinib; adjusted 98.3% CI, 0.54–1.41) and 0.84 (venetoclax/ibrutinib vs ibrutinib; adjusted 98.0% CI, 0.53–1.32). Investigators noted these results support considering fixed‑duration therapy to enable treatment‑free intervals for most previously untreated patients.

10. A phase 1 study of gintemetostat monotherapy in heavily pretreated relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma showed preliminary single‑agent activity among 40 evaluable patients: one very good partial response, one partial response, two minimal responses, and 12 instances of stable disease. Dose‑escalation findings indicated favorable safety, tolerability, and disease control.