J. Blokken PhD, PharmD

Navigating secondary acute myeloid leukaemia in 2023

SUMMARY

In 2022, both the World Health Organisation (WHO) and International Consensus Classification (ICC) have updated the classification of acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) in order to reflect recent advances in disease understanding. In terms of secondary AML, there are now new definitions of therapy-related AML and AML with myelodysplasia-related changes. Furthermore, it is becoming more and more clear that also older patients benefit from intensive chemotherapy, followed by haematopoietic stem cell transplantation. With regard to Vyxeos Liposomal, a multitude of real-world studies could confirm the safety and efficacy that was observed in the randomised, phase III Study 301.

Highlights in acute myeloid leukaemia and myelodysplastic syndromes

SUMMARY

EHA 2023 again featured a plethora of interesting oral abstracts and poster presentations in the field of acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). In this article, we will highlight some of the most promising data with regard to AML clinical studies, novel combinations in the treatment of AML and risk stratification. Furthermore, we will discuss some important clinical updates in the field of MDS.

(BELG J HEMATOL 2023;14(5):221–5)

Journal scan

SUMMARY

In this section of the Belgian Journal of Hematology (BJH), we aim to provide a snapshot of pivotal studies published in recent issues of the most important international journals focusing on haematology. Importantly, the selection of the studies discussed here is the sole responsibility of the publisher and was not influenced by third parties. Do you miss an important study, or did you read a hidden jewel that deserves to be shared with your colleagues? Please, let us know (editor@bjh.be) and we will make sure to include it in the journal scan section of the next BJH issue.

(BELG J HEMATOL 2023;14(4):192–5)

Journal Scan

SUMMARY

In this section of the Belgian Journal of Hematology (BJH), we aim to provide a snapshot of pivotal studies published in recent issues of the most important international journals focusing on haematology. Importantly, the selection of the studies discussed here is the sole responsibility of the publisher and was not influenced by third parties. Do you miss an important study, or did you read a hidden jewel that deserves to be shared with your colleagues? Please, let us know (editor@bjh.be) and we will make sure to include it in the journal scan section of the next BJH issue.

(BELG J HEMATOL 2023;14(3):145–8)

BeQuinT: Past and future activities

In 2011, the Belgian health authorities established the Belgian Quality in Transfusion (BeQuinT) committee to improve the quality of transfusion practice and hemovigilance in Belgian Hospitals. Following the international shift from a product-centred to a patient-centred focus, the scope of BeQuinT was enlarged in 2018 by supporting the implementation of Patient Blood Management (PBM) and measuring the results through indicators. During the 38^th General Annual Meeting of the Belgian Hematology Society (BHS), anaesthesiologist Sarah Lessire (CHU UCL Namur, Namur) presented an overview of the past and future activities of BeQuinT.

Bispecific monoclonal antibodies for the treatment of lymphoma and multiple myeloma

Bispecific antibodies (BsAbs) represent a promising new treatment modality for many patients. Several clinical trials with BsAbs have emerged over the past years, either evaluating these agents monotherapy or in combination with other drugs. BsAbs offer an off-the shelf alternative for CAR-T cell therapy and have already been used successfully as salvage therapy after CAR-T cell failure. First, Prof. Guillaume Cartron (CHU Montpellier, University of Montpellier) gave an update of the use of BsAbs in non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Thereafter, Prof. Nathalie Meuleman (Hôpital Erasme, ULB) shared her expertise and gave an overview on the use of bispecifics in multiple myeloma.

Ethics & Economy – How to get a drug reimbursed in Belgium?

The journey a drug makes from the laboratory to the patient’s bedside is very long. After years of clinical research and development, a lengthy administrative procedure needs to be completed. It starts with the granting of a marketing authorisation by the EMA and is followed in Belgium by a reimbursement decision. In order to get a better view on how a drug gets reimbursed in Belgium, Diane Kleinermans (RIZIV-INAMI, President CRM/CTG, Brussels), Marjan Willaert (Policy Advisor – Market Access, Pharma.be, Brussels), and Hanne Wouters (Market Access Advisor, Pharma.be, Brussels) gave an overview on the evaluation and review by the commission for reimbursement of medicines (CRM).