CONGRESS HIGHLIGHTS

Highlights in acute lymphoblastic leukaemia

SUMMARY

In previous ASH meetings, the focus has long been on novel drugs for R/R ALL such as blinatumomab, inotuzumab, and CAR-T. Today, we have exciting information on how the incorporation/combination of these novel agents in the first-line treatment of ALL patients (pts) could reduce the incidence of relapse and prolong the survival of these pts, thus challenging the indication of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in first complete remission (CR).

(BELG J HEMATOL 2025;16(1):31–3)

Highlights in haemostasis and thrombosis

SUMMARY

The 2024 ASH Congress once again highlighted ground-breaking advancements in the field of haemostasis and thrombosis, with four studies standing out for their clinical and scientific significance. First, a study demonstrated that low-dose direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are not inferior to standard doses for long-term anticoagulation in patients with venous thromboembolism (VTED), offering a promising alternative therapeutic approach. Furthermore, VMX-C001 shows potential as a significant advancement in managing emergencies in patients on factor Xa inhibitors (FXa-DOACs), enabling rapid and effective anticoagulation reversal; however, its efficacy and safety still require validation in phase III clinical trials. Additionally, gene therapy for haemophilia A using giroctocogene fitelparvovec achieved sustained factor VIII expression, leading to a substantial reduction in bleeding episodes among adults with moderately severe to severe haemophilia A. Lastly, autologous transplantation of CD34+ hematopoietic stem cells transduced with a lentiviral vector carrying a novel F8 transgene (ET3) resulted in stable expression of factor VIII for up to two years, representing a transformative breakthrough in the treatment of haemophilia A. Together, these findings underscore the remarkable progress achieved this year in addressing these critical medical challenges.

(BELG J HEMATOL 2025;16(1):34–40)

Highlight 1: Interferons in Polycythemia Vera

At the 2025 BHS GAM, Prof. Hans Hasselbalch (Zealand University Hospital, Denmark) provided an overview of the role of interferons in the treatment of Polycythaemia Vera (P. Vera). This presentation discussed the connection between chronic inflammation and myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) including P. Vera, and how this link may be exploited via treatment with interferons and statins.

Advances in Laboratory Technology – Precision medicine and drug response profiling

For the “Advances in Laboratory Technology” session, the BHS invited Prof. Giovanni Roti (University of Parma, Italy) to share his expertise on precision medicine and drug response profiling.

Complex infections in haematology

At the 2025 BHS GAM meeting, Dr. Toine Mercier (AZ St Maarten/KU Leuven, Belgium) explored the challenges of diagnosing and treating complex infections in haematology. His presentation highlighted diagnostic uncertainty, evolving treatment strategies, and the need for a multidisciplinary approach. He also discussed emerging diagnostic tools and novel antifungal therapies that may improve patient outcomes.

Lymphoma care in Belgium: Patient-reported outcomes

During the BHS meeting, Elke Stienissen (president Lymfeklierkanker Vereniging Vlaanderen vzw & chair BHS patient committee), Marijke Quaghebeur (nurse specialist UZ Ghent & member BHS nurses committee) and Dr. Marc André (haematologist CHU UCL Namur & BHS president) presented the Belgian results of the 2024 Global Patient Survey on Lymphomas and CLL. The survey aimed to assess the needs and challenges faced by lymphoma patients and their caregivers.1 During the presentation, the speakers focused on the results related to diagnosis and symptoms, healthcare information, treatment and care, and psychosocial impact.

Pierre Stryckmans Memorial Lecture

The annual Pierre Stryckmans Memorial Lecture at the 2025 edition of the BHS-GAM was presented by Prof. Dr. Giovanni Palladini from the Amyloidosis Research and Treatment Centre at the University of Pavia in Italy. With this lecture, Prof. Palladini was paid tribute for his lifelong commitment to improving the management of patients with light-chain (AL) amyloidosis.