The #EHA2025 Congress in Milan, and its vibrant virtual extension, truly underscored the dynamic and innovative spirit of the global hematology community. It was inspiring to witness the collective dedication to pushing the boundaries of research and improving patient care. Beyond the cutting-edge science, key themes resonated throughout the congress, highlighting the evolving landscape of this field:
- The Transformative Power of AI & Digital Health: Sessions showcased exciting advancements in leveraging AI for diagnosis, prognostication (e.g., AI-driven ghost cytometry for CML, MyMPNVoice app for patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms), and optimising treatment strategies, indicating a future where technology is deeply integrated into the patient journey.
- Addressing Caregiver Challenges & Championing Patient Advocacy: Crucial discussions focused on the often-overlooked needs of caregivers and the vital role of patient voices in shaping research priorities and care pathways.
- Driving Global Equity in Hematology: The congress emphasised the ongoing commitment to ensuring equitable access to novel therapies and quality care worldwide.
Amidst these overarching discussions, several data breakthroughs particularly stood out, poised to significantly impact clinical practice and offer new hope for patients:
- Breakthrough in Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma (RRMM): The Phase 2 RedirecTT-1 trial presented compelling results for the combination of talquetamab and teclistamab, two bispecific antibodies. This regimen achieved remarkable overall response rates (78.9%) and deep complete responses, even in heavily pretreated patients, including those with challenging extramedullary disease and prior BCMA CAR-T exposure. This dual-targeting approach represents a significant step forward, potentially redefining the standard of care for this high-risk and historically resistant population.
- Promising Data in CALR-mutant Essential Thrombocythemia (ET): Early Phase 1 data on INCA33989, a first-in-class antibody targeting mutant CALR, showed remarkable safety and efficacy. In patients with high-risk ET resistant or intolerant to prior therapy, rapid and sustained hematologic responses were observed in the majority, with no dose-limiting toxicities. This is a crucial advancement, as CALR-mutant ET patients often face lower treatment response rates and a higher risk of myelofibrosis transformation.
- Ibrutinib-Venetoclax Combo in CLL: Long-term follow-up from the CAPTIVATE study reinforced the power of the fixed-duration ibrutinib-venetoclax combination in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL). This all-oral, chemotherapy-free regimen continued to demonstrate superior undetectable MRD rates and progression-free survival compared to ibrutinib alone or chemoimmunotherapy, with sustained benefits observed at 5.5 years, including in patients with high-risk genomic features.
- A New Immunotherapy Frontier in AML: Groundbreaking preclinical data unveiled SLAMF6 as a dominant immune checkpoint in Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). Blocking SLAMF6 with a specific antibody (TNC-1) showed the potential to unleash potent T-cell responses without harming normal stem cells. This positions SLAMF6 as a “next-generation” immune checkpoint target, opening a promising new avenue for immunotherapy in AML, where current immune checkpoint strategies have faced significant challenges.
- Cutting the Risk of Death in DLBCL: For transplant-ineligible Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma (DLBCL) patients, the Phase 3 POLARGO trial delivered transformative news. The Pola-R-GemOx regimen significantly reduced the risk of death by 40% compared to standard R-GemOx. This represents a major advance, offering a much-needed, highly effective new standard of care for a vulnerable patient group.
- A New Standard for GVHD Prophylaxis: Practice-changing findings demonstrated that Post-Transplant Cyclophosphamide (PTCy) combined with cyclosporin significantly outperformed the traditional methotrexate-based regimen in matched sibling transplants for Graft-versus-Host Disease (GVHD) prophylaxis. Its simplicity and superior efficacy in reducing acute and chronic GVHD rates could dramatically improve outcomes for countless patients undergoing stem cell transplantation.
These advancements are not merely scientific milestones; they represent tangible progress and renewed hope for patients facing challenging hematological conditions. I eagerly anticipate seeing how these findings translate into real-world clinical practice, ultimately improving and extending patient lives.
