CML patients still achieving TFR goals five years after nilotinib

An Australian-led trial has confirmed the long term durability and safety of treatment-free remission  (TFR) in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia after receiving second-line nilotinib.

Latest results from the ENESTop study show that 43% of patients were in TFR at five years. And of the patients who left the TFR phase following the initial 48-week analysis, 58% did not have a loss of molecular response and discontinued for other reasons, according to investigators led by  Prof Tim Hughes of the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute. The study also showed that 98.3% of patients who reinitiated nilotinib regained major molecular response (MMR).

A cumulative increase in cardiovascular events observed with longer nilotinib exposure showed that cardiovascular risk should be carefully managed, particularly when reinitiating treatment after TFR, the investigators wrote in Leukemia journal.

Bone health guidance for HSCT patients

New guidance has been released on the management of osteoporosis in patients who have received a haematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT).

With HSCT patients living longer, concerns have emerged about poor outcomes for  bone fragility and fracture, according to the International Osteoporosis Foundation’s Cancer & Bone Disease Working Group.

In response, the group has released recommendations for extensive bone mineral density examination, evaluation of clinical risk factors, and general dietary and physical activity measures, as well as appropriate use of osteoporosis pharmacotherapies in post-HSCT patients.

“Unfortunately, too many haematopoietic stem cell transplantation recipients are not being monitored and treated for bone fragility, despite the fact that poor bone health is a significant comorbidity post-transplant,” said Professor Nicholas Harvey, of the International Osteoporosis Foundation

“We therefore urge all physicians who care for haematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients to take action to protect their patients’ long-term bone health. It is important to keep in mind that fragility fractures can be severely debilitating, with resulting loss of physical independence and quality of life.”

ISBT In Focus meeting

Despite the cancellation of its planned Brisbane in-person meeting this year, the International Society of Blood Transfusion (ISBT) is inviting haematologists to take part in a virtual “ISBT In Focus” meeting from June 2-8.

ISBT President Professor Erica Wood, Head of the Transfusion Research Unit, Monash University, says the online meeting will hold themed sessions covering areas such as Red Cell Immunohaematology; Platelets & Granulocyte Immunobiology; Blood Products and Cellular Therapy and Transfusion Transmitted Infectious Diseases.

“We have made sure that the modular program and timing of sessions suits attendees in Australia and NZ,” she told the limbic.

People can register at isbtweb.org