Dana-Farber Cancer Institute showcases research at the 65th American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting and Exposition

Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute will present more than 100 research studies at this year's 65th American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting and Exposition, on December 9-12, 2023, in San Diego, CA. The Institute's leading experts and researchers will present findings across a spectrum of hematologic disorders, underscoring their dedication to driving innovation in hematology research and improving patient outcomes. Key research presentations focus on exploring immunotherapy for high-risk smoldering myeloma, and studies focusing on lymphoma and graft-versus-host disease. A study exploring immunotherapy for high-risk smoldering myeloma (HR-SMM), led by Omar Nadeem, MD, found that the bispecific antibody teclistamab (TEC) shows significant efficacy and improved safety in comparison to standard treatments. These findings will be presented by Nadeem Saturday, December 9, 2:15 pm PST, Harbor Ballroom (Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego). (Abstract 206)

In a pilot study, led by Reid Merryman, MD, a clinician-scientist in the Lymphoma Program, investigators demonstrated that a novel test for ctDNA was more sensitive and more specific than existing tools for detecting relapse in patients with DLBCL after autologous stem cell transplantation. Merryman will present his study Sunday, December 10, 1:00 pm PST, Harbor Ballroom (Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego). (Abstract 527)

A clinical study led by Corey Cutler, MD, director, Adult Stem Cell Transplantation Program shows patients who have undergone a donor stem cell transplant, preventative treatment with the drug obinutuzumab can sharply reduce the risk of developing chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) severe enough to require treatment with systemic steroids. Cutler will present the findings Sunday, December 10, 4:30 pm PST, Marriot Grand Ballroom 8-9 (Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina). (Abstract 649)

Other notable research from Dana-Farber faculty includes:

In a multi-center, international trial led by, Paul Richardson, MD, MEZI, a novel oral cereblon E3 ligase modulator, shows promising efficacy and manageable safety in patients with relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) in the phase 1/2 CC-92480-MM-002 study. MEZI was evaluated in combination with daratumumab (DARA) and dexamethasone (MeziDd) over three dosing schedules and with elotuzumab (ELO) and dexamethasone (MeziEd). Preliminary results demonstrate an overall response rate of 75.0% in the MeziDd cohorts, with very good partial responses or better in 48.0% and durable responses in all, as well as a favorable toxicity profile. MeziEd was similarly well tolerated and also very active with responses seen in CD38-exposed RR MM patients. These findings support further evaluation of MEZI in combination with anti-myeloma monoclonal antibodies in subsequent trials, with the added value for real world practice of an outpatient approach. Dr. Richardson will present his findings Monday, December 11, 2023, 5:30 pm PST, Seaport Ballroom ABCD (Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego). (Abstract 1013)

Jennifer R. Brown, MD, PhD, will be presenting a follow up of ALPINE Randomized Phase 3 Study. ALPINE, a multinational phase 3 study in patients with relapsed/refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL), demonstrates that zanubrutinib maintains sustained progression-free survival (PFS) benefits over ibrutinib at a median follow-up of 3 years. Zanubrutinib exhibits superior PFS across major subgroups, including those with del(17p)/TP53 mutations. The safety and tolerability profiles remain consistent with previous reports, with zanubrutinib showing a favorable cardiac safety profile compared to ibrutinib. These findings suggest that zanubrutinib continues to be a more efficacious and better-tolerated treatment option for patients with relapsed/refractory CLL/SLL, potentially impacting the choice of therapy in this population. Brown will present her findings Saturday, December 9, 2023, Grand Hall D (Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego). (Abstract 202)

A study led by Shai Shimony, MD, revealed the significant impact of molecular ontogeny classification on outcomes among newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients treated with hypomethylating agents (HMA) +/- venetoclax (VEN). In molecularly defined secondary ontogeny, the combination of HMA+VEN demonstrated superior composite complete response rates, hematopoietic cell transplant rates, and overall survival compared to HMA alone. Consequently, the survival in molecularly defined secondary ontogeny doubled and equalized to that of patients with de novo ontogeny. Conversely, in patients with TP53 ontogeny, no benefit was seen when treated with HMA+VEN compared with HMA. Overall, the benefit of VEN addition varied based on molecular ontogeny, underscoring the importance of personalized treatment strategies in AML. Shimony will present his findings on Monday, December 11, 5:30 pm PST, Pacific Ballroom Salons 15-17 (Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina). (Abstract 977)

In a study led by, Katie Maurer and Caron Jacobson, MD, MMSc, investigators look at the critical role of baseline immune status and T cell clonal kinetics in predicting the response to chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy in large B-cell lymphoma. The findings suggest that understanding the pre-existing immune conditions and the behavior of T cell clones is crucial for predicting the efficacy of CAR-T therapy. This insight can potentially guide personalized treatment strategies, improving the selection of patients who are most likely to benefit from CAR-T therapy and enhancing overall treatment outcomes in large B-cell lymphoma. Maurer will present her findings Saturday, December 9, 2023, 2:00 pm PST. (Abstract 223)

Lead investigator Andrew Hantel, MD, will be presenting findings on the development of a real-time enrollment diversity dashboard for acute leukemia clinical trials. The dashboard, which utilizes data from electronic health records and trial registration systems, demonstrated an accurate assignment algorithm with an AUROC of 0.98. Real-time visualizations provided multidimensional enrollment diversity data to clinicians and principal investigators. The study highlighted relatively high enrollment rates that were associated with socioeconomic status, place of residence, and disease type, emphasizing the importance of real-time data in addressing participation inequities and guiding performance feedback for practices and investigators. Dr. Hantel will present his findings Saturday, December 9, 10:45 am PST, Marriott Grand Ballroom 2-4 (Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina). (Abstract 132)

View a full list of Dana-Farber Oral Presentations at the 65th ASH Annual Meeting and Exposition.

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