Mylotarg® Effective for Older Intermediate-risk AML Patients (04/02/2010)
Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh have reported that single-agent Mylotarg® (gemtuzumab ozogamicin) results in a complete remission (CR) rate of 30% in patients 70 years or older with newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The details of this study were published early online in Cancer on March 30, 2010.

FDA Approves Rituxan® for Treatment of CLL (02/23/2010)
On February 18, 2010 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the approval of Rituxan® (rituximab) for the treatment of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).

Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia Can Be Diagnosed Rapidly with Antibody Test (02/03/2010)
Researchers from M. D. Anderson have reported that acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) can be diagnosed rapidly and accurately with an anti-promyelocytic leukemia antibody (PML) immunofluorescence test. The details of this study appeared in the January 15, 2010 issue of Cancer.

Trisenox®-based Consolidation Therapy Effective in APL (01/29/2010)
Researchers involved in a U.S. multicenter trial (CONSORT) have reported that a Trisenox® (arsenic trioxide)-based consolidation regimen was effective in patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL), allowing the reduction of exposure to anthracycline therapy. The details of this study appeared in an early online publication on January 19, 2010 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.

Onrigin™ (Laromustine) Effective Single-agent Therapy for Older Patients with AML (01/13/2010)
Researchers involved in an international multicenter clinical trial have reported that Onrigin® (laromustine, VNP40101M, formerly cloretazine) has significant single-agent activity for the treatment of newly diagnosed older patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The details of this study appeared in an early online publication in the Journal of Clinical Oncology on December 21, 2009.

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Danusertib, a Multi-Kinase Aurora Inhibitor, Promising for Treatment of CML Refractory to First- and Second-generation Kinase Inhibitors (12/28/2009)
Researchers involved in an international multicenter Phase I study have reported that danusertib (PHA-739358) produces responses in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and Philadelphia chromosome positive (Ph+) acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) who have failed treatment with Gleevec® (imatinib), Sprycel® (dasatinib), and Tasigna® (nilotinib). The details of this study were presented at the 2009 meeting of the American Society of Hematology (ASH) in New Orleans in early December.

Blinatumomab Effective in Patients with B-cell Precursor Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (12/17/2009)
Researchers from Germany have reported an 81% complete response rate with treatment with blinatumomab in adult patients with B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) who had minimal residual disease after induction and consolidation therapy. The details of this study were presented at the 2009 meeting of the American Society of Hematology on December 8, in New Orleans.

Sprycel® and Chemotherapy Effective for Ph+ ALL (12/10/2009)
Researchers from the M. D. Anderson Cancer Center have reported that a regimen of Sprycel® (dasatinib) and Hypercvad® (cyclophosphamide, vincristine, doxorubicin, and dexamethasone) alternated with high-dose cytarabine and methotrexate is effective therapy for newly diagnosed patients with Philadelphia chromosome positive (Ph+) acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The details of this study were presented at the 2009 meeting of the American Society of Hematology (ASH) on December 8 in New Orleans.

Gleevec® Improves Outcomes of Children and Adolescents with Ph+ ALL (10/12/2009)
Researchers affiliated with Children’s Oncology Group (COG) have reported that the addition of long-term daily Gleevec® (imatinib mesylate) to high-dose chemotherapy improves event-free survival (EFS) in children and adolescents with Philadelphia chromosome positive (Ph+) acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The details of this study were published online on October 8, 2009.

Recent Results of Treating Childhood ALL Presented by Dutch Investigators (09/15/2009)
Researchers from the Netherlands have presented recent results of treating childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) that show continued improvement in outcomes with less toxicity. Details of this study appeared early online in Lancet Oncology on September 10, 2009.

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Mylotarg® Effective for Older Intermediate-risk AML Patients (04/02/2010)
Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh have reported that single-agent Mylotarg® (gemtuzumab ozogamicin) results in a complete remission (CR) rate of 30% in patients 70 years or older with newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The details of this study were published early online in Cancer on March 30, 2010.

Onrigin™ (Laromustine) Effective Single-agent Therapy for Older Patients with AML (01/13/2010)
Researchers involved in an international multicenter clinical trial have reported that Onrigin® (laromustine, VNP40101M, formerly cloretazine) has significant single-agent activity for the treatment of newly diagnosed older patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The details of this study appeared in an early online publication in the Journal of Clinical Oncology on December 21, 2009.

Clolar™ Active for Treatment of Older Patients with AML (01/07/2010)
Researchers involved in a multicenter U.S. clinical trial have reported that Clolar™ (clofarabine) is an effective palliative agent for older patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with unfavorable risk factors. The details of this study appeared in an early online publication in the Journal of Clinical Oncology on December 21, 2009.

Dacogen™ Active in First-line Therapy of Older Patients with AML (01/07/2010)
Researchers from Washington University, UCLA, and City of Hope National Medical Center have reported that Dacogen™ (decitabine) has activity with acceptable toxicity in older patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The details of this study appeared in an early online publication on December 21, 2009 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.

Vidaza® Effective Treatment for Elderly Patients with AML (12/28/2009)
Researchers from France have reported a response rate of 21% and a one-year survival following treatment with Vidaza® (5-azacitidine) for patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) who are elderly or not suitable for intensive therapy. The details of this Phase II study were presented at the 2009 meeting of the American Society of Hematology in New Orleans in early December.

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Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia Can Be Diagnosed Rapidly with Antibody Test (02/03/2010)
Researchers from M. D. Anderson have reported that acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) can be diagnosed rapidly and accurately with an anti-promyelocytic leukemia antibody (PML) immunofluorescence test. The details of this study appeared in the January 15, 2010 issue of Cancer.

Trisenox®-based Consolidation Therapy Effective in APL (01/29/2010)
Researchers involved in a U.S. multicenter trial (CONSORT) have reported that a Trisenox® (arsenic trioxide)-based consolidation regimen was effective in patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL), allowing the reduction of exposure to anthracycline therapy. The details of this study appeared in an early online publication on January 19, 2010 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.

Phase III Trial of Expanded Umbilical Cord Blood (StemEx®) for Treatment of Hematologic Malignancies Announced (06/17/2009)
Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh and Gamida Cell announced that the University of Pittsburgh would be participating in an international multicenter Phase III study of StemEx® for the treatment of hematologic malignancies. There are currently 15 U.S. centers and 11 centers in Europe and Israel participating in this study. This study is classified as a Phase III study but, because it is not randomized, patients will be compared to matched historical controls.

Guidelines Published for the Treatment of Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia (10/08/2008)
Researchers affiliated with the European LeukemiaNet have published guidelines for the management of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). These guidelines were published in an early online manuscript in Blood on September 23, 2008.

Tamibarotene Receives Orphan Drug Designation (11/05/2007)
The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Innovive Pharmaceuticals, Inc. orphan drug designation for their agent tamibarotene for the treatment of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). The indication of the designation is for the treatment of APL that has relapsed or is refractory to all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) and arsenic trioxide.

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FDA Approves Rituxan® for Treatment of CLL (02/23/2010)
On February 18, 2010 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the approval of Rituxan® (rituximab) for the treatment of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).

Revlimid® and Rituxan® Safe and Effective for Therapy of Relapsed CLL (01/06/2010)
Researchers from the M. D. Anderson Cancer Center have reported that Revlimid® (lenalidomide) and Rituxan® (rituximab) is a safe and effective regimen for treatment of patients with relapsed chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). The details of this study were presented at the 2009 meeting of the American Society of Hematology in New Orleans in the first week of December.

Treanda® and Rituxan® Effective First-line Therapy for CLL (01/06/2010)
Researchers affiliated with the German CLL Study Group (GCLLSG) have reported that Treanda® (bendamustine) and Rituxan® (rituximab) is effective and safe for initial treatment of patients with advanced chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). The details of this Phase II study were presented at the 2009 meeting of the American Society of Hematology in New Orleans in early December.

Ofatumumab, Fludara®, Cytoxan® Regimen Highly Effective for Initial Treatment of CLL (01/05/2010)
Researchers involved in an international multicenter clinical trial have reported that a regimen of ofatumumab, Fludara® (fludarabine), and Cytoxan® (cyclophosphamide) (O-FC) is highly active for the initial treatment of patients with symptomatic chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). The details of this study were presented at the 2009 meeting of the American Society of Hematology in New Orleans in early December.

Arzerra™, Fludara®, Cytoxan® Combination Effective for Newly Diagnosed CLL (12/23/2009)
Researchers involved in a multicenter international trial have reported that a regimen combining the anti-CD 20 antibody, Arzerra™ (ofatumumab) with Fludara® (fludarabine) and Cytoxan® (cyclophosphamide)—FC—is highly effective for previously untreated patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

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Danusertib, a Multi-Kinase Aurora Inhibitor, Promising for Treatment of CML Refractory to First- and Second-generation Kinase Inhibitors (12/28/2009)
Researchers involved in an international multicenter Phase I study have reported that danusertib (PHA-739358) produces responses in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and Philadelphia chromosome positive (Ph+) acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) who have failed treatment with Gleevec® (imatinib), Sprycel® (dasatinib), and Tasigna® (nilotinib). The details of this study were presented at the 2009 meeting of the American Society of Hematology (ASH) in New Orleans in early December.

Tasigna® May Be More Effective than Gleevec® 400 mg/day for Initial Treatment of CML (12/17/2009)
Researchers involved in the international randomized trial, INESTnd, have reported that Tasigna® (nilotinib) 300 mg bid or 400 mg bid results in a higher and faster rate of major molecular response (MMR) and complete cytogenetic response (CCyR) than Gleevec® (imatinib) 400 mg/day for initial therapy of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). The details of this study were presented as a late-breaking abstract at the 2009 meeting of the American Society of Hematology (ASH) on December 8 in New Orleans.

Myeloid Leukemia Increased with Formaldehyde Exposure Among Embalmers (11/30/2009)
Researchers from the United States and the Netherlands have reported that long-term exposure to formaldehyde in the funeral industry increases the risk of mortality from myeloid leukemia. The details of this study were published early online on November 20, 2009 in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.

Gleevec® 800 mg/day May Improve Cytogenetic and Molecular Responses in CML (09/11/2009)
Researchers involved in the multicenter U.S. RIGHT trial have reported that Gleevec® (imatinib) 400 mg twice per day is more effective than the standard 400 mg/day for the treatment of newly diagnosed patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) in chronic phase (CP). The details of this study were published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology early online on August 31, 2009.

Sprycel® Confirmed Superior to High-dose Gleevec® for Gleevec-resistant CML (06/22/2009)
Researchers affiliated with the START-R randomized trial have reported that Sprycel® (dasatinib) is more effective than escalated doses of Gleevec® (imatinib) in patients resistant to Gleevec. The details of this study were published early online in Cancer on June 17, 2009.

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Increased Risk of Second Malignancies in Hairy Cell Leukemia (02/15/2007)
Researchers from the National Cancer Institute have reported that patients with hairy cell leukemia have an increased risk of developing non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, Hodgkin’s lymphoma and thyroid cancer.

Gene Expression Profiling 100% Accurate for Diagnosis of Hairy Cell Leukemia (06/08/2004)
Italian researchers have reported that gene expression profiling can accurately identify hairy cell leukemia from other B-cell malignancies.  The details of this report appeared in the June 5, 2004 issue of The Lancet.

High Response Rate of Hairy Cell Leukemia to Rituximab (Rituxan®) (11/26/2003)
Researchers from the MD Anderson Cancer Center have reported an 80% overall response rate following Rituxan® treatment for patients with hairy cell leukemia who have failed previous therapy. The results of this phase II clinical trial appeared in the December 2003 issue of Blood.

Myeloid Leukemia Increased with Formaldehyde Exposure Among Embalmers (11/30/2009)
Researchers from the United States and the Netherlands have reported that long-term exposure to formaldehyde in the funeral industry increases the risk of mortality from myeloid leukemia. The details of this study were published early online on November 20, 2009 in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.

Formaldehyde Exposure May Increase Risk of Blood and Lymphatic Cancers (06/25/2009)
Researchers from the National Cancer Institute have reported that industrial workers who are exposed to formaldehyde may be at an increased risk of dying from blood and lymphohematopoietic malignancies, particularly myeloid leukemia but also Hodgkin’s lymphoma and multiple myeloma, according to the results of a study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.

Increasing Body Mass Associated with Increasing Cancer Incidence and Mortality (11/19/2007)
Researchers affiliated with the UK Million Women Study have reported that increasing body mass index (BMI) is associated with an increased risk of 10 specific types of cancer out of 17 evaluated. The details of this study appeared in an early on-line publication on November 6, 2007 in the British Medical Journal.

Increased Exposure to Infection Decreases Incidence of Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (06/01/2005)
Researchers affiliated with the United Kingdom Childhood Cancer Study (UKCCS) have reported that day care in infancy decreases the risk of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).

Vitamin B12 Deficiency Occurs in Over 10% of Patients with Plasma Cell Dyscrasias (08/19/2004)
Researchers from the Cleveland Clinic have reported that 13.6% of patients with plasma cell dyscrasias have vitamin B12 deficiency. They suggest that “serum vitamin B12 measurements should be part of the initial evaluation and subsequent workups for anemia in patients with plasma cell dyscrasias.” The details of this report appeared in the August 2004 issue of Cancer.

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