Tag: lymphoma cancer

2021 American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting

For the 63rd year in a row, the American Society of Hematology (ASH) hosted the Annual Meeting & Exposition. ASH is one of the world’s largest professional organizations made up of physicians and scientists with a keen interest in tackling blood diseases. This annual ASH conference is attended by approximately 25,000 participants, mainly hematology professionals, who gather to discuss the latest research and updates in topics across both malignant and non-malignant hematology. This year, members from around the world met in a hybrid – both in-person and virtual – format.

Every year, we celebrate the Weill Cornell Medicine (WCM) Lymphoma Program team members whose new discoveries and research in lymphoma are selected for presentation at the ASH meeting. Throughout the 2021 ASH conference, we covered these research updates via our Twitter feed, including perspectives and insights into original research coming out of our basic science laboratories as well as translational and clinical research studies. Dr. John Leonard shared what he found to be the top 10 most impactful and important lymphoma research abstracts as part of the #LeonardList: a yearly countdown on Twitter leading up to the annual ASH meeting which, for the fourth year in a row, has been accompanied by a CancerCast podcast episode. In this special edition of CancerCast, listeners are able to hear directly from Dr. Leonard regarding the “why” behind his #LeonardList selections, as well as gain access to 5 additional bonus podcast-only choices. Each year the Leonard List provides insight into research that is changing the treatment landscape for lymphoma patients, as well as other important issues lymphoma patients face such as financial toxicities and disparities in care. Listen to the teaser clip below for a sneak peek and tune in to CancerCast for the full episode available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or online at Weill Cornell Medicine.

This year’s ASH meeting heralded amazing research achievements in all sectors of hematology. Notably, within the field of lymphoma, presentations at ASH 2021 demonstrated scientific and treatment advancements that may carve the way for more targeted therapies and improved outcomes for patients. The WCM team shared research updates across many different types of lymphoma. While most abstracts dove deeply into one form of the disease, some presented on research that combined work in multiple types of lymphoma.

This research involving Dr. Richard Furman and colleagues from around the country evaluated a novel antibody-drug conjugate targeting a surface protein found in many cancers. Encouraging results were seen in the current phase I study, including high response rates in heavily relapsed and refractory mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) patients.

Here is a breakdown of some of the additional great lymphoma work that WCM physicians and researchers shared throughout the ASH 2021 meeting.

B-Cell Lymphoma

Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL)

In collaboration with Dr. Ari Melnick’s lab, Dr. Madhav Seshadri – Chief Hematology & Oncology Fellow at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital – presented lymphoma research which revealed a novel target and new type of agent that could ultimately lead to more treatments for DLBCL patients who have dependency on the protein MALT1.

Dr. Rossella Marullo, a 2020 ASH Scholar Award Recipient and current Instructor in Medicine at WCM, presented an oral abstract on work performed in collaboration with Dr. Leandro Cerchietti’s lab. The WCM team discovered changes in gene expression linked to aging that could explain why older lymphoma patients have a harder time tolerating certain treatments. This has important implications for the future development of therapies that may be better tolerated and result in higher cure rates for older lymphoma patients.

Work by Dr. John Leonard and colleagues from across the country as part of the National Cancer Institute (NCI) Alliance, a cooperative clinical trial group, was featured in an oral presentation. The study demonstrated the feasibility of prospective clinical trials for certain lymphoma patients, specifically two DLCBL subtypes, double hit and double expressor lymphoma. 

Dr. Coraline Mlynarczyk, a post-doctoral fellow in Dr. Ari Melnick’s laboratory and ASH 2021 Scholar Award Recipient, presented new research findings demonstrating that BTG1 mutations can lead to more aggressive B-cell lymphomas, like DLBCL. Exploiting this genetic vulnerability could ultimately lead to the creation of new targeted therapies for patients with this aggressive form of lymphoma.

Follicular Lymphoma (FL)

Weill Cornell medical student, Danny Luan, MPH, presented work conducted under the mentorship of Weill Cornell Lymphoma Program Chief Dr. Peter Martin. This retrospective analysis of follicular lymphoma clinical trials focused on expanding eligibility criteria to better reflect the population makeup of patients diagnosed with FL, allowing the results to be more generalizable outside of the clinical trial setting.

T-Cell Lymphoma

Dr. Jia Ruan presented her investigator-initiated phase 2 peripheral T-cell lymphoma clinical trial at ASH 2021. This multi-center clinical trial looked at the combination therapy of oral azacytidine (CC-486) plus CHOP, demonstrating impressive complete response (CR) rates of about 75%, which appears better than the CR rate of 40% that has historically been observed with standard CHOP alone. This combination will be further evaluated in a randomized study via the ALLIANCE/US Intergroup (A051902).

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)

CLL research on a phase 3 clinical trial that Dr. Richard Furman was involved with compared two therapies, acalabrutinib and ibrutinib, for outcomes and tolerability to evaluate differences in adverse events related to long-term drug exposure in addition to cancer control. Acalabrutinib demonstrated better tolerability overall.

Dr. Richard Furman and Dr. John Allan also participated in research alongside a global team showing that certain receptor binding activities in CLL cells may explain why patients experience impairments to immune system function. This research may help to explain the underlying mechanisms behind why certain CLL treatments appear to improve immune system function.

Finally, in addition to the amazing research that our team was involved with at this year’s ASH meeting, Dr. Wendy Béguelin – an assistant professor of pharmacology at WCM – was selected to speak as an ASH Scholar Award Recipient. She presented her work during two 10-minute Blood Drop sessions with the goal of educating trainees at all levels during this ASH-a-Palooza event. Dr. Beguelin’s presentation aimed to answer the question, “What can cause lymphoma?” Throughout these sessions, Dr. Beguelin explained her research on the role of EZH2 mutations in initiating cancer predispositions for B-cell lymphomas. 

As always, we are incredibly proud of our team’s continued commitment to advancing the overall understanding of lymphoma biology, improving clinical outcomes, and enhancing the quality of life for all those affected by the disease. While this year’s ASH 21 meeting has come to a close, ongoing research continues at the WCM Lymphoma Program as our physicians and scientists work relentlessly to advance the field year-round.

ASCO 2021 – Lymphoma Updates

The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) is the world’s leading organization for physicians and oncology professionals caring for people with cancer. The 2021 Annual Meeting was hosted virtually, connecting oncology professionals from around the world to discuss the newest, state-of-the-art research and treatment updates.

The Weill Cornell Lymphoma Program team is always proud of our contributions to new lymphoma research presentations at the ASCO Annual Meeting. We’ve outlined some of the highlights from this year’s conference, including research updates and new discoveries from our team. Additionally, our Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian Hematology & Oncology Fellow Dr. Sam Yamshon received a prestigious ASCO Conquer Cancer Foundation 2021 Young Investigator Award to support critical lymphoma research and the transition from fellowship to faculty. 

Samuel Yamshon, MD – 2021 ASCO Young Investigator Award Recipient

Weill Cornell Lymphoma Program Chief Dr. Peter Martin presented new mantle cell lymphoma research and shared important insights about care in the community or real-world setting as part of an oral abstract session. 

Dr. John Leonard reviews an National Cancer Institute (NCI)-supported clinical trial evaluating the role of stem cell transplant in primary central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma treatment. 

Dr. Richard Furman explains exciting results from a phase 3 clinical trial comparing two different treatment options for patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) for the first time.

Additionally, Dr. Peter Martin breaks down mantle cell lymphoma research evaluating the role of botezomib when added to bendamustine and rituximab as induction therapy.

PET scan imaging during treatment for bulky Hodgkin lymphoma can provide critical information to shape the course of care. Dr. John Leonard breaks down this NCI-supported ALLIANCE research presented this year’s ASCO meeting. 

COVID-19 and Cancer: Helpful Resources for Lymphoma Patients

The Weill Cornell Medicine Lymphoma Program team remains committed to supporting and protecting the health and safety of our patient community during this challenging time. With COVID-19 dominating the news and impacting our everyday lives, many people may be left wondering which sources to trust and which recommendations to follow when it comes to understanding the coronavirus and staying safe during this unprecedented time.

We developed this article and compiled a handful of reliable resources designed to help lymphoma patients — at our center and beyond – best navigate this rapidly changing situation.

COVID-19 Basics and General Guidelines

Physicians and staff within the division of Hematology and Oncology at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital are here to provide guidance and support to our cancer patients and their loved ones. We encourage you to review the information outlined in our COVID-19 and Cancer Guide, where we provide answers to our patient community’s most frequently asked questions. You are also welcome to call our COVID-19 hotline at (646) 697-4000 with questions at any time.

If you have COVID-19 symptoms or suspect that you have been in contact with someone with COVID-19, contact your oncologist for further instruction. If you need in-person medical attention, your doctor will advise you regarding the necessary steps and preparations to protect you and others at the facility before you arrive. Please do not visit your doctor’s office or the emergency department without first being in touch with your healthcare team.

COVID-19 and Lymphoma

In the Lymphoma Research Foundation (LRF) webinar entitled “Coronavirus and What the Lymphoma Community Needs to Know,” our own Dr. John Leonard reviews the current medical understanding and response to COVID-19 (per March 19, 2020). Dr. Leonard explains why we all must work together to “flatten the curve,” and addresses frequently asked questions surrounding immune system suppression and the coronavirus, lymphoma treatment during the pandemic, the use of masks and transmission of the disease between different groups such as children, the elderly and pets.

The LRF also created a COVID-19 fact sheet complete with prevention tips and questions to ask your oncologist. Weill Cornell Lymphoma Program Chief Dr. Peter Martin and an infectious disease specialist contributed to and medically reviewed this information.

Appointments and Video Visits

Please know that we remain dedicated to the health and wellbeing of our lymphoma community and that continuing to provide world-class cancer care for our oncology patients is important to us. As part of our mission to provide care during this unprecedented time, the Hematology & Oncology division has been implementing extensive patient-centered precautions. These include efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19 within our facilities and the expansion of virtual video-based appointments.

The Weill Cornell Lymphoma Program continues to be able to offer new and current patients the cancer care they need. We also provide expert, multidisciplinary care for patients with lymphoma who need medical attention for COVID-19.

Video visits allow patients to receive high-quality lymphoma care from the comfort and convenience of their own homes, while adhering to safe social distancing parameters recommended to minimize exposure to other individuals. Our video visit capabilities also extend to patients who wish to schedule a virtual second opinion.

To schedule a video visit, please follow the instructions below. Our team will work with you to obtain any necessary medical records prior to your visit. We will inform you if we believe that you are better suited for an in-person visit.

New Patients
Please call (646) 962-2800.

Existing Patients
Please call (646) 962-2064.

Learn more about video visits. Once your video visit is scheduled, use this guide to connect with your doctor.

Video visits use the same insurance coverage as in-person appointments, and your copayment and deductible still apply.

Visitor Policy

While we recognize the value of family and friends’ support throughout lymphoma diagnosis and treatment, keeping patients and their loved ones safe requires temporary limits on the number of people allowed to accompany each patient to an appointment. Please note that our policies continue to evolve during these unprecedented times. Click here for our latest COVID-19 visitation guidelines.

Additional Resources

Patients are welcome to call the WCM/NYP COVID-19 hotline – (646) 697-4000 – with any questions. Please note that this hotline is available as a public service to provide information only, and not to diagnose, treat or render a medical opinion.

Patients may also consult the following resources.

Ways to Help

It can be easy to feel powerless in the midst of a global pandemic, but there are ways that you can help. In fact, the biggest impact that people – sick or healthy – can make in the fight against COVID-19 is simply to stay at home to curb the spread of disease and its potential to overwhelm the healthcare system.

Those willing and able to contribute to Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian’s response to COVID-19 can make a donation to support the purchasing of ventilators and personal protective equipment (PPE), and the physical and emotional wellbeing of healthcare workers on the frontlines of the outbreak.

A fundraiser was also created to provide nutritious, high-quality meals to the New York City doctors, nurses and ancillary staff leading the fight against COVID-19 as part of medical intensive care units.

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