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The healthbook AWARD in Hemato-Oncology under the auspices of the Swiss Cancer Institute (SCI) recognizes outstanding contributions in hemato-oncology, particularly in the fields of lymphoma, myeloma, leukemia (AML, ALL, CLL), and MDS/MPN.
The award honors excellence among Swiss physicians and researchers, with a special focus on supporting young colleagues and early-career researchers, and aims to actively promote scientific progress in hemato-oncology.
The independent Scientific Committee of renowned experts in hemato-oncology supports the award, guaranteeing that each submission is evaluated objectively and fairly (see list of Steering Committee members to the right).
Eligible participants—including Swiss* hemato-oncologists and Swiss* nurses with expertise in the relevant areas—are invited to submit unpublished fully peer-reviewed manuscripts in one of the following categories:
These categories provide valuable scientific opportunities and enable authors—particularly young colleagues and early-career researchers—to gain experience publishing peer-reviewed work.
In addition to unpublished work, submissions from Swiss* authors in the three categories are also eligible if they have undergone journal peer review and were published in a scientific journal within the past 12 months.
To ensure comparability between unpublished manuscripts and already published work, submissions will only be accepted and evaluated by the Scientific Committee following completion of the peer review process and will be conducted according to the same rating criteria.
Awarded Funding: A total of CHF 10,000 is awarded across three categories:
Purpose-bound Funding: In line with the award’s mission to actively promote scientific progress in hemato-oncology, the prizes are intended exclusively for research- or patient-related purposes and will therefore not be handed over to private individuals.
Award Ceremony: The winners will be honored at the 17th Swiss Summit on Hemato-Oncology (SSHO) at the Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale (EOC) in Bellinzona on September 3, 2026.
Publication: Unpublished peer reviewed manuscripts can be published as DOI-indexed, open-access articles in healthbook TIMES Oncology Hematology, a journal indexed by Scopus, EMBASE, Google Scholar, and other major platforms, providing a formal scientific publication recognized in Switzerland. For such cases, the official submission to the journal has to be done in advance and separately to the submission for the award.
Swiss* authors can submit unpublished full manuscripts following peer review, the Steering Committee will evaluate the submissions. Please note that submitting a manuscript for the award is independent of, and does not include or replace, the submission of a work for publication in healthbook TIMES Oncology Hematology following successful peer review; the latter must be completed separately.
Swiss* authors can also submit full manuscripts in the three categories, which have undergone journal peer review and were published in a scientific journal within the past 12 months. The Steering Committee will evaluate these submissions based on the same criteria as unpublished work after peer review.
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For questions or support, please reach out to our dedicated team at helpdesk@healthbook.ch
","components":[]},{"id":"1205479242221521400","block":"text","title":"Text","component":"editable-input-block-text","ajaxFormComponent":"ajax-input-page-edit-block-text","content":"\n \n \n\n
ABSTRACT
\nThis study analyzed the genetics of classic Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) by using circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA). Two genetic subtypes were identified, differing in genetic instability mechanisms: one subtype (64% of cases) showed a higher mutation load and a higher fraction of mutations associated with activation-induced cytidine deaminase and microsatellite instability signatures, whereas the other subtype (36% of cases) exhibited chromosomal instability with more somatic copy number alterations. Whole-genome duplication was more common in cHL compared with other B-cell tumors and emerged as a prognostic biomarker for patients undergoing Adriamycin (doxorubicin)-bleomycin-vinblastine-dacarbazine–based therapy. Noncoding regulatory mutations, similar to those in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, were highly prevalent in 86% of cHL. A recurrent somatic expression quantitative trait locus (seQTL) involving the BCL6 gene was found in 30% of cases. The seQTL of BCL6 aligned with accessible chromatin and increased H3K27 acetylation in cHL, disrupted PRDM1 binding, and co-occurred with BCL6 expression in cHL\ncells. Weak to strong expression of BCL6 was observed in 68% of cases, and BCL6 expression associated with gene repression similarly in cHL and germinal center B cells. After BCL6 degradation, the\ncore set of genes directly bound and regulated by BCL6 was derepressed in cHL, and proliferation was impaired. The number and clonality of neoantigens was associated with tumor microenvironment type and response to checkpoint blockade. Finally, ctDNA analysis was suggested as a tool to distinguish ambiguous positron emission tomography/computed tomography–positive lesions after treatment.\n
Click here to access the full publication >>>
\n\n\n
ABSTRACT
\nA small proportion of patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) harbor variant chromosomal translocations that lead to fusion of RARA to one of several alternative partner genes. The most frequently reported of variant is the t(11;17)(q23;q21), which generates the fusion of the zinc finger gene ZBTB16 (formerly PLZF) to the RARA locus (ZBTB16::RARA fusion). This APL subtype is typically resistant to standard APL-directed therapies and most patients with this translocation relapse within one year with limited subsequent treatment options. Here, we report on a patient with ZBTB16::RARA APL who achieved durable molecular complete remission lasting more than two years after high-dose chemotherapy with busulfan and cyclophosphamide followed by autologous stem cell transplantation. This therapeutic approach has not previously been described for this rare APL variant and may represent a promising consolidation strategy in selected patients.\n
Click here to access the full publication >>>
\n\n\n
ABSTRACT
\nChimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy has fundamentally transformed the treatment paradigm for relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (R/R DLBCL). However, implementing this therapy faces logistical and biological hurdles, including the prolonged interval between lymphocyte apheresis, delivery of the final product and initiation of lymphodepleting chemotherapy. This waiting period, often four to eight weeks, creates a risk during which uncontrolled disease progression may render patients ineligible for the planned treatment or increase their risk of complications. Bridging therapy has become a temporary strategy to control the disease and maintain patient fitness while awaiting the return of manufactured autologous CAR T cells. This review discusses the current scientific understanding of bridging therapy in the context of CAR T-cell treatment for R/R DLBCL, including its rationale, approaches, clinical evidence and future prospects.\n
Click here to access the full publication >>>
\n\n\n
ABSTRACT
\nINTRODUCTION
\nBlastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm (BPDCN) is a very rare disease, with unique diagnostic challenges and often dismal outcome. There are no widely accepted treatment guidelines available. Lymphoma-like regimens with or without autologous or allogenic transplantation were the cornerstone of most therapeutic concepts. A few years ago, the CD123-directed immunoconjugate tagraxofusp emerged as a new valuable treatment option. The goal of our research was to collect available data on BPDCN-patients treated at large centres in Switzerland and worldwide and to draw conclusions regarding the incidence, clinical presentation, prognostic factors and therapeutic strategies.
\nMETHODS
\nWe collected data from BPDCN patients from leading Swiss haemato-oncology centres from 2005 to 2022. Furthermore, we reviewed and analysed the published literature (cohorts and case reports in peer-reviewed journals) from 1997 to 2020 (structured review of the literature).
\nRESULTS
\nWe identified 115 international publications including 600 patients from all over the world. Most of them had very small sample sizes (only ten papers with more than ten patients) and all but one were retrospective or observational respectively. Most included patients were Europeans (n = 385, 64%) and Asians (n = 120, 20%), followed by Americans (n = 90, 15%) and patients from Australia/New Zealand (n = 3) and Africa (n = 2). BPDCN was more common in men with a predominance of 3:1. The median age (n = 414) at diagnosis was 66.5 years ranging from one month to 103 years. Newly diagnosed women were significantly younger than men (median: 62 vs 67 years, mean: 53.4 vs 59.3 years, p = 0.027) and less often had bone marrow infiltration and affected lymph nodes. Upfront allogenic transplantation as well as ALL regimens performed best, with response to first-line therapy clearly associated with better overall survival. The Swiss cohort contained 26 patients (23 males and 3 females) over 18 years (2005–2022). The median age at diagnosis was 68.5 years (range: 20–83). Ten patients underwent upfront stem cell transplantation (seven allogenic and three autologous), at least trending towards a better overall survival than other therapies. With a follow-up of 8 years, the median overall survival was 1.2 years. Eight patients in this cohort were treated with tagraxofusp, which became available in 2020 and was approved by Swissmedic in 2023.
\nCONCLUSIONS
\nOur study confirms that BPDCN is a very rare and difficult-to-treat disease. Underdiagnosis and underreporting in the literature pose further challenges. Symptoms at presentation seem to differ slightly between sexes and reaching a complete remission after first-line treatment remains crucial for a prolonged overall survival. Effective treatment protocols in first line include transplantation regimens (mainly allogenic, potentially also autologous) as well as ALL protocols. In order to understand the significance of tagraxofusp as a bridge to transplant or as a continuous monotherapy in elderly patients, further evaluation with longer follow-up periods is required. In general, analysis of the Swiss patients confirmed the results from the worldwide cohort.
\n
Click here to access the full publication >>>
\n\n\n
ABSTRACT
\nObjectives
\nAdoptive cell therapy (ACT) is a growing personalized immuno-oncology approach, delivered both in standard of care (SOC) and clinical trial (CT) settings. Understanding patient and informal caregivers (ICs) experiences is crucial to optimizing care. This qualitative systematic review explores the ACT experience across three elements: actors (patients and ICs), settings (CT and SOC), and phases of the care continuum.
\nMethods
\nA systematic search was conducted across Medline, Embase, CINAHL, APA PsycInfo, Cochrane, Web of Science, ProQuest Dissertations & Theses, and Google Scholar up to May 8, 2024. Studies were appraised using the JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist for Qualitative Research, with data extracted and synthesized using a meta-aggregation approach. MAXQDA was used to generate co-occurrence networks between key elements and inductively derived codes. A comparative sentiment analysis highlighted emotional differences between CT and SOC settings.
\nResults
\nNineteen qualitative studies were included, capturing experiences of patients (n = 19) and ICs (n = 7) receiving chimeric antigen receptor T cell (n = 17) and tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (n = 2) therapy in CT (n = 13) and SOC (n = 9) settings. Findings revealed phase-specific challenges across physical, cognitive, psychological, emotional, social, financial, professional, communication, and informational domains. These challenges originate from ACT-related toxicities, care pathway complexity, and the novel nature of the therapy.
\nConclusions
\nThis review identifies the key challenges faced by patients and ICs throughout the ACT care pathway, emphasizing the need for tailored interventions based on the phase and setting, as well as improved support systems.
\nImplications for nursing practices
\nRecommended strategies include developing decision support tools, establishing caregiver support programs, and implementing navigation services to enhance patient and ICs experiences.\n
Click here to access the full publication >>>
\n\n\n
ABSTRACT
\nThe combination of ibrutinib plus venetoclax (IV) in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) treatment leverages their complementary mechanisms of action. Studies investigating IV typically begin with a short initial course of ibrutinib, followed by venetoclax introduction for a limited duration, typically 12 months. The Swiss Group for Clinical Cancer Research (SAKK) 34/17 study is a single-arm, multicenter, phase 2 trial evaluating the effectiveness of a modified IV schedule in patients with relapsed/refractory (R/R) CLL. No prior exposure to BTK or BCL2 inhibitors was allowed. The lead-in phase with ibrutinib was extended to 6 months to reduce the tumor burden and related tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) risk. Additionally, the treatment phase with IV is prolonged to a minimum of 24 months to enhance the undetectable minimal residual disease (uMRD; 10–4) rate. The primary end point was the rate of complete response or complete response with incomplete bone marrow recovery (CR/CRi) with uMRD in both bone marrow (BM) and peripheral blood (PB). Secondary end points included assessing the proportion of patients transitioning to a low-risk category for TLS after receiving ibrutinib lead-in. Of the 30 enrolled patients with R/R CLL, 40.0% achieved uMRD CR/CRi by intention-to-treat analysis, and 53.3% showed uMRD in the BM and PB. After the lead-in period with ibrutinib, 57.1% of patients achieved a low risk of TLS. At cycle 31, the progression-free survival rate was 89.9%. These results contribute to the increasing body of evidence supporting the idea that a longer IV duration is beneficial for enhancing therapeutic effectiveness.
\n
Click here to access the full publication >>>
\n\n\n
ABSTRACT
\nThe diagnosis of myelodysplastic neoplasms (MDS) traditionally relies on cytomorphological assessment of peripheral blood (PB) and bone marrow (BM). Despite recent shifts toward molecular testing and next-generation sequencing, blast percentage and dysplasia remain integral to the initial work-up. Morphology provides immediate availability and cost-effectiveness but is hindered by interobserver variability, lack of standardization and declining training in classical hematology. These factors may complicate the differentiation of MDS from non-clonal cytopenias or therapy-related changes. Technical quality of BM sampling and processing is crucial, as inadequate core length, improper fixation or artifacts may obscure interpretation. Digital morphology and artificial intelligence (AI) are reshaping hematology by reducing subjectivity, improving reproducibility and enabling remote consultation, training and archiving. Although automated analyzers demonstrate high accuracy for common cell types, expert oversight remains essential, especially for rare or pathological cells. AI and machine learning (ML) extend across diagnostic modalities, from detecting dysplasia in PB and BM smears to automating flow cytometry gating, karyotyping and variant analysis. These approaches can differentiate MDS from aplastic anemia or acute myeloid leukemia with high accuracy, although generalizability is limited by small datasets, technical variability and insufficient external validation. Ethical, regulatory and educational challenges persist, underscoring the need for explainable models and clinician AI literacy.
\n
Click here to access the full publication >>>
\n\n\n
ABSTRACT
\nRichter’s transformation to diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) represents a rare and aggressive malignancy, typically associated with poor prognosis and limited therapeutic options. We report the case of a 72-year-old patient with rapidly progressing, high-tumor burden disease after several intensive chemotherapy regimens. The patient subsequently received chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy, achieving a complete response just one month after infusion, which was sustained at the 18-month follow-up. This positive outcome highlights the potential of CAR T cells in refractory, high-risk rare cases that are often excluded from clinical trials. In addition, we describe a second case involving a 48-year-old patient with post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) after solid organ transplantation complicated by central nervous system (CNS) involvement, who similarly attained complete remission (CR) following CAR T-cell therapy. Together, these cases underscore the efficacy and versatility of CAR T-cell therapy in rare and challenging DLBCL presentations, providing further clinical evidence to support its use in high-risk patient populations.
\n
Click here to access the full publication >>>
\n\n\n
ABSTRACT
\nMyelodysplastic syndromes/myelodysplastic neoplasms (MDS) are clonal hematopoietic stem cell disorders characterized by ineffective hematopoiesis, dysplasia of blood and bone marrow cells, and an elevated risk of progression to acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Patients with higher-risk MDS have a poorer prognosis, with up to 40% of them experiencing disease progression to AML within two years of diagnosis. Allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo-SCT) remains the only potentially curative treatment for high-risk MDS. However, its use is limited by factors, such as patient age, comorbidities, cytogenetic profile, performance status, patient preference and donor availability. This article provides an overview of the therapeutic options for higher-risk MDS that are already established or in development, including hypomethylating agents, IDH1/IDH2 inhibitors, BCL2 inhibitors, RARA agonists, selective inhibitors of nuclear export, liposomal dual-drug chemotherapy and agents targeting aberrant inflammation. This review does not give detailed recommendations for single treatments.
\n
Click here to access the full publication >>>
\n\n
\n![\"\"](\"https://cdn.healthbook.network/pim/2025/11/2b5f72dd-acca-4ded-b073-911630f7b7e6.png\") | \n\n Prof. Dr Andreas Holbro | \n
\n![\"\"](\"https://cdn.healthbook.network/pim/2025/11/da132119-37cc-44dc-a391-0f5343a6ceb9.png\") | \n\n Prof. Dr Dr | \n
\n![\"\"](\"https://cdn.healthbook.network/pim/2025/12/017f9d11-7375-491b-983f-53a2caa04705.png\") | \n\n Prof. Dr Marcus Schittenhelm | \n
\n![\"\"](\"https://cdn.healthbook.network/pim/2025/11/bf573f44-dccd-4976-ab90-1cba4c973882.png\") | \n\n Prof. Dr Federico Simonetta | \n
\n![\"\"](\"https://cdn.healthbook.network/pim/2025/11/dd0c5505-49e5-41e0-b4ef-18972d102de2.png\") | \n\n Dr Guido Ghilardi | \n
\n![\"\"](\"https://cdn.healthbook.network/pim/2025/11/c709390b-bdc5-41c2-b4b8-a717110be3d8.png\") | \n\n Erik Aerts | \n
Provided by
\n![](\"https://cdn.healthbook.network/public/24973e78-5a3f-4a55-a519-3ebd4d0a4733.png\")
\n
Under the auspices of
\n![](\"https://cdn.healthbook.network/pim/2025/11/4fbc4b02-4b42-4fe7-9093-5c68ac189785.png\")
"},{"id":"697371109416469800","block":"text","title":"Text","component":"editable-input-block-text","ajaxFormComponent":"ajax-input-page-edit-block-text","content":"
* In the context of the healthbook SCI AWARD in Hemato-Oncology, the term “Swiss” explicitly does not refer to the nationality or personal origin of the participating individuals or submitting authors. It solely designates the geographic location where the respective medical professional carries out their professional activities.
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| \n | \n\n Prof. Dr Andreas Holbro | \n
| \n | \n\n Prof. Dr Dr | \n
| \n | \n\n Prof. Dr Marcus Schittenhelm | \n
| \n | \n\n Prof. Dr Federico Simonetta | \n
| \n | \n\n Dr Guido Ghilardi | \n
| \n | \n\n Erik Aerts | \n
Provided by
\n\n
Under the auspices of
\n
* In the context of the healthbook SCI AWARD in Hemato-Oncology, the term “Swiss” explicitly does not refer to the nationality or personal origin of the participating individuals or submitting authors. It solely designates the geographic location where the respective medical professional carries out their professional activities.
The healthbook AWARD in Hemato-Oncology under the auspices of the Swiss Cancer Institute (SCI) recognizes outstanding contributions in hemato-oncology, particularly in the fields of lymphoma, myeloma, leukemia (AML, ALL, CLL), and MDS/MPN.
The award honors excellence among Swiss physicians and researchers, with a special focus on supporting young colleagues and early-career researchers, and aims to actively promote scientific progress in hemato-oncology.
The independent Scientific Committee of renowned experts in hemato-oncology supports the award, guaranteeing that each submission is evaluated objectively and fairly (see list of Steering Committee members to the right).
Eligible participants—including Swiss* hemato-oncologists and Swiss* nurses with expertise in the relevant areas—are invited to submit unpublished fully peer-reviewed manuscripts in one of the following categories:
These categories provide valuable scientific opportunities and enable authors—particularly young colleagues and early-career researchers—to gain experience publishing peer-reviewed work.
In addition to unpublished work, submissions from Swiss* authors in the three categories are also eligible if they have undergone journal peer review and were published in a scientific journal within the past 12 months.
To ensure comparability between unpublished manuscripts and already published work, submissions will only be accepted and evaluated by the Scientific Committee following completion of the peer review process and will be conducted according to the same rating criteria.
Awarded Funding: A total of CHF 10,000 is awarded across three categories:
Purpose-bound Funding: In line with the award’s mission to actively promote scientific progress in hemato-oncology, the prizes are intended exclusively for research- or patient-related purposes and will therefore not be handed over to private individuals.
Award Ceremony: The winners will be honored at the 17th Swiss Summit on Hemato-Oncology (SSHO) at the Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale (EOC) in Bellinzona on September 3, 2026.
Publication: Unpublished peer reviewed manuscripts can be published as DOI-indexed, open-access articles in healthbook TIMES Oncology Hematology, a journal indexed by Scopus, EMBASE, Google Scholar, and other major platforms, providing a formal scientific publication recognized in Switzerland. For such cases, the official submission to the journal has to be done in advance and separately to the submission for the award.
Swiss* authors can submit unpublished full manuscripts following peer review, the Steering Committee will evaluate the submissions. Please note that submitting a manuscript for the award is independent of, and does not include or replace, the submission of a work for publication in healthbook TIMES Oncology Hematology following successful peer review; the latter must be completed separately.
Swiss* authors can also submit full manuscripts in the three categories, which have undergone journal peer review and were published in a scientific journal within the past 12 months. The Steering Committee will evaluate these submissions based on the same criteria as unpublished work after peer review.
For questions or support, please reach out to our dedicated team at helpdesk@healthbook.ch
\n
ABSTRACT
\nThis study analyzed the genetics of classic Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) by using circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA). Two genetic subtypes were identified, differing in genetic instability mechanisms: one subtype (64% of cases) showed a higher mutation load and a higher fraction of mutations associated with activation-induced cytidine deaminase and microsatellite instability signatures, whereas the other subtype (36% of cases) exhibited chromosomal instability with more somatic copy number alterations. Whole-genome duplication was more common in cHL compared with other B-cell tumors and emerged as a prognostic biomarker for patients undergoing Adriamycin (doxorubicin)-bleomycin-vinblastine-dacarbazine–based therapy. Noncoding regulatory mutations, similar to those in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, were highly prevalent in 86% of cHL. A recurrent somatic expression quantitative trait locus (seQTL) involving the BCL6 gene was found in 30% of cases. The seQTL of BCL6 aligned with accessible chromatin and increased H3K27 acetylation in cHL, disrupted PRDM1 binding, and co-occurred with BCL6 expression in cHL\ncells. Weak to strong expression of BCL6 was observed in 68% of cases, and BCL6 expression associated with gene repression similarly in cHL and germinal center B cells. After BCL6 degradation, the\ncore set of genes directly bound and regulated by BCL6 was derepressed in cHL, and proliferation was impaired. The number and clonality of neoantigens was associated with tumor microenvironment type and response to checkpoint blockade. Finally, ctDNA analysis was suggested as a tool to distinguish ambiguous positron emission tomography/computed tomography–positive lesions after treatment.\n
Click here to access the full publication >>>
\n\n\n
ABSTRACT
\nA small proportion of patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) harbor variant chromosomal translocations that lead to fusion of RARA to one of several alternative partner genes. The most frequently reported of variant is the t(11;17)(q23;q21), which generates the fusion of the zinc finger gene ZBTB16 (formerly PLZF) to the RARA locus (ZBTB16::RARA fusion). This APL subtype is typically resistant to standard APL-directed therapies and most patients with this translocation relapse within one year with limited subsequent treatment options. Here, we report on a patient with ZBTB16::RARA APL who achieved durable molecular complete remission lasting more than two years after high-dose chemotherapy with busulfan and cyclophosphamide followed by autologous stem cell transplantation. This therapeutic approach has not previously been described for this rare APL variant and may represent a promising consolidation strategy in selected patients.\n
Click here to access the full publication >>>
\n\n\n
ABSTRACT
\nChimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy has fundamentally transformed the treatment paradigm for relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (R/R DLBCL). However, implementing this therapy faces logistical and biological hurdles, including the prolonged interval between lymphocyte apheresis, delivery of the final product and initiation of lymphodepleting chemotherapy. This waiting period, often four to eight weeks, creates a risk during which uncontrolled disease progression may render patients ineligible for the planned treatment or increase their risk of complications. Bridging therapy has become a temporary strategy to control the disease and maintain patient fitness while awaiting the return of manufactured autologous CAR T cells. This review discusses the current scientific understanding of bridging therapy in the context of CAR T-cell treatment for R/R DLBCL, including its rationale, approaches, clinical evidence and future prospects.\n
Click here to access the full publication >>>
\n\n\n
ABSTRACT
\nINTRODUCTION
\nBlastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm (BPDCN) is a very rare disease, with unique diagnostic challenges and often dismal outcome. There are no widely accepted treatment guidelines available. Lymphoma-like regimens with or without autologous or allogenic transplantation were the cornerstone of most therapeutic concepts. A few years ago, the CD123-directed immunoconjugate tagraxofusp emerged as a new valuable treatment option. The goal of our research was to collect available data on BPDCN-patients treated at large centres in Switzerland and worldwide and to draw conclusions regarding the incidence, clinical presentation, prognostic factors and therapeutic strategies.
\nMETHODS
\nWe collected data from BPDCN patients from leading Swiss haemato-oncology centres from 2005 to 2022. Furthermore, we reviewed and analysed the published literature (cohorts and case reports in peer-reviewed journals) from 1997 to 2020 (structured review of the literature).
\nRESULTS
\nWe identified 115 international publications including 600 patients from all over the world. Most of them had very small sample sizes (only ten papers with more than ten patients) and all but one were retrospective or observational respectively. Most included patients were Europeans (n = 385, 64%) and Asians (n = 120, 20%), followed by Americans (n = 90, 15%) and patients from Australia/New Zealand (n = 3) and Africa (n = 2). BPDCN was more common in men with a predominance of 3:1. The median age (n = 414) at diagnosis was 66.5 years ranging from one month to 103 years. Newly diagnosed women were significantly younger than men (median: 62 vs 67 years, mean: 53.4 vs 59.3 years, p = 0.027) and less often had bone marrow infiltration and affected lymph nodes. Upfront allogenic transplantation as well as ALL regimens performed best, with response to first-line therapy clearly associated with better overall survival. The Swiss cohort contained 26 patients (23 males and 3 females) over 18 years (2005–2022). The median age at diagnosis was 68.5 years (range: 20–83). Ten patients underwent upfront stem cell transplantation (seven allogenic and three autologous), at least trending towards a better overall survival than other therapies. With a follow-up of 8 years, the median overall survival was 1.2 years. Eight patients in this cohort were treated with tagraxofusp, which became available in 2020 and was approved by Swissmedic in 2023.
\nCONCLUSIONS
\nOur study confirms that BPDCN is a very rare and difficult-to-treat disease. Underdiagnosis and underreporting in the literature pose further challenges. Symptoms at presentation seem to differ slightly between sexes and reaching a complete remission after first-line treatment remains crucial for a prolonged overall survival. Effective treatment protocols in first line include transplantation regimens (mainly allogenic, potentially also autologous) as well as ALL protocols. In order to understand the significance of tagraxofusp as a bridge to transplant or as a continuous monotherapy in elderly patients, further evaluation with longer follow-up periods is required. In general, analysis of the Swiss patients confirmed the results from the worldwide cohort.
\n
Click here to access the full publication >>>
\n\n\n
ABSTRACT
\nObjectives
\nAdoptive cell therapy (ACT) is a growing personalized immuno-oncology approach, delivered both in standard of care (SOC) and clinical trial (CT) settings. Understanding patient and informal caregivers (ICs) experiences is crucial to optimizing care. This qualitative systematic review explores the ACT experience across three elements: actors (patients and ICs), settings (CT and SOC), and phases of the care continuum.
\nMethods
\nA systematic search was conducted across Medline, Embase, CINAHL, APA PsycInfo, Cochrane, Web of Science, ProQuest Dissertations & Theses, and Google Scholar up to May 8, 2024. Studies were appraised using the JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist for Qualitative Research, with data extracted and synthesized using a meta-aggregation approach. MAXQDA was used to generate co-occurrence networks between key elements and inductively derived codes. A comparative sentiment analysis highlighted emotional differences between CT and SOC settings.
\nResults
\nNineteen qualitative studies were included, capturing experiences of patients (n = 19) and ICs (n = 7) receiving chimeric antigen receptor T cell (n = 17) and tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (n = 2) therapy in CT (n = 13) and SOC (n = 9) settings. Findings revealed phase-specific challenges across physical, cognitive, psychological, emotional, social, financial, professional, communication, and informational domains. These challenges originate from ACT-related toxicities, care pathway complexity, and the novel nature of the therapy.
\nConclusions
\nThis review identifies the key challenges faced by patients and ICs throughout the ACT care pathway, emphasizing the need for tailored interventions based on the phase and setting, as well as improved support systems.
\nImplications for nursing practices
\nRecommended strategies include developing decision support tools, establishing caregiver support programs, and implementing navigation services to enhance patient and ICs experiences.\n
Click here to access the full publication >>>
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ABSTRACT
\nThe combination of ibrutinib plus venetoclax (IV) in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) treatment leverages their complementary mechanisms of action. Studies investigating IV typically begin with a short initial course of ibrutinib, followed by venetoclax introduction for a limited duration, typically 12 months. The Swiss Group for Clinical Cancer Research (SAKK) 34/17 study is a single-arm, multicenter, phase 2 trial evaluating the effectiveness of a modified IV schedule in patients with relapsed/refractory (R/R) CLL. No prior exposure to BTK or BCL2 inhibitors was allowed. The lead-in phase with ibrutinib was extended to 6 months to reduce the tumor burden and related tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) risk. Additionally, the treatment phase with IV is prolonged to a minimum of 24 months to enhance the undetectable minimal residual disease (uMRD; 10–4) rate. The primary end point was the rate of complete response or complete response with incomplete bone marrow recovery (CR/CRi) with uMRD in both bone marrow (BM) and peripheral blood (PB). Secondary end points included assessing the proportion of patients transitioning to a low-risk category for TLS after receiving ibrutinib lead-in. Of the 30 enrolled patients with R/R CLL, 40.0% achieved uMRD CR/CRi by intention-to-treat analysis, and 53.3% showed uMRD in the BM and PB. After the lead-in period with ibrutinib, 57.1% of patients achieved a low risk of TLS. At cycle 31, the progression-free survival rate was 89.9%. These results contribute to the increasing body of evidence supporting the idea that a longer IV duration is beneficial for enhancing therapeutic effectiveness.
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ABSTRACT
\nThe diagnosis of myelodysplastic neoplasms (MDS) traditionally relies on cytomorphological assessment of peripheral blood (PB) and bone marrow (BM). Despite recent shifts toward molecular testing and next-generation sequencing, blast percentage and dysplasia remain integral to the initial work-up. Morphology provides immediate availability and cost-effectiveness but is hindered by interobserver variability, lack of standardization and declining training in classical hematology. These factors may complicate the differentiation of MDS from non-clonal cytopenias or therapy-related changes. Technical quality of BM sampling and processing is crucial, as inadequate core length, improper fixation or artifacts may obscure interpretation. Digital morphology and artificial intelligence (AI) are reshaping hematology by reducing subjectivity, improving reproducibility and enabling remote consultation, training and archiving. Although automated analyzers demonstrate high accuracy for common cell types, expert oversight remains essential, especially for rare or pathological cells. AI and machine learning (ML) extend across diagnostic modalities, from detecting dysplasia in PB and BM smears to automating flow cytometry gating, karyotyping and variant analysis. These approaches can differentiate MDS from aplastic anemia or acute myeloid leukemia with high accuracy, although generalizability is limited by small datasets, technical variability and insufficient external validation. Ethical, regulatory and educational challenges persist, underscoring the need for explainable models and clinician AI literacy.
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ABSTRACT
\nRichter’s transformation to diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) represents a rare and aggressive malignancy, typically associated with poor prognosis and limited therapeutic options. We report the case of a 72-year-old patient with rapidly progressing, high-tumor burden disease after several intensive chemotherapy regimens. The patient subsequently received chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy, achieving a complete response just one month after infusion, which was sustained at the 18-month follow-up. This positive outcome highlights the potential of CAR T cells in refractory, high-risk rare cases that are often excluded from clinical trials. In addition, we describe a second case involving a 48-year-old patient with post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) after solid organ transplantation complicated by central nervous system (CNS) involvement, who similarly attained complete remission (CR) following CAR T-cell therapy. Together, these cases underscore the efficacy and versatility of CAR T-cell therapy in rare and challenging DLBCL presentations, providing further clinical evidence to support its use in high-risk patient populations.
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ABSTRACT
\nMyelodysplastic syndromes/myelodysplastic neoplasms (MDS) are clonal hematopoietic stem cell disorders characterized by ineffective hematopoiesis, dysplasia of blood and bone marrow cells, and an elevated risk of progression to acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Patients with higher-risk MDS have a poorer prognosis, with up to 40% of them experiencing disease progression to AML within two years of diagnosis. Allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo-SCT) remains the only potentially curative treatment for high-risk MDS. However, its use is limited by factors, such as patient age, comorbidities, cytogenetic profile, performance status, patient preference and donor availability. This article provides an overview of the therapeutic options for higher-risk MDS that are already established or in development, including hypomethylating agents, IDH1/IDH2 inhibitors, BCL2 inhibitors, RARA agonists, selective inhibitors of nuclear export, liposomal dual-drug chemotherapy and agents targeting aberrant inflammation. This review does not give detailed recommendations for single treatments.
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