ASH 2024 Preview for Medical Oncologists: The Show and After Show

The ASH Annual Meeting and Exposition is set to shape the future of cancer care, with a focus on chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapies, bispecific antibodies, the role of minimal residual disease, and more.

In the next episode of The Show and After Show, co-hosts Kristie L. Kahl and Andrew Svonavec offer a glimpse at some of the presentations guaranteed to spark one’s curiosity, spur debate, and enhance the field even further. Some key highlights include:

Anticipated FDA Approvals in 2025

• Acalabrutinib (Calquence) in mantle cell lymphoma (MCL): The FDA is set to review the approval of acalabrutinib with bendamustine or rituximab (Rituxan) for previously untreated MCL, based on data from the phase 3 ECHO trial (NCT02972840).
• Asciminib (Scemblix) in chronic phase chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML-CP): The FDA recently granted accelerated approval to asciminib for newly diagnosed CML-CP. This tyrosine kinase inhibitor has shown favorable safety and tolerability profiles.

Novel Therapies for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)

• Acalabrutinib and venetoclax (Venclexta) combinations: The phase 3 AMPLIFY study (NCT03836261) and the CLL expansion and optimization cohorts of EPCORE CLL-1 (NCT04623541) are investigating the potential of novel drug combinations, including acalabrutinib and venetoclax, in the treatment of CLL. These studies may lead to new therapeutic strategies for patients with relapsed or refractory disease.
• Epcoritamab (Epkinly) monotherapy: The evaluation of epcoritamab monotherapy in relapsed or refractory CLL is generating significant excitement. This bispecific antibody targets CD20 and CD3, offering a promising approach to eliminate malignant B cells.

Advances in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL)

• Blinatumomab (Blincyto) in pediatric ALL: The addition of blinatumomab to chemotherapy has shown promise in improving disease-free survival in high-risk pediatric ALL. This combination therapy may offer a more effective treatment option for young patients.

The 2024 ASH Annual Meeting isn't just about data, as the duo also offers food recommendations, tourist attractions and fun activities to partake in, as well as interesting facts about San Diego.

This is just a taste of the wealth of information and inspiration waiting at the 2024 ASH Annual Meeting. Check back for future meeting previews with The Show and After Show.