HAEMATOCON 2023, organized by the Indian Society of Hematology and Blood Transfusion/ISHBT. The conference was attended by leading researchers, clinicians, and scientists in the field of hematology. The researchers got the chance to present new approaches for the treatment of the disease. In this article, we are going to discuss the top findings in the research papers presented by the participants at the conference.
Table of Contents
Key Research Papers Presented
1. Advances in CAR-T Cell Therapy for Leukemia
- Topic: CAR-T Cell Therapy
- Presenter: Dr. Niharika Singh, Tata Memorial Centre
- Key Points:
- CAR-T therapy showed improved outcomes in refractory acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).
- Modified CAR-T cells reduced cytokine release syndrome.
- Longer remission periods were observed compared to standard chemotherapy.
2. Iron Chelation Therapy in Thalassemia Major
- Topic: Thalassemia Management
- Presenter: Dr. Rajat Sharma, AIIMS Delhi
- Key Points:
- Comparative study of Deferasirox and Deferiprone effectiveness.
- Deferasirox showed fewer gastrointestinal side effects.
- Early initiation of therapy is linked to better cardiac outcomes.
3. Bone Marrow Transplant in Sickle Cell Anemia
- Topic: Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
- Presenter: Dr. Shreya Das, CMC Vellore
- Key Points:
- Reduced-intensity conditioning regimens were used in transplant cases.
- High success rate in pediatric patients.
- Low graft-versus-host disease incidence noted.
4. Novel Markers in Diagnosing Myelodysplastic Syndromes
- Topic: Diagnostic Advances in MDS
- Presenter: Dr. Vinod Pillai, PGIMER Chandigarh
- Key Points:
- Use of flow cytometry to identify abnormal progenitor cells.
- CD123 and CD117 markers showed higher specificity.
- Early diagnosis improved treatment planning.
5. Real-world Data on BTK Inhibitors in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
- Topic: Targeted Therapy in CLL
- Presenter: Dr. Meenakshi Rao, SGPGI Lucknow
- Key Points:
- A study compared Ibrutinib and Acalabrutinib.
- Acalabrutinib had fewer cardiovascular side effects.
- Progression-free survival increased with early initiation.
6. Gene Therapy in Hemophilia B
- Topic: Genetic Treatment Approaches
- Presenter: Dr. Anil Mathur, Hemophilia Society, Jaipur
- Key Points:
- Single-dose gene therapy trial showed promising results.
- Factor IX levels normalized in most patients.
- No major adverse effects reported over 18 months.
7. Minimal Residual Disease Monitoring in Multiple Myeloma
- Topic: MRD Assessment
- Presenter: Dr. Priya Choudhary, Apollo Hospitals, Chennai
- Key Points:
- Next-generation sequencing is used to track MRD levels.
- MRD-negative patients showed better progression-free survival.
- MRD tracking is considered more sensitive than traditional imaging.
8. Platelet Function Abnormalities in Dengue Fever
- Topic: Hematological Manifestations of Dengue
- Presenter: Dr. Kunal Jain, KEM Hospital, Mumbai
- Key Points:
- A study revealed qualitative platelet defects during infection.
- Low aggregation response to ADP and collagen was observed.
- Platelet transfusions were often ineffective in severe cases.
9. Role of JAK2 Mutation in Polycythemia Vera
- Topic: Molecular Diagnostics
- Presenter: Dr. Leena Kapoor, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital
- Key Points:
- JAK2 V617F mutation detected in over 90% of patients.
- Allele burden influenced the risk of thrombosis.
- Mutation analysis guides personalized treatment plans.
10. Anticoagulation Challenges in Cancer-associated Thrombosis
- Topic: Thrombosis in Oncology Patients
- Presenter: Dr. Neha Tiwari, Tata Memorial Hospital
- Key Points:
- The study evaluated the use of DOACs vs LMWH.
- DOACs showed equal efficacy with improved convenience.
- Bleeding risk was slightly higher in GI cancer patients.
Summary: Research Papers
| Title | Presenter | Key Focus | Main Findings |
|---|---|---|---|
| CAR-T Therapy in Leukemia | Dr. Niharika Singh | Immunotherapy | Reduced relapse rates and better remission durability |
| Iron Chelation in Thalassemia | Dr. Rajat Sharma | Chelation agents | Deferasirox favored due to tolerability |
| BMT in Sickle Cell Anemia | Dr. Shreya Das | Pediatric transplant | High success rate and reduced complications |
| MDS Diagnostic Markers | Dr. Vinod Pillai | Flow cytometry in diagnosis | CD123 and CD117 identified as early markers |
| BTK Inhibitors in CLL | Dr. Meenakshi Rao | Targeted therapies | Deferasirox is favored due to tolerability |
| Gene Therapy in Hemophilia B | Dr. Anil Mathur | Gene-based treatment | Acalabrutinib is safer and more effective |
| MRD in Multiple Myeloma | Dr. Priya Choudhary | Monitoring post-treatment | MRD-negative status linked to longer survival |
| Platelet Abnormalities in Dengue | Dr. Kunal Jain | Platelet function in infections | Dysfunction rather than just low count observed |
| JAK2 Mutation in Polycythemia Vera | Dr. Leena Kapoor | Molecular mutation detection | JAK2 burden predicted thrombotic risk |
| Anticoagulation in Cancer Thrombosis | Dr. Neha Tiwari | Comparison of anticoagulants | DOACs useful alternative, with some bleeding risk in GI cancers |
