Conference Recap

Highlights in early-stage non–small lung cancer (NSCLC) from the 2022 American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting are discussed by Dr Jack West of City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center in Duarte, California. 

He opens with a post hoc analysis of CheckMate 816, which showed that achieving a pathologic complete response with adjuvant nivolumab plus chemotherapy was highly associated with improved event-free survival. 

Next, Dr West reports on early results from the NADIM II trial, which confirmed the superiority of neoadjuvant nivolumab plus chemotherapy in resectable stage IIIa NSCLC, as well as the need for careful patient selection. 

He moves on to describe the neoSCORE study, which compared two vs three cycles of neoadjuvant sintilimab plus chemotherapy, with the latter achieving a markedly higher major pathologic response rate. 

Dr West next examines two interventional studies, starting with an analysis of the SEER database, which showed that addition of radiation therapy to neoadjuvant chemotherapy does not offer a benefit. He ends with a Veterans Affairs study underlining the importance of surgical quality as a predictor of patient outcomes. 

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Associate Professor, Department of Medical Oncology, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Care, Duarte, California; Medical Director, AccessHope, Los Angeles, California 

Howard (Jack) West, MD, has disclosed the following relevant financial relationships: 

Serve(d) as a director, officer, partner, employee, advisor, consultant, or trustee for: Amgen; AstraZeneca; Eli Lily; EQRx; Genentech/Roche; Merck; Mirati; Pfizer; Regeneron; Takeda 

Serve(d) as a speaker or a member of a speakers bureau for: AstraZeneca; Merck 

Highlights in early-stage non–small lung cancer (NSCLC) from the 2022 American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting are discussed by Dr Jack West of City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center in Duarte, California. 

He opens with a post hoc analysis of CheckMate 816, which showed that achieving a pathologic complete response with adjuvant nivolumab plus chemotherapy was highly associated with improved event-free survival. 

Next, Dr West reports on early results from the NADIM II trial, which confirmed the superiority of neoadjuvant nivolumab plus chemotherapy in resectable stage IIIa NSCLC, as well as the need for careful patient selection. 

He moves on to describe the neoSCORE study, which compared two vs three cycles of neoadjuvant sintilimab plus chemotherapy, with the latter achieving a markedly higher major pathologic response rate. 

Dr West next examines two interventional studies, starting with an analysis of the SEER database, which showed that addition of radiation therapy to neoadjuvant chemotherapy does not offer a benefit. He ends with a Veterans Affairs study underlining the importance of surgical quality as a predictor of patient outcomes. 

--

Associate Professor, Department of Medical Oncology, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Care, Duarte, California; Medical Director, AccessHope, Los Angeles, California 

Howard (Jack) West, MD, has disclosed the following relevant financial relationships: 

Serve(d) as a director, officer, partner, employee, advisor, consultant, or trustee for: Amgen; AstraZeneca; Eli Lily; EQRx; Genentech/Roche; Merck; Mirati; Pfizer; Regeneron; Takeda 

Serve(d) as a speaker or a member of a speakers bureau for: AstraZeneca; Merck 

Highlights in early-stage non–small lung cancer (NSCLC) from the 2022 American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting are discussed by Dr Jack West of City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center in Duarte, California. 

He opens with a post hoc analysis of CheckMate 816, which showed that achieving a pathologic complete response with adjuvant nivolumab plus chemotherapy was highly associated with improved event-free survival. 

Next, Dr West reports on early results from the NADIM II trial, which confirmed the superiority of neoadjuvant nivolumab plus chemotherapy in resectable stage IIIa NSCLC, as well as the need for careful patient selection. 

He moves on to describe the neoSCORE study, which compared two vs three cycles of neoadjuvant sintilimab plus chemotherapy, with the latter achieving a markedly higher major pathologic response rate. 

Dr West next examines two interventional studies, starting with an analysis of the SEER database, which showed that addition of radiation therapy to neoadjuvant chemotherapy does not offer a benefit. He ends with a Veterans Affairs study underlining the importance of surgical quality as a predictor of patient outcomes. 

--

Associate Professor, Department of Medical Oncology, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Care, Duarte, California; Medical Director, AccessHope, Los Angeles, California 

Howard (Jack) West, MD, has disclosed the following relevant financial relationships: 

Serve(d) as a director, officer, partner, employee, advisor, consultant, or trustee for: Amgen; AstraZeneca; Eli Lily; EQRx; Genentech/Roche; Merck; Mirati; Pfizer; Regeneron; Takeda 

Serve(d) as a speaker or a member of a speakers bureau for: AstraZeneca; Merck 

Dr Aaron Miller, from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York, discusses updates in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) presented at the 2022 American Academy of Neurology (AAN) Annual Meeting.

Dr Miller reports on compelling outcomes linking adherence to an MS-prescribed Mediterranean diet with increased thalamic volume and an enhanced predictability of functional composite scoring.

Next, Dr Miller turns to DMTs and discusses two abstracts looking at results of ublituximab in regard to expanded disability status scale (EDSS) scores and no evidence of disease activity (NEDA) status, and a third comparing ublituximab with teriflunomide.

Finally, Dr Miller presents promising data on Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitors tolebrutinib and evobrutinib, and the latest results of the NOVA study on the monoclonal antibody natalizumab.

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Professor, Department of Neurology; Medical Director, Corinne Goldsmith Dickinson Center for Multiple Sclerosis, Academic Medical Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY

Aaron Miller, MD, has disclosed no relevant financial relationships.

Dr Aaron Miller, from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York, discusses updates in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) presented at the 2022 American Academy of Neurology (AAN) Annual Meeting.

Dr Miller reports on compelling outcomes linking adherence to an MS-prescribed Mediterranean diet with increased thalamic volume and an enhanced predictability of functional composite scoring.

Next, Dr Miller turns to DMTs and discusses two abstracts looking at results of ublituximab in regard to expanded disability status scale (EDSS) scores and no evidence of disease activity (NEDA) status, and a third comparing ublituximab with teriflunomide.

Finally, Dr Miller presents promising data on Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitors tolebrutinib and evobrutinib, and the latest results of the NOVA study on the monoclonal antibody natalizumab.

--

Professor, Department of Neurology; Medical Director, Corinne Goldsmith Dickinson Center for Multiple Sclerosis, Academic Medical Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY

Aaron Miller, MD, has disclosed no relevant financial relationships.

Dr Aaron Miller, from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York, discusses updates in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) presented at the 2022 American Academy of Neurology (AAN) Annual Meeting.

Dr Miller reports on compelling outcomes linking adherence to an MS-prescribed Mediterranean diet with increased thalamic volume and an enhanced predictability of functional composite scoring.

Next, Dr Miller turns to DMTs and discusses two abstracts looking at results of ublituximab in regard to expanded disability status scale (EDSS) scores and no evidence of disease activity (NEDA) status, and a third comparing ublituximab with teriflunomide.

Finally, Dr Miller presents promising data on Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitors tolebrutinib and evobrutinib, and the latest results of the NOVA study on the monoclonal antibody natalizumab.

--

Professor, Department of Neurology; Medical Director, Corinne Goldsmith Dickinson Center for Multiple Sclerosis, Academic Medical Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY

Aaron Miller, MD, has disclosed no relevant financial relationships.

Dr Enrique Alvarez, Associate Professor at the University of Colorado, reviews updates in symptom management that were presented at the Americas Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ACTRIMS) 2022 meeting.

First, Dr Alvarez highlights two studies of nabiximols — a complex botanical mixture of tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol — in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). In both the GWSP0604 and SAVANT studies, patients taking nabiximols demonstrated significant spasticity improvement and reductions in spasm frequency.

Next, Dr Alvarez shares study results that compared patient responses to the responses of healthcare practitioners (HCPs) treating these patients for their MS. This analysis, which focused on cases of fatigue, mood, and cognition, found that patients reported significantly higher rates of these symptoms compared with HCP responses.

Another study assessed the importance of shared decision-making between HCPs and patients with MS, drawing from MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CINAHL databases. The researchers identified apparent challenges in patient education and access to information and recommended that shared decision-making be integrated into routine practice.

Dr Alvarez concludes with a review of new resources launched by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, the goal of which is to inform and empower patients about dietary approaches for self-management and to support clinicians who are facilitating related discussions with their patients.

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Enrique Alvarez, MD, PhD, Vice Chair of Clinical Research, Associate Professor, Department of Neurology, Division Neuroimmunology, University of Colorado, Rocky Mountain MS Center Anschutz Medical Center, Aurora, Colorado

Enrique Alvarez, MD, PhD, has disclosed the following relevant financial relationships:

Received research grant from: Biogen; Genentech/Roche; Novartis; TG Therapeutics; Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Initiative; National Multiple Sclerosis Society; National Institutes of Health; Rocky Mountain MS Center

Received income in an amount equal to or greater than $250 from: Actelion

Dr Enrique Alvarez, Associate Professor at the University of Colorado, reviews updates in symptom management that were presented at the Americas Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ACTRIMS) 2022 meeting.

First, Dr Alvarez highlights two studies of nabiximols — a complex botanical mixture of tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol — in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). In both the GWSP0604 and SAVANT studies, patients taking nabiximols demonstrated significant spasticity improvement and reductions in spasm frequency.

Next, Dr Alvarez shares study results that compared patient responses to the responses of healthcare practitioners (HCPs) treating these patients for their MS. This analysis, which focused on cases of fatigue, mood, and cognition, found that patients reported significantly higher rates of these symptoms compared with HCP responses.

Another study assessed the importance of shared decision-making between HCPs and patients with MS, drawing from MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CINAHL databases. The researchers identified apparent challenges in patient education and access to information and recommended that shared decision-making be integrated into routine practice.

Dr Alvarez concludes with a review of new resources launched by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, the goal of which is to inform and empower patients about dietary approaches for self-management and to support clinicians who are facilitating related discussions with their patients.

--

Enrique Alvarez, MD, PhD, Vice Chair of Clinical Research, Associate Professor, Department of Neurology, Division Neuroimmunology, University of Colorado, Rocky Mountain MS Center Anschutz Medical Center, Aurora, Colorado

Enrique Alvarez, MD, PhD, has disclosed the following relevant financial relationships:

Received research grant from: Biogen; Genentech/Roche; Novartis; TG Therapeutics; Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Initiative; National Multiple Sclerosis Society; National Institutes of Health; Rocky Mountain MS Center

Received income in an amount equal to or greater than $250 from: Actelion

Dr Enrique Alvarez, Associate Professor at the University of Colorado, reviews updates in symptom management that were presented at the Americas Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ACTRIMS) 2022 meeting.

First, Dr Alvarez highlights two studies of nabiximols — a complex botanical mixture of tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol — in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). In both the GWSP0604 and SAVANT studies, patients taking nabiximols demonstrated significant spasticity improvement and reductions in spasm frequency.

Next, Dr Alvarez shares study results that compared patient responses to the responses of healthcare practitioners (HCPs) treating these patients for their MS. This analysis, which focused on cases of fatigue, mood, and cognition, found that patients reported significantly higher rates of these symptoms compared with HCP responses.

Another study assessed the importance of shared decision-making between HCPs and patients with MS, drawing from MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CINAHL databases. The researchers identified apparent challenges in patient education and access to information and recommended that shared decision-making be integrated into routine practice.

Dr Alvarez concludes with a review of new resources launched by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, the goal of which is to inform and empower patients about dietary approaches for self-management and to support clinicians who are facilitating related discussions with their patients.

--

Enrique Alvarez, MD, PhD, Vice Chair of Clinical Research, Associate Professor, Department of Neurology, Division Neuroimmunology, University of Colorado, Rocky Mountain MS Center Anschutz Medical Center, Aurora, Colorado

Enrique Alvarez, MD, PhD, has disclosed the following relevant financial relationships:

Received research grant from: Biogen; Genentech/Roche; Novartis; TG Therapeutics; Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Initiative; National Multiple Sclerosis Society; National Institutes of Health; Rocky Mountain MS Center

Received income in an amount equal to or greater than $250 from: Actelion

Dr Michael Wilson, associate professor at the University of California, San Francisco, School of Medicine, shares updates on disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) and health economics that were presented at the Americas Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ACTRIMS) 2022 meeting.  

First, Dr Wilson reports on a holistic review of the US economic burdens associated with MS and DMT use. The total burden of MS was estimated to be $85 billion in both direct and indirect costs, with the average annual DMT cost ranging between $57,000 and $90,000. 

Another study looked at long-term outcomes for patients who were treated with autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (aHSCT). With follow-up periods ranging from 8 months to 20 years, there were no reported relapses after aHSCT. In contrast, there were 1.1 relapses per patient year before aHSCT. Patients also saw improvement in Expanded Disability Status Scale scores during follow-up.  

Finally, Dr Wilson reviews the 18-month results from a long-term extension study of tolebrutinib, which looked at MRI activity, efficacy, and safety. Investigators reported a significant decrease in the number of new or enhancing lesions and in annual relapse rates, while T2 lesion burden remained stable.  

--

Michael Wilson, MD, Associate Professor, Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, School of Medicine; Director, UCSF Center for Encephalitis and Meningitis, San Francisco, California 

Michael Wilson, MD, has disclosed the following relevant financial relationships: 

Received research grant from: Roche/Genentech 

Received income in an amount equal to or greater than $250 from: Takeda; Genentech; Novartis 

Dr Michael Wilson, associate professor at the University of California, San Francisco, School of Medicine, shares updates on disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) and health economics that were presented at the Americas Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ACTRIMS) 2022 meeting.  

First, Dr Wilson reports on a holistic review of the US economic burdens associated with MS and DMT use. The total burden of MS was estimated to be $85 billion in both direct and indirect costs, with the average annual DMT cost ranging between $57,000 and $90,000. 

Another study looked at long-term outcomes for patients who were treated with autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (aHSCT). With follow-up periods ranging from 8 months to 20 years, there were no reported relapses after aHSCT. In contrast, there were 1.1 relapses per patient year before aHSCT. Patients also saw improvement in Expanded Disability Status Scale scores during follow-up.  

Finally, Dr Wilson reviews the 18-month results from a long-term extension study of tolebrutinib, which looked at MRI activity, efficacy, and safety. Investigators reported a significant decrease in the number of new or enhancing lesions and in annual relapse rates, while T2 lesion burden remained stable.  

--

Michael Wilson, MD, Associate Professor, Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, School of Medicine; Director, UCSF Center for Encephalitis and Meningitis, San Francisco, California 

Michael Wilson, MD, has disclosed the following relevant financial relationships: 

Received research grant from: Roche/Genentech 

Received income in an amount equal to or greater than $250 from: Takeda; Genentech; Novartis 

Dr Michael Wilson, associate professor at the University of California, San Francisco, School of Medicine, shares updates on disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) and health economics that were presented at the Americas Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ACTRIMS) 2022 meeting.  

First, Dr Wilson reports on a holistic review of the US economic burdens associated with MS and DMT use. The total burden of MS was estimated to be $85 billion in both direct and indirect costs, with the average annual DMT cost ranging between $57,000 and $90,000. 

Another study looked at long-term outcomes for patients who were treated with autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (aHSCT). With follow-up periods ranging from 8 months to 20 years, there were no reported relapses after aHSCT. In contrast, there were 1.1 relapses per patient year before aHSCT. Patients also saw improvement in Expanded Disability Status Scale scores during follow-up.  

Finally, Dr Wilson reviews the 18-month results from a long-term extension study of tolebrutinib, which looked at MRI activity, efficacy, and safety. Investigators reported a significant decrease in the number of new or enhancing lesions and in annual relapse rates, while T2 lesion burden remained stable.  

--

Michael Wilson, MD, Associate Professor, Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, School of Medicine; Director, UCSF Center for Encephalitis and Meningitis, San Francisco, California 

Michael Wilson, MD, has disclosed the following relevant financial relationships: 

Received research grant from: Roche/Genentech 

Received income in an amount equal to or greater than $250 from: Takeda; Genentech; Novartis 

Jennifer Brown, MD, PhD, from the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, highlights findings from chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) studies presented at the 2021 American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting.  

Dr Brown begins with several studies in the front-line setting. The CLL13 trial compared three venetoclax CD20 antibody regimens in young, fit patients. Most notably, obinutuzumab plus venetoclax demonstrated superiority over chemoimmunotherapy. 

Next, Dr Brown shares results from the FLAIR trial, in which oral ibrutinib plus intravenous rituximab showed superior progression-free survival over oral fludarabine, oral cyclophosphamide, and intravenous rituximab (FCR). 

She also discusses long-term results from a study of ibrutinib plus FCR in younger patients. The rate of undetectable minimal residual disease was sustained and the rate of complete remission increased compared with the initial analysis. 

Dr Brown also reports that in the SEQUOIA trial, zanubrutinib demonstrated superiority in progression-free survival, even in high-risk subgroups. 

In the relapsed/refractory setting, Dr Brown looks at the BRUIN study, in which pirtobrutinib demonstrated promising efficacy in patients who were previously treated with Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitors, as well as promising early data on the novel covalent inhibitor MK-1026.  

Dr Brown concludes with a review of two studies of humoral and T-cell responses to COVID-19 vaccines in patients with CLL, which both underscored the importance of vaccinations, boosters, and follow-up doses in this group. 

--

Jennifer Brown, MD, PhD, Worthington and Margaret Collette Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Institute Physician, Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts  

Jennifer Brown, MD, PhD, has disclosed the following relevant financial relationships:  

Serve(d) as a director, officer, partner, employee, advisor, consultant, or trustee for: AbbVie; Acerta/AstraZeneca; BeiGene; Catapult; Genentech/Roche; Hutchmed; Janssen; MEI Pharma 

Received research grant from: Gilead; Loxo/Lilly; TG Therapeutics; Verastem/SecuraBio 

Jennifer Brown, MD, PhD, from the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, highlights findings from chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) studies presented at the 2021 American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting.  

Dr Brown begins with several studies in the front-line setting. The CLL13 trial compared three venetoclax CD20 antibody regimens in young, fit patients. Most notably, obinutuzumab plus venetoclax demonstrated superiority over chemoimmunotherapy. 

Next, Dr Brown shares results from the FLAIR trial, in which oral ibrutinib plus intravenous rituximab showed superior progression-free survival over oral fludarabine, oral cyclophosphamide, and intravenous rituximab (FCR). 

She also discusses long-term results from a study of ibrutinib plus FCR in younger patients. The rate of undetectable minimal residual disease was sustained and the rate of complete remission increased compared with the initial analysis. 

Dr Brown also reports that in the SEQUOIA trial, zanubrutinib demonstrated superiority in progression-free survival, even in high-risk subgroups. 

In the relapsed/refractory setting, Dr Brown looks at the BRUIN study, in which pirtobrutinib demonstrated promising efficacy in patients who were previously treated with Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitors, as well as promising early data on the novel covalent inhibitor MK-1026.  

Dr Brown concludes with a review of two studies of humoral and T-cell responses to COVID-19 vaccines in patients with CLL, which both underscored the importance of vaccinations, boosters, and follow-up doses in this group. 

--

Jennifer Brown, MD, PhD, Worthington and Margaret Collette Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Institute Physician, Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts  

Jennifer Brown, MD, PhD, has disclosed the following relevant financial relationships:  

Serve(d) as a director, officer, partner, employee, advisor, consultant, or trustee for: AbbVie; Acerta/AstraZeneca; BeiGene; Catapult; Genentech/Roche; Hutchmed; Janssen; MEI Pharma 

Received research grant from: Gilead; Loxo/Lilly; TG Therapeutics; Verastem/SecuraBio 

Jennifer Brown, MD, PhD, from the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, highlights findings from chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) studies presented at the 2021 American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting.  

Dr Brown begins with several studies in the front-line setting. The CLL13 trial compared three venetoclax CD20 antibody regimens in young, fit patients. Most notably, obinutuzumab plus venetoclax demonstrated superiority over chemoimmunotherapy. 

Next, Dr Brown shares results from the FLAIR trial, in which oral ibrutinib plus intravenous rituximab showed superior progression-free survival over oral fludarabine, oral cyclophosphamide, and intravenous rituximab (FCR). 

She also discusses long-term results from a study of ibrutinib plus FCR in younger patients. The rate of undetectable minimal residual disease was sustained and the rate of complete remission increased compared with the initial analysis. 

Dr Brown also reports that in the SEQUOIA trial, zanubrutinib demonstrated superiority in progression-free survival, even in high-risk subgroups. 

In the relapsed/refractory setting, Dr Brown looks at the BRUIN study, in which pirtobrutinib demonstrated promising efficacy in patients who were previously treated with Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitors, as well as promising early data on the novel covalent inhibitor MK-1026.  

Dr Brown concludes with a review of two studies of humoral and T-cell responses to COVID-19 vaccines in patients with CLL, which both underscored the importance of vaccinations, boosters, and follow-up doses in this group. 

--

Jennifer Brown, MD, PhD, Worthington and Margaret Collette Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Institute Physician, Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts  

Jennifer Brown, MD, PhD, has disclosed the following relevant financial relationships:  

Serve(d) as a director, officer, partner, employee, advisor, consultant, or trustee for: AbbVie; Acerta/AstraZeneca; BeiGene; Catapult; Genentech/Roche; Hutchmed; Janssen; MEI Pharma 

Received research grant from: Gilead; Loxo/Lilly; TG Therapeutics; Verastem/SecuraBio 

Brad Kahl, MD, shares results from non-Hodgkin lymphoma clinical trials that were presented at the 2021 American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting. 

Dr Kahl looks first at a frontline study examining a new combination therapy. The POLARIX study compared polatuzumab vedotin plus rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and prednisone (Pola-R-CHP) with standard of care in patients with untreated diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Pola-R-CHP demonstrated significant improvement in progression-free survival. 

In relapsed/refractory non-Hodgkin lymphoma, Dr Kahl highlights several studies in chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy. He starts with a primary analysis of the ZUMA-7 trial, in which axicabtagene ciloleucel (axi-cel) demonstrated improved survival compared with standard of care in patients with relapsed/refractory DLBCL. 

Next, he reports on the TRANSFORM study, which compared lisocabtagene maraleucel (liso-cel) with standard of care in the second-line setting for patients with high-risk relapsed/refractory DLBCL. Liso-cel demonstrated favorable outcomes, with improved event-free survival and no new safety concerns. 

The third CAR T-cell study he discusses is an updated analysis from ZUMA-5 that shows longer-term data for axi-cel in patients with relapsed/refractory follicular lymphoma or marginal zone lymphoma. Consistent with the primary analysis, this study demonstrated positive survival and safety outcomes in both groups. 

Finally, Dr Kahl examines a phase 1/2 study of mosunetuzumab monotherapy for patients with relapsed/refractory follicular lymphoma who have received at least two lines of therapy. The study demonstrated improved response rates and favorable safety results.

--

Brad Kahl, MD, Professor of Medicine, Department of Medical Oncology; Director, Lymphoma Program, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 
 

Brad Kahl, MD, has disclosed the following relevant financial relationships:  

Serve(d) as a director, officer, partner, employee, advisor, consultant, or trustee for: AbbVie; ADC Therapeutics; AstraZeneca; BeiGene; Celgene: Epizyme; Genentech; Pharmacyclics; Roche; TG Therapeutics 

Received income in an amount equal to or greater than $250 from: Genentech; AbbVie; Janssen 

Brad Kahl, MD, shares results from non-Hodgkin lymphoma clinical trials that were presented at the 2021 American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting. 

Dr Kahl looks first at a frontline study examining a new combination therapy. The POLARIX study compared polatuzumab vedotin plus rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and prednisone (Pola-R-CHP) with standard of care in patients with untreated diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Pola-R-CHP demonstrated significant improvement in progression-free survival. 

In relapsed/refractory non-Hodgkin lymphoma, Dr Kahl highlights several studies in chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy. He starts with a primary analysis of the ZUMA-7 trial, in which axicabtagene ciloleucel (axi-cel) demonstrated improved survival compared with standard of care in patients with relapsed/refractory DLBCL. 

Next, he reports on the TRANSFORM study, which compared lisocabtagene maraleucel (liso-cel) with standard of care in the second-line setting for patients with high-risk relapsed/refractory DLBCL. Liso-cel demonstrated favorable outcomes, with improved event-free survival and no new safety concerns. 

The third CAR T-cell study he discusses is an updated analysis from ZUMA-5 that shows longer-term data for axi-cel in patients with relapsed/refractory follicular lymphoma or marginal zone lymphoma. Consistent with the primary analysis, this study demonstrated positive survival and safety outcomes in both groups. 

Finally, Dr Kahl examines a phase 1/2 study of mosunetuzumab monotherapy for patients with relapsed/refractory follicular lymphoma who have received at least two lines of therapy. The study demonstrated improved response rates and favorable safety results.

--

Brad Kahl, MD, Professor of Medicine, Department of Medical Oncology; Director, Lymphoma Program, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 
 

Brad Kahl, MD, has disclosed the following relevant financial relationships:  

Serve(d) as a director, officer, partner, employee, advisor, consultant, or trustee for: AbbVie; ADC Therapeutics; AstraZeneca; BeiGene; Celgene: Epizyme; Genentech; Pharmacyclics; Roche; TG Therapeutics 

Received income in an amount equal to or greater than $250 from: Genentech; AbbVie; Janssen 

Brad Kahl, MD, shares results from non-Hodgkin lymphoma clinical trials that were presented at the 2021 American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting. 

Dr Kahl looks first at a frontline study examining a new combination therapy. The POLARIX study compared polatuzumab vedotin plus rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and prednisone (Pola-R-CHP) with standard of care in patients with untreated diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Pola-R-CHP demonstrated significant improvement in progression-free survival. 

In relapsed/refractory non-Hodgkin lymphoma, Dr Kahl highlights several studies in chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy. He starts with a primary analysis of the ZUMA-7 trial, in which axicabtagene ciloleucel (axi-cel) demonstrated improved survival compared with standard of care in patients with relapsed/refractory DLBCL. 

Next, he reports on the TRANSFORM study, which compared lisocabtagene maraleucel (liso-cel) with standard of care in the second-line setting for patients with high-risk relapsed/refractory DLBCL. Liso-cel demonstrated favorable outcomes, with improved event-free survival and no new safety concerns. 

The third CAR T-cell study he discusses is an updated analysis from ZUMA-5 that shows longer-term data for axi-cel in patients with relapsed/refractory follicular lymphoma or marginal zone lymphoma. Consistent with the primary analysis, this study demonstrated positive survival and safety outcomes in both groups. 

Finally, Dr Kahl examines a phase 1/2 study of mosunetuzumab monotherapy for patients with relapsed/refractory follicular lymphoma who have received at least two lines of therapy. The study demonstrated improved response rates and favorable safety results.

--

Brad Kahl, MD, Professor of Medicine, Department of Medical Oncology; Director, Lymphoma Program, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 
 

Brad Kahl, MD, has disclosed the following relevant financial relationships:  

Serve(d) as a director, officer, partner, employee, advisor, consultant, or trustee for: AbbVie; ADC Therapeutics; AstraZeneca; BeiGene; Celgene: Epizyme; Genentech; Pharmacyclics; Roche; TG Therapeutics 

Received income in an amount equal to or greater than $250 from: Genentech; AbbVie; Janssen 

Ian Flinn, MD, PhD, director of lymphoma research at the Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute, highlights findings in Hodgkin lymphoma presented at the 2021 meeting of the American Society of Hematology. 

The first study that Dr Flinn discusses combined pembrolizumab with AVD in patients with untreated Hodgkin lymphoma. This regimen was found to be both safe and effective, with high overall response, progression-free survival, and overall survival rates. 

Another study he examines combined pembrolizumab with ICE chemotherapy prior to autologous hematologic stem cell transplant. The primary endpoint of complete metabolic response was met and the regimen demonstrated a tolerable safety profile. 

Next, Dr Flinn looks at a study comparing seven novel and conventional salvage therapies. Most notably, brentuximab vedotin plus nivolumab demonstrated a higher complete remission rate and better post-autologous stem cell transplant progression-free survival compared with chemotherapy. 

Dr Flinn concludes with a phase 2 study that evaluated first-line nivolumab in older frail patients. The primary objective of complete metabolic response rate was not reached, with safety findings comparable to those of published data in this population. 

--

Ian W. Flinn, MD, PhD, Director, Lymphoma Research; Principal Investigator, Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute, Nashville, Tennessee 

Ian W. Flinn, MD, PhD, has disclosed the following relevant financial relationships: 

Serve(d) as a consultant: AbbVie; AstraZeneca; BeiGene; Century Therapeutics; Genentech; Gilead Sciences; Great Point Partners; Hutchison MediPharma; Iksuda Therapeutics; Janssen; Juno Therapeutics; Kite Pharma; MorphoSys; Novartis; Nurix Therapeutics; Pharmacyclics; Roche; Seattle Genetics; Takeda; TG Therapeutics; Unum Therapeutics; Verastem; Vincerx Pharma; Yingli Pharmaceuticals 

Institute received research grant from: AbbVie; Acerta Pharma; Agios; ArQule; AstraZeneca; BeiGene; Calithera Biosciences; Celgene; Constellation Pharmaceuticals; Curis; Forma Therapeutics; Forty Seven; Genentech; Gilead Sciences; IGM Biosciences; Incyte; Infinity Pharmaceuticals; Janssen; Juno Therapeutics; Karyopharm Therapeutics; Kite Pharma; Loxo; Merck; MorphoSys; Novartis; Pfizer; Pharmacyclics; Portola Pharmaceuticals; Rhizen Pharmaceuticals; Roche; Seattle Genetics; Takeda; Teva Pharmaceuticals; TG Therapeutics; Trillium Therapeutics; Triphase Research & Development; Unum Therapeutics; Verastem 

Ian Flinn, MD, PhD, director of lymphoma research at the Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute, highlights findings in Hodgkin lymphoma presented at the 2021 meeting of the American Society of Hematology. 

The first study that Dr Flinn discusses combined pembrolizumab with AVD in patients with untreated Hodgkin lymphoma. This regimen was found to be both safe and effective, with high overall response, progression-free survival, and overall survival rates. 

Another study he examines combined pembrolizumab with ICE chemotherapy prior to autologous hematologic stem cell transplant. The primary endpoint of complete metabolic response was met and the regimen demonstrated a tolerable safety profile. 

Next, Dr Flinn looks at a study comparing seven novel and conventional salvage therapies. Most notably, brentuximab vedotin plus nivolumab demonstrated a higher complete remission rate and better post-autologous stem cell transplant progression-free survival compared with chemotherapy. 

Dr Flinn concludes with a phase 2 study that evaluated first-line nivolumab in older frail patients. The primary objective of complete metabolic response rate was not reached, with safety findings comparable to those of published data in this population. 

--

Ian W. Flinn, MD, PhD, Director, Lymphoma Research; Principal Investigator, Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute, Nashville, Tennessee 

Ian W. Flinn, MD, PhD, has disclosed the following relevant financial relationships: 

Serve(d) as a consultant: AbbVie; AstraZeneca; BeiGene; Century Therapeutics; Genentech; Gilead Sciences; Great Point Partners; Hutchison MediPharma; Iksuda Therapeutics; Janssen; Juno Therapeutics; Kite Pharma; MorphoSys; Novartis; Nurix Therapeutics; Pharmacyclics; Roche; Seattle Genetics; Takeda; TG Therapeutics; Unum Therapeutics; Verastem; Vincerx Pharma; Yingli Pharmaceuticals 

Institute received research grant from: AbbVie; Acerta Pharma; Agios; ArQule; AstraZeneca; BeiGene; Calithera Biosciences; Celgene; Constellation Pharmaceuticals; Curis; Forma Therapeutics; Forty Seven; Genentech; Gilead Sciences; IGM Biosciences; Incyte; Infinity Pharmaceuticals; Janssen; Juno Therapeutics; Karyopharm Therapeutics; Kite Pharma; Loxo; Merck; MorphoSys; Novartis; Pfizer; Pharmacyclics; Portola Pharmaceuticals; Rhizen Pharmaceuticals; Roche; Seattle Genetics; Takeda; Teva Pharmaceuticals; TG Therapeutics; Trillium Therapeutics; Triphase Research & Development; Unum Therapeutics; Verastem 

Ian Flinn, MD, PhD, director of lymphoma research at the Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute, highlights findings in Hodgkin lymphoma presented at the 2021 meeting of the American Society of Hematology. 

The first study that Dr Flinn discusses combined pembrolizumab with AVD in patients with untreated Hodgkin lymphoma. This regimen was found to be both safe and effective, with high overall response, progression-free survival, and overall survival rates. 

Another study he examines combined pembrolizumab with ICE chemotherapy prior to autologous hematologic stem cell transplant. The primary endpoint of complete metabolic response was met and the regimen demonstrated a tolerable safety profile. 

Next, Dr Flinn looks at a study comparing seven novel and conventional salvage therapies. Most notably, brentuximab vedotin plus nivolumab demonstrated a higher complete remission rate and better post-autologous stem cell transplant progression-free survival compared with chemotherapy. 

Dr Flinn concludes with a phase 2 study that evaluated first-line nivolumab in older frail patients. The primary objective of complete metabolic response rate was not reached, with safety findings comparable to those of published data in this population. 

--

Ian W. Flinn, MD, PhD, Director, Lymphoma Research; Principal Investigator, Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute, Nashville, Tennessee 

Ian W. Flinn, MD, PhD, has disclosed the following relevant financial relationships: 

Serve(d) as a consultant: AbbVie; AstraZeneca; BeiGene; Century Therapeutics; Genentech; Gilead Sciences; Great Point Partners; Hutchison MediPharma; Iksuda Therapeutics; Janssen; Juno Therapeutics; Kite Pharma; MorphoSys; Novartis; Nurix Therapeutics; Pharmacyclics; Roche; Seattle Genetics; Takeda; TG Therapeutics; Unum Therapeutics; Verastem; Vincerx Pharma; Yingli Pharmaceuticals 

Institute received research grant from: AbbVie; Acerta Pharma; Agios; ArQule; AstraZeneca; BeiGene; Calithera Biosciences; Celgene; Constellation Pharmaceuticals; Curis; Forma Therapeutics; Forty Seven; Genentech; Gilead Sciences; IGM Biosciences; Incyte; Infinity Pharmaceuticals; Janssen; Juno Therapeutics; Karyopharm Therapeutics; Kite Pharma; Loxo; Merck; MorphoSys; Novartis; Pfizer; Pharmacyclics; Portola Pharmaceuticals; Rhizen Pharmaceuticals; Roche; Seattle Genetics; Takeda; Teva Pharmaceuticals; TG Therapeutics; Trillium Therapeutics; Triphase Research & Development; Unum Therapeutics; Verastem 

Dr Javed Butler, from the University of Mississippi Medical Center, reports on key presentations on heart failure from the 2021 annual meeting of the American Heart Association.  

Dr Butler starts with the EMPULSE trial, which looked at the use of empagliflozin in hospitalized patients with acute heart failure. The study found that patients randomly assigned to empagliflozin had a 36% chance of improved outcomes by 3 months. 

He next looks at two reports from the EMPEROR-Preserved trials, which examined the effects of empagliflozin on patients with ejection fraction greater than 50%. The study found a 17% relative risk reduction in cardiovascular death and a 22% reduction in risk for first heart failure hospitalization. The second EMPEROR report, which examined quality-of-life metrics, found a benefit in favor of empagliflozin over placebo. 

Next, Dr Butler discusses the CHIEF-HF trial, in which heart failure patients were randomly assigned to canagliflozin regardless of ejection fraction. Canagliflozin showed benefit in symptom improvement consistently, regardless of patients having diabetes or heart failure with reduced or preserved ejection fraction. 

Finally, Dr Butler examined the results of the FIGARO-DKD trial, which studied finerenone in patients with diabetic kidney disease. The study reported a 32% relative risk reduction in heart failure events, and reduced hospitalization and cardiovascular death in patients who had a history of heart failure events and those who did not.  

--

 Javed Butler, MD, Professor, Department of Medicine, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi 

Javed Butler, MD, has disclosed the following relevant financial relationships: 
 
Serve(d) as a director, officer, partner, employee, advisor, consultant, or trustee for: Abbott; Amgen; Array; AstraZeneca; Bayer; Boehringer-Ingelheim; Bristol-Myers Squibb; CVRx; Janssen; LivaNova; Luitpold; Medtronic; Merck; Novartis; Novo Nordisk; Vifor 
Serve(d) as a speaker or a member of a speakers bureau for: AstraZeneca; Novartis; Boehringer-Ingelheim; Eli Lilly; Janssen

Dr Javed Butler, from the University of Mississippi Medical Center, reports on key presentations on heart failure from the 2021 annual meeting of the American Heart Association.  

Dr Butler starts with the EMPULSE trial, which looked at the use of empagliflozin in hospitalized patients with acute heart failure. The study found that patients randomly assigned to empagliflozin had a 36% chance of improved outcomes by 3 months. 

He next looks at two reports from the EMPEROR-Preserved trials, which examined the effects of empagliflozin on patients with ejection fraction greater than 50%. The study found a 17% relative risk reduction in cardiovascular death and a 22% reduction in risk for first heart failure hospitalization. The second EMPEROR report, which examined quality-of-life metrics, found a benefit in favor of empagliflozin over placebo. 

Next, Dr Butler discusses the CHIEF-HF trial, in which heart failure patients were randomly assigned to canagliflozin regardless of ejection fraction. Canagliflozin showed benefit in symptom improvement consistently, regardless of patients having diabetes or heart failure with reduced or preserved ejection fraction. 

Finally, Dr Butler examined the results of the FIGARO-DKD trial, which studied finerenone in patients with diabetic kidney disease. The study reported a 32% relative risk reduction in heart failure events, and reduced hospitalization and cardiovascular death in patients who had a history of heart failure events and those who did not.  

--

 Javed Butler, MD, Professor, Department of Medicine, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi 

Javed Butler, MD, has disclosed the following relevant financial relationships: 
 
Serve(d) as a director, officer, partner, employee, advisor, consultant, or trustee for: Abbott; Amgen; Array; AstraZeneca; Bayer; Boehringer-Ingelheim; Bristol-Myers Squibb; CVRx; Janssen; LivaNova; Luitpold; Medtronic; Merck; Novartis; Novo Nordisk; Vifor 
Serve(d) as a speaker or a member of a speakers bureau for: AstraZeneca; Novartis; Boehringer-Ingelheim; Eli Lilly; Janssen

Dr Javed Butler, from the University of Mississippi Medical Center, reports on key presentations on heart failure from the 2021 annual meeting of the American Heart Association.  

Dr Butler starts with the EMPULSE trial, which looked at the use of empagliflozin in hospitalized patients with acute heart failure. The study found that patients randomly assigned to empagliflozin had a 36% chance of improved outcomes by 3 months. 

He next looks at two reports from the EMPEROR-Preserved trials, which examined the effects of empagliflozin on patients with ejection fraction greater than 50%. The study found a 17% relative risk reduction in cardiovascular death and a 22% reduction in risk for first heart failure hospitalization. The second EMPEROR report, which examined quality-of-life metrics, found a benefit in favor of empagliflozin over placebo. 

Next, Dr Butler discusses the CHIEF-HF trial, in which heart failure patients were randomly assigned to canagliflozin regardless of ejection fraction. Canagliflozin showed benefit in symptom improvement consistently, regardless of patients having diabetes or heart failure with reduced or preserved ejection fraction. 

Finally, Dr Butler examined the results of the FIGARO-DKD trial, which studied finerenone in patients with diabetic kidney disease. The study reported a 32% relative risk reduction in heart failure events, and reduced hospitalization and cardiovascular death in patients who had a history of heart failure events and those who did not.  

--

 Javed Butler, MD, Professor, Department of Medicine, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi 

Javed Butler, MD, has disclosed the following relevant financial relationships: 
 
Serve(d) as a director, officer, partner, employee, advisor, consultant, or trustee for: Abbott; Amgen; Array; AstraZeneca; Bayer; Boehringer-Ingelheim; Bristol-Myers Squibb; CVRx; Janssen; LivaNova; Luitpold; Medtronic; Merck; Novartis; Novo Nordisk; Vifor 
Serve(d) as a speaker or a member of a speakers bureau for: AstraZeneca; Novartis; Boehringer-Ingelheim; Eli Lilly; Janssen

Dr Joan Merrill, of the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation in Oklahoma City, reviews updates on several treatment options for systemic lupus erythematosus that were presented at the 2021 ACR Convergence.  

Dr Merrill begins by sharing data from a phase 2 study in which she and her colleagues investigated the efficacy and safety data for iberdomide. The novel agent was associated with sustained clinical benefits in multiple measures of disease activity and was well tolerated through week 52.  

Next, she reports on a post-hoc analysis of the BLISS-LN trial that evaluated the effects of belimumab plus standard therapy on renal outcomes in patients with or without steroid pulses during induction therapy. The study found that belimumab improved kidney outcomes compared with placebo, regardless of whether steroid pulses were administered. However, it was also observed that prevention of lupus nephritis flares was more prominent in patients who received steroid pulses.  

Finally, Dr Merrill highlights a late-breaking poster that reported results from BLISS-BELIEVE, a study evaluating the efficacy and safety of belimumab plus rituximab. Although adding a single cycle of rituximab to belimumab did not improve disease control or remission, the study found that duration of disease control at week 52 and SLEDAI-2K reductions at week 104 were significantly greater in this group compared with the belimumab-plus-placebo group. However, there were also more serious infections reported in the belimumab-plus-rituximab group. 

--

Joan Merrill, MD, Professor, Department of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center; Director of Clinical Projects, Arthritis & Clinical Immunology Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 

Joan Merrill, MD, has disclosed the following relevant financial relationships: Serve(d) as a speaker or a member of a speakers bureau for: Biogen 

Received research grant from: AstraZeneca 

Received income in an amount equal to or greater than $250 from: AbbVie; Amgen; AstraZeneca; Aurinia; Biogen; BMS; EMD Serono; Genentech; GSK; Janssen; Provention; RemeGen; Sanofi; UCB; Zenas 

Dr Joan Merrill, of the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation in Oklahoma City, reviews updates on several treatment options for systemic lupus erythematosus that were presented at the 2021 ACR Convergence.  

Dr Merrill begins by sharing data from a phase 2 study in which she and her colleagues investigated the efficacy and safety data for iberdomide. The novel agent was associated with sustained clinical benefits in multiple measures of disease activity and was well tolerated through week 52.  

Next, she reports on a post-hoc analysis of the BLISS-LN trial that evaluated the effects of belimumab plus standard therapy on renal outcomes in patients with or without steroid pulses during induction therapy. The study found that belimumab improved kidney outcomes compared with placebo, regardless of whether steroid pulses were administered. However, it was also observed that prevention of lupus nephritis flares was more prominent in patients who received steroid pulses.  

Finally, Dr Merrill highlights a late-breaking poster that reported results from BLISS-BELIEVE, a study evaluating the efficacy and safety of belimumab plus rituximab. Although adding a single cycle of rituximab to belimumab did not improve disease control or remission, the study found that duration of disease control at week 52 and SLEDAI-2K reductions at week 104 were significantly greater in this group compared with the belimumab-plus-placebo group. However, there were also more serious infections reported in the belimumab-plus-rituximab group. 

--

Joan Merrill, MD, Professor, Department of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center; Director of Clinical Projects, Arthritis & Clinical Immunology Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 

Joan Merrill, MD, has disclosed the following relevant financial relationships: Serve(d) as a speaker or a member of a speakers bureau for: Biogen 

Received research grant from: AstraZeneca 

Received income in an amount equal to or greater than $250 from: AbbVie; Amgen; AstraZeneca; Aurinia; Biogen; BMS; EMD Serono; Genentech; GSK; Janssen; Provention; RemeGen; Sanofi; UCB; Zenas 

Dr Joan Merrill, of the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation in Oklahoma City, reviews updates on several treatment options for systemic lupus erythematosus that were presented at the 2021 ACR Convergence.  

Dr Merrill begins by sharing data from a phase 2 study in which she and her colleagues investigated the efficacy and safety data for iberdomide. The novel agent was associated with sustained clinical benefits in multiple measures of disease activity and was well tolerated through week 52.  

Next, she reports on a post-hoc analysis of the BLISS-LN trial that evaluated the effects of belimumab plus standard therapy on renal outcomes in patients with or without steroid pulses during induction therapy. The study found that belimumab improved kidney outcomes compared with placebo, regardless of whether steroid pulses were administered. However, it was also observed that prevention of lupus nephritis flares was more prominent in patients who received steroid pulses.  

Finally, Dr Merrill highlights a late-breaking poster that reported results from BLISS-BELIEVE, a study evaluating the efficacy and safety of belimumab plus rituximab. Although adding a single cycle of rituximab to belimumab did not improve disease control or remission, the study found that duration of disease control at week 52 and SLEDAI-2K reductions at week 104 were significantly greater in this group compared with the belimumab-plus-placebo group. However, there were also more serious infections reported in the belimumab-plus-rituximab group. 

--

Joan Merrill, MD, Professor, Department of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center; Director of Clinical Projects, Arthritis & Clinical Immunology Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 

Joan Merrill, MD, has disclosed the following relevant financial relationships: Serve(d) as a speaker or a member of a speakers bureau for: Biogen 

Received research grant from: AstraZeneca 

Received income in an amount equal to or greater than $250 from: AbbVie; Amgen; AstraZeneca; Aurinia; Biogen; BMS; EMD Serono; Genentech; GSK; Janssen; Provention; RemeGen; Sanofi; UCB; Zenas 

Rheumatologist Stanley B. Cohen from UT Southwestern Medical School offers insight on key findings in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) presented at ACR 2021. 

First, Dr Cohen discusses a series of abstracts from the ORAL Surveillance trial. The study demonstrated that the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events and malignancies was higher with tofacitinib than with tumor necrosis factor inhibitors, but only in certain patient subgroups. Next, he highlights a series of abstracts looking at the response to COVID vaccination in patients with autoimmune diseases, primarily RA. It was observed that many RA therapies blunt the response to COVID vaccines. 

Dr Cohen then discusses a study of the ability of abatacept to delay the development of RA. The study evaluated patients who received abatacept vs placebo for 6 months and were then followed up 1 year after treatment. After 12 months, close to 40% of people on placebo developed RA vs only 8% of those on abatacept.  

He then shares insight on a study that examined whether initial response to RA therapy could predict a patient's risk for refractory RA. The study found that patients for whom initial therapy was ineffective or difficult to tolerate were more likely to develop refractory RA.  

Dr Cohen closes his commentary by discussing a study on the effectiveness of cycling JAK inhibitors in patients with RA.  

--

Clinical Professor, Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical School; Director, Rheumatology Training Program, THR Presbyterian, Rheumatology Associates, Dallas, Texas 

Stanley B. Cohen, MD, has disclosed the following relevant financial relationships: 

Serve(d) as a director, officer, partner, employee, advisor, consultant, or trustee for: Amgen; AbbVie; Pfizer; BMS; Genentech; Lilly 

Received research grant from: Amgen; AbbVie; Pfizer; BMS; Genentech; Lilly 

Rheumatologist Stanley B. Cohen from UT Southwestern Medical School offers insight on key findings in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) presented at ACR 2021. 

First, Dr Cohen discusses a series of abstracts from the ORAL Surveillance trial. The study demonstrated that the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events and malignancies was higher with tofacitinib than with tumor necrosis factor inhibitors, but only in certain patient subgroups. Next, he highlights a series of abstracts looking at the response to COVID vaccination in patients with autoimmune diseases, primarily RA. It was observed that many RA therapies blunt the response to COVID vaccines. 

Dr Cohen then discusses a study of the ability of abatacept to delay the development of RA. The study evaluated patients who received abatacept vs placebo for 6 months and were then followed up 1 year after treatment. After 12 months, close to 40% of people on placebo developed RA vs only 8% of those on abatacept.  

He then shares insight on a study that examined whether initial response to RA therapy could predict a patient's risk for refractory RA. The study found that patients for whom initial therapy was ineffective or difficult to tolerate were more likely to develop refractory RA.  

Dr Cohen closes his commentary by discussing a study on the effectiveness of cycling JAK inhibitors in patients with RA.  

--

Clinical Professor, Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical School; Director, Rheumatology Training Program, THR Presbyterian, Rheumatology Associates, Dallas, Texas 

Stanley B. Cohen, MD, has disclosed the following relevant financial relationships: 

Serve(d) as a director, officer, partner, employee, advisor, consultant, or trustee for: Amgen; AbbVie; Pfizer; BMS; Genentech; Lilly 

Received research grant from: Amgen; AbbVie; Pfizer; BMS; Genentech; Lilly 

Rheumatologist Stanley B. Cohen from UT Southwestern Medical School offers insight on key findings in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) presented at ACR 2021. 

First, Dr Cohen discusses a series of abstracts from the ORAL Surveillance trial. The study demonstrated that the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events and malignancies was higher with tofacitinib than with tumor necrosis factor inhibitors, but only in certain patient subgroups. Next, he highlights a series of abstracts looking at the response to COVID vaccination in patients with autoimmune diseases, primarily RA. It was observed that many RA therapies blunt the response to COVID vaccines. 

Dr Cohen then discusses a study of the ability of abatacept to delay the development of RA. The study evaluated patients who received abatacept vs placebo for 6 months and were then followed up 1 year after treatment. After 12 months, close to 40% of people on placebo developed RA vs only 8% of those on abatacept.  

He then shares insight on a study that examined whether initial response to RA therapy could predict a patient's risk for refractory RA. The study found that patients for whom initial therapy was ineffective or difficult to tolerate were more likely to develop refractory RA.  

Dr Cohen closes his commentary by discussing a study on the effectiveness of cycling JAK inhibitors in patients with RA.  

--

Clinical Professor, Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical School; Director, Rheumatology Training Program, THR Presbyterian, Rheumatology Associates, Dallas, Texas 

Stanley B. Cohen, MD, has disclosed the following relevant financial relationships: 

Serve(d) as a director, officer, partner, employee, advisor, consultant, or trustee for: Amgen; AbbVie; Pfizer; BMS; Genentech; Lilly 

Received research grant from: Amgen; AbbVie; Pfizer; BMS; Genentech; Lilly