Meet the Expert
Prof. Isidori on comprehensive management of FLT3-ITD–positive AML
Interview with
Prof. Alessandro Isidori, San Salvatore Hospital, Italy
Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) with a FLT3 internal tandem duplication (FLT3-ITD) mutation is generally associated with a poor prognosis. Comprehensive management can significantly prolong overall survival (OS). Prof. Alessandro Isidori (San Salvatore Hospital, Italy) explains the rationale and implementation of this treatment approach, including the use of a FLT3 inhibitor from induction through maintenance, in combination with chemotherapy, potentially followed by allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT), and guided by minimal residual disease (MRD) monitoring.
AML: MRD, relapse prediction, and post-HCT strategies
Role of FLT3 inhibitors in post-HCT maintenance in AML reinforced
Presented by
Dr Nour Moukalled, American University of Beirut, Lebanon
The 2-year leukaemia-free survival (LFS) with prophylaxis using a FLT3 inhibitor (FLT3i) exceeded 80% after allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HCT) in patients with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). These findings, derived from an EBMT registry-based multicentre analysis, further support the use of FLT3i therapy, particularly sorafenib, as standard post-HCT maintenance.
AML: MRD, relapse prediction, and post-HCT strategies
Positive single-centre experience with FLT3i in the allo-HCT setting
Presented by
PhD student Francesca Duca, University of Milano-Bicocca, Italy
A real-world, single-centre experience confirmed that FLT3 inhibitors (FLT3i) can be safely integrated into the treatment of acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) in the context of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HCT). Importantly, FLT3i therapy did not impair engraftment or significantly increase the risk of graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) in this study.
AML: MRD, relapse prediction, and post-HCT strategies
Cord blood transplantation in FLT3-mutated versus FLT3-wild-type AML
Presented by
Dr Aya Nishida, Toranomon Hospital, Japan
Patients with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) undergoing first-time umbilical cord blood transplantation (UCBT) demonstrated more favourable outcomes when harbouring FLT3 mutations compared with FLT3–wild-type AML, including longer progression-free survival (PFS) and lower relapse rates. In addition, post-transplant FLT3 inhibitor (FLT3i) maintenance therapy showed potential clinical benefit.
AML: MRD, relapse prediction, and post-HCT strategies
Dual MRD assessment improves relapse prediction in AML
Presented by
Dr Evgeny Klyuchnikov, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany
Combining multiparameter flow cytometry (FACS) and error-corrected next-generation sequencing (NGS) for measurable residual disease (MRD) assessment improved relapse prediction in patients with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). This dual-assessment strategy may also help identify appropriate candidates for early intervention following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HCT).
AML: MRD, relapse prediction, and post-HCT strategies
The value of repeated molecular testing early after HCT highlighted
Presented by
Dr Kristina Maas-Bauer, University of Freiburg, Germany
Findings from a retrospective, multicentre study underscore the importance of intensified molecular monitoring in patients with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) early after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HCT). Early relapse emerged as the strongest predictor of poor prognosis, while increased mutational complexity was associated with a higher risk of early relapse.
AML: MRD, relapse prediction, and post-HCT strategies
Post-transplant MRD surveillance enables intervention before overt relapse
Presented by
Dr Hassan Alkhateeb, Mayo Clinic, MN, USA
Standardised surveillance of measurable residual disease (MRD) after allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HCT) may enable timely therapeutic intervention in patients with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) before overt morphological relapse. This conclusion was drawn from a retrospective review including all adult AML patients who underwent allo-HCT at the Mayo Clinic, MN, USA, between 2018 and 2025.
Innovation in haematology and transplantation
AI is an important driver of innovation in haematology
Presented by
Prof. Federico Álvarez, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Spain
Clinical information in haematology, such as real-world data, is often unstructured, noisy, predominantly longitudinal, and multimodal. Prof. Federico Alvarez (Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Spain) explained that, despite these challenges, artificial intelligence (AI) can generate data of substantial value in haematology, for example, by accelerating clinical research.
Gene and cell therapy advances
Gene-edited autologous cell therapy in patients with TDT or SCD
Presented by
Prof. Franco Locatelli, University of Pavia, Italy
Exagamglogene autotemcel (exa-cel) demonstrated durable clinical benefits with >6 years of follow-up in patients with transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia (TDT) or sickle cell disease (SCD). The safety profile was consistent with myeloablative busulfan conditioning and autologous transplantation, with no malignancies reported. These data suggest that exa-cel has the potential to provide a one-time functional cure for TDT and SCD.
Gene and cell therapy advances
Recent advances in gene therapy for inborn errors of immunity
Presented by
Prof. Claire Booth, University College London, UK
Prof. Claire Booth (University College London, UK) discussed recent advances in gene therapy for inborn errors of immunity, including regulatory innovation for rare diseases. She noted that this field remains one of the foundational test beds for the broader gene therapy landscape.
CAR T-cell therapy and cellular immunotherapy
Risks and causes of non-relapse mortality after CAR T-cell therapy
Presented by
Dr Charlotte Graham, King’s College London, UK
A retrospective registry study by the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplant (EBMT) evaluated the risk and causes of non-relapse mortality (NRM) associated with CAR T-cell therapy, as well as differences by disease indication and therapeutic product. NRM remains a clinically relevant concern, with infectious complications representing a leading cause. Other causes of NRM included CAR T-cell therapy-related toxicities (32.8%) and secondary malignancies (9.5%).
CAR T-cell therapy and cellular immunotherapy
High 3-year efficacy and favourable safety of liso-cel in 3L+ FL
Presented by
Prof. Alejandro Martín García-Sancho, University of Salamanca, Spain
After 3 years of follow-up, results from the TRANSCEND FL study confirm the high efficacy and sustained favourable safety profile of lisocabtagene maraleucel (liso-cel) in patients with third-line or later relapsed/refractory follicular lymphoma (3L+ R/R FL). A single infusion resulted in high rates of deep and durable responses, as well as favourable survival outcomes, regardless of early progression after first-line chemoimmunotherapy (POD24) or prior exposure to bendamustine.
CAR T-cell therapy and cellular immunotherapy
IL15-activated CIK cells post-HCT show broad efficacy
Presented by
Dr Eva Rettinger, University Cancer Center Frankfurt, Germany
Donor-derived allogeneic interleukin-15–activated cytokine-induced killer (IL15-CIK) cell therapy was feasible, safe, and effective in high-risk patients with a broad spectrum of haematological malignancies. IL15-CIK demonstrated durable relapse-preventive activity following allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT).