Report from EHA and ICML

It has been a whirlwind 2 weeks covering EHA in London and ICML in Lugano. I have been amazed at the diversity in treatment strategies practiced by clinicians worldwide, especially comparing the US and Europe, as well as among European practitioners. But one central theme that spans all countries as well as all hematologic malignancies, is the importance of molecular profiling. Clinicians all need to have a firm understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of a disease in order to most efficiently utilize new therapies, as well as to target established regimens and treatments for the benefit of specific patients. For example, although there is much discussion surrounding the appropriate induction regimen for patients with multiple myeloma, regardless of transplant-eligibility, everyone seems to agree that patients with the t(11,14) translocation should receive bortzomib as part of their initial regimen.

Over the coming weeks I will be posting some of the more interesting observations from these 2 important meetings. There were some very provocative and controversial presentations and discussions, so stay tuned!