Preface – EHA 2024

© private – Sigrid S. Skånland, PhD, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway

Dear Colleagues,

At the European Hematology Association (EHA) congress held in Madrid, Spain, and virtually from 13^th–16^th June 2024, world-leading experts from 150 countries presented cutting-edge research and clinical trials.

This year, we witnessed significant advancements in the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). In the treatment-naïve CLL section of this report, you will discover results for innovative therapies such as zanubrutinib combined with venetoclax, the triplet regimen of pirtobrutinib, venetoclax, and obinutuzumab, and the comparative efficacy of ibrutinib and venetoclax against standard treatments. Data from the CAPTIVATE study shed light on retreatment outcomes in high-risk patients. In the relapsed/refractory setting, studies have explored promising strategies such as prolonged induction with ibrutinib and venetoclax, pirtobrutinib monotherapy, and obinutuzumab in addition to ibrutinib and venetoclax. Analyses have investigated the relative efficacy and safety of BTK inhibitors, with real-world data confirming these observations.

The second chapter deals with unmet needs in mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), where the ECHO study investigating acalabrutinib plus chemoimmunotherapy as well as the phase II trial evaluating the BOVen triplet regimen are pointing towards alternative treatment approaches in older MCL patients. In the relapsed/refractory setting, high response rates and durable remissions have been reported for glofitamab, and real-world data have shown favorable results for zanubrutinib compared to other BTK inhibitors with respect to survival outcomes and treatment adherence.

The emerging class of BTK degraders that includes agents such as NX-5948 and BGB-16673 addresses resistance patterns in B-cell malignancies that limit the utility of BTK and BCL2 inhibitors. Phase I/II data have demonstrated promising efficacy even in hard-to-treat populations with relapsed/refractory disease.

The BCL2 inhibitor sonrotoclax has shown impressive results across CLL, MCL, Waldenström macroglobulinemia, multiple myeloma and AML. Studies have revealed high uMRD rates and a favorable safety profile, while the clinical development is ongoing.

Bispecific antibodies like odronextamab and mosunetuzumab have proven effective in relapsed/refractory follicular lymphoma across patients with and without poor-prognosis factors such as progression of disease within 24 months of initiation of first-line treatment. For epcoritamab, cycle 1 optimization has been successfully explored regarding reductions in typical adverse events.

Last but not least, the matching-adjusted indirect comparison (MAIC) technique is highlighted as it enables the assessment of new treatments versus alternatives where direct comparisons through randomized controlled trials are not available, aiding decision-making in oncology and hematology by addressing uncertainties related to disease severity and treatment costs.

We hope that you enjoy reading about the groundbreaking findings from EHA 2024 in the field of hematology. Together, let us continue advancing research for the benefit of our patients.