Preface – ASH 2025

Out of the 8,200 abstracts accepted for the ASH 2025 annual congress, we highlight several key abstracts that discuss targeted treatment strategies for lymphoid and myeloid malignancies, especially the high-impact ones showcased in the late-breaking abstract and plenary sessions.

There were significant advancements in multiple myeloma, centered on novel immunotherapy combinations, earlier use of bispecific antibodies and in vivo CAR T-cell therapy. Key abstracts included the phase III MajesTEC-3 trial evaluating the combination of the bispecific antibody Teclistamab with daratumumab and the inMMyCAR trial, which tested a novel approach that offers an alternative to traditional ex vivo CAR T-cell therapy. In addition, the long-term data from DREAMM-7 and DREAMM-8 highlight sustained benefits of Belantamab-Mafadotin in the treatment of relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma.

Additionally, at ASH 2025, several practice-changing data from CLL/SLL studies were presented, including the CLL17 trial, which demonstrated the effectiveness of time-limited venetoclax-based combinations compared with continuous BTKi therapy. Updates included new information on the novel non-covalent BTK inhibitor pirtobrutinib and second-generation BCL2 inhibitors such as sonrotoclax. Early-phase data on BTK degraders were also presented, offering potential insights that could inform future clinical practice and research in the treatment of B-cell malignancies.

Finally, the last section of the report emphasizes key highlights from the ASH 2025 congress, especially the PARADIGM trial, suggesting a possible shift in AML treatment approaches. The abstract discusses the combination of azacitidine and venetoclax as an alternative to the traditional intensive chemotherapy (7+3) for fit, newly diagnosed patients with AML.