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Ryan Scott is an Associate Editor of CURE; she joined MJH Life Sciences in 2021. In addition to writing and editing timely news and article coverage, she manages CURE's social media accounts; check us out @curetoday across platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook, X, and Instagram! She also attends conferences live and virtually to conduct video interviews and produce written coverage. Email: rscott@mjhlifesciences.
Recent clinical trial results, real-world safety data, and patient experiences highlight meaningful advances in blood cancer care.
As September concludes, the landscape of hematologic oncology continues to evolve, spanning the full spectrum of blood cancer care. Recent clinical trial findings, real-world safety data, and patient experiences illustrate significant advances in both treatment and patient outcomes.
Developments such as innovative drug combinations and updated long-term safety insights for therapies like Jakafi (ruxolitinib) reflect a continued focus on personalized treatment for patients with hematologic malignancies. Moreover, the growing emphasis on patient self-advocacy further underscore the importance of comprehensive, patient-centered care.
Here are five of the most significant blood cancer stories from September, offering insights for both clinicians and patients navigating the evolving field of hematologic oncology.
A phase 3 trial, EXCALIBER-RRMM, found that combining iberdomide with Darzalex (daratumumab) and dexamethasone significantly improved minimal residual disease (MRD) negativity rates in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma.
“This result builds on our significant experience in both targeted protein degradation and developing new treatment options for patients living with multiple myeloma,” Anne Kerber, senior vice president, head of Development, Hematology, Oncology and Cell Therapy, explained in a report of the data. “Iberdomide represents the first of a novel class of medicines, called CELMoDs, which has the potential to create a new foundation for multiple myeloma treatment that may be combined with other therapies.”
Notably, early results also indicate that the combination maintains a safety profile consistent with prior studies.
For patients diagnosed with early-stage blood cancers such as myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) or myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), understanding disease biology is essential. These conditions affect blood cell production and function, often detected through complete blood counts, peripheral blood smears, and bone marrow biopsies.
New treatment innovations are continuing to shape patient care, emphasizing personalized treatment approaches guided by genetic and cytogenetic findings.
“We are developing — and continue to develop — new therapies for polycythemia vera. Even though it’s a rare disease, it’s still a very important condition, especially for the people who have it,” Dr. Aaron Gerds, of the Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Institute, explained in an interview with CURE.
Hematologist Dr. Christina Cho highlights that the Adult Stem Cell Transplant and Cellular Therapy Program, at John Theurer Cancer Center (JTCC), in Hackensack, New Jersey, has a multidisciplinary, patient-centered approach that is key to successful outcomes.
Integration of CAR-T therapy, gene therapy, and other cellular treatments has enhanced survival and quality of life for patients with blood cancers. The emphasis on collaborative care ensures individualized treatment plans and comprehensive support for patients throughout the transplant process.
Real-world data presented at the 2025 European Hematology Association Congress revealed that long-term Jakafi exposure in patients with myelofibrosis may increase the risk of non-melanoma skin cancer and shingles.
"In this large sample of patients with myelofibrosis, we found a higher incidence of non-melanoma skin cancer in patients treated with Jakafi, especially when exposed for at least three years, but not a higher incidence of other solid tumors," researchers stated in an abstract presentation of the data posted to the Congress' website. "We confirmed a higher rate of shingles that rose with treatment duration."
These findings underscore the importance of ongoing monitoring and patient education regarding potential risks associated with prolonged Jakafi therapy.
Tamara Mobley’s emphasizes the critical role of self-advocacy in diagnosing and managing multiple myeloma. Persistent back pain led to her diagnosis at age 33 after initial dismissals by healthcare providers.
Mobley now raises awareness about subtle warning signs and encourages patients to trust their instincts and persist in seeking care. Her experience highlights the value of self-advocacy when navigating the healthcare system.
“Although I had gone to a couple different doctors and even an emergency room at one point, I didn't get any real response that led to the diagnosis until it got so bad that I said, ‘You know what? Something's not right,’” she emphasized in an interview with CURE.
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