Germline predisposition variants occur in all age groups in MDS, αβ-haplo-HCT excels in children with acute leukemias/MDS, and poor outcomes after CAR T cell failure in B-cell lymphomas

In this week’s episode, research shows that in patients with myelodysplastic syndromes, or MDS, the frequency of pathogenic or likely pathogenic germline variants is relatively high across all age groups, not just younger patients. Based on these results, it may be time to expand genetic testing to all patients.  Next, we'll review primary results of a prospective, multicenter study of children with acute leukemias or MDS who underwent T-cell receptor αβ+ and CD19+ cell-depleted haploidentical HCT with reduced-toxicity conditioning. Finally, an emerging unmet need related to CAR T cell therapy: patients who progress after receiving CAR T cells have poor outcomes and no agreed upon standard of care. We’ll review findings from a large registry study demonstrating infrequent responses to post-CAR T cell treatment and short survival times, highlighting a need for novel strategies.