MRD dynamics during ixazomib maintenance in MM, disparities in CAR T-cell therapy for ALL, and BAX variants and resistance to BH3-mimetics in AML

In this week's episode, we’ll discuss the dynamics of measurable residual disease, or MRD, over time in myeloma patients undergoing ixazomib maintenance. Serial measurements were feasible and provided more detailed risk stratification than single timepoint measurements—findings that could have implications for the use of MRD to guide treatment duration. Up next, a research article exploring the relationships between poverty, and lack of neighborhood opportunity, with outcomes of CAR T -cell therapy in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The findings suggest opportunities for interventions to improve access for less socioeconomically advantaged children. Finally, we’ll review a report demonstrating that acquired mutations in the pro-apoptotic effector protein BAX are common in patients with AML treated with venetoclax. These and other research observations reveal BAX variants as a hurdle to the long-term success of BCL2-targeted therapy in this disease.