American Society of Hematology 2021 guidelines on the use of anticoagulation for thromboprophylaxis in patients with COVID-19
Patients with COVID-19 have been shown to be at increased risk for thrombosis. An ASH panel led by Cuker and Mustafa developed guidelines for the optimal management of these patients, which we hope you find useful in this dynamic, rapidly changing area.
American Society of Hematology 2021 guidelines for management of venous thromboembolism: prevention and treatment in patients with cancer
It is well recognized that patients with malignancies are at an increased risk of venous thromboembolism. In this issue, the ASH guideline article on the management of venous thromboembolism in patients with cancer suggests optimal approaches to these patients. We hope you find these guidelines useful in your management of these challenging patients.
Alternative donor transplantation for myelodysplastic syndromes: haploidentical relative and matched unrelated donors
Patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDSs) have a variable clinical course. However, allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) remains the only curative option. Since many of these patients are older, they often do not have suitable HLA-matched sibling donors. Grunwald and colleagues evaluated alternative haploidentical and matched unrelated donors for allo-HCT in MDS patients and observed similar outcomes, highlighting that these donors are very appropriate for pursuing curative therapy
Molecular coevolution of coagulation factor VIII and von Willebrand factor
In an interesting paper by Zakas and colleagues, the coevolution of factor VIII and von Willebrand factor (VWF) is discussed. This coevolution of different proteins on different chromosomes is thought to provide balance between primary and secondary hemostasis. Further, the study of ancestral VWF molecules may provide some ideas for commercial development.
Dynamic angiopoietin-2 assessment predicts survival and chronic course in hospitalized patients with COVID-19
There is enormous variability in clinical course amongst patients with COVID-19. The search for biomarkers of poor outcome by Villa and colleagues revealed a role for the dynamic assessment of angiopoietin-2 as a potential marker for increased in-hospital mortality.
Overcoming resistance to targeted therapies in chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Several targeted therapies have been highly effective for the treatment of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia, yet resistance can occur. In a Review Article, Skånland and Mato discuss the mechanisms of resistance and strategies to overcome this challenge.
