Studies Highlight Important Role of Stem Cell Transplant Procedures for the Treatment of Blood Cancers

Research that will be presented today at the 52nd Annual Meeting of the American Society of Hematology reveals that there is no increase in overall cancer risk in people who donate stem cells and that the utilization of a double cord blood stem cell transplant is associated with better overall outcomes when used early in the treatment of acute leukemias. While research shows that the use of an allogeneic stem cell transplant following an autologous stem cell transplant does not improve progression-free survival in patients with standard risk multiple myeloma, scientists have found a promising new treatment that may help prevent chronic graft-versus-host disease, a serious complication of stem cell transplantation.

"Major advances have been made in stem cell transplantation, and studies such as these provide further understanding of the many questions and unknowns that remain in this rapidly evolving field of research," said moderator of the press conference Armand Keating, MD, Vice President of ASH and Professor of Medicine, Director of the Division of Hematology, and Epstein Chair in Cell Therapy and Transplantation at the University of Toronto. "Results from these studies allow us to continuously improve treatment regimens and manage complications for our patients with multiple blood cancers who require stem cell transplants."

American Society of Hematology 52nd Annual Meeting

The study authors and press program moderator will be available for interviews after the press conference or by telephone. Additional press briefings will take place throughout the meeting on combating red cell disorders, new treatment options and protocols for patients with clotting disorders, novel drug therapies and gene mutations in leukemia, and innovative and alternative treatment strategies for lymphoma. For the complete annual meeting program and abstracts, visit www.hematology.org/2010abstracts. Get up-to-date information about the annual meeting by following ASH on Twitter at ASH_hematology.

The American Society of Hematology ( www.hematology.org ) is the world's largest professional society concerned with the causes and treatment of blood disorders. Its mission is to further the understanding, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disorders affecting blood, bone marrow, and the immunologic, hemostatic, and vascular systems, by promoting research, clinical care, education, training, and advocacy in hematology. The official journal of ASH is Blood ( www.bloodjournal.org ), the most cited peer-reviewed publication in the field, which is available weekly in print and online.

SOURCE American Society of Hematology