Hematology

Holistic H-score refines leukemia-free survival risk after allo-HCT

In 24,317 allografted acute leukemia patients, a pre-transplant H-score stratified 2-year leukemia-free survival from 66.2% (low risk) to 32.0% (very high risk). The H-score was the strongest independent predictor of LFS, and it also predicted overall survival, relapse, and non-relapse mortality (p < 0.0001). Component weights came from Cox models in a large training cohort and were validated in a geographically split testing cohort. The authors note individual prediction limits, but recommend the H-score for pre-transplant counseling and benchmarking of transplant strategies. 1

Family experiences after receiving precision-medicine treatment recommendations in PRISM

In the PRISM trial, most parents expected a treatment recommendation and 70% received one, though only about half recalled it. Parents reported high involvement (median 93/100) and satisfaction (median 95/100) with decisions after recommendations. Receiving a recommendation did not increase regret about trial participation (p > 0.05). Families viewed recommendations as offering hope and options even when recommendations were absent. 2

Software-assisted response predicts failure-free survival in newly diagnosed cGVHD

In 258 newly diagnosed cGVHD patients, software-assisted (SA) response at 6 months predicted overall survival and failure-free survival better than clinician-based evaluation. ORR by SA was 62% versus 65% by clinician review, with 66% overall agreement between methods. SA better captured mixed responses and identified patients more likely to stop systemic therapy by 12 months. Authors conclude SA evaluation is reliable and prognostically informative for 6-month cGVHD assessment. 3