HOPA Now is the official podcast of the Hematology/Oncology/Pharmacy Association, an organization dedicated to supporting pharmacy practitioners and promoting the advancement of Hematology/Oncology/Pharmacy to optimize the care of individuals impacted by cancer.

These educational podcasts are part of our BCOP Preparatory and Recertification Course, which is designed to prepare oncology pharmacists preparing to sit for the BCOP Certification Exam, as well as meet the BPS requirement to complete a BCOP Preparatory/Recertification Review Course.

In this episode of HOPA Now, Dr. Bernard Marini reviews key background information on acute leukemias and MDS. He covers the key mutations, common abnormalities, characteristics, and outcomes of both AML and ALL, and offers diagnosis requirements, exceptions, and guidelines regarding various treatment options.

In this episode you will learn:

Adult Acute Leukemias & Myelodysplastic Syndrome Fundamentals

MDS median age at diagnosis, common risk factors including exposure to radiation and unbalanced chromosomal changes, and the prognostic scoring system
Secondary AML characteristics and considerations
AML diagnosis requirements, exceptions, and NCCN guidelines regarding ELN risk stratification
FLT-3’s role as both an important predictive and prognostic biomarker
Characteristics and outcomes of ALL as both a pediatric and adult malignancy
Common abnormalities of ALL, including the presence or absence of the Philadelphia chromosome
Understanding IKZF13 as a critical regulator of lymphoid differentiation
Alternate methods and recommendations for testing measurable residual disease

Mentioned in This Episode:

HOPA

Quotes:

“For the diagnosis of AML, more than 20% blasts are required unless certain cytogenetic abnormalities are present.” — Dr. Bernard Marini

“FLT-3 is an important predictive and prognostic biomarker.” — Dr. Bernard Marini

“We typically think of ALL as a pediatric malignancy, however, 40-45% of all cases occur in adult patients.” — Dr. Bernard Marini

“MRD at almost every time point is prognostic for relapse in overall survival in ALL.” — Dr. Bernard Marini