The American Society of Hematology (ASH) is returning partially in person for their annual meeting. Held virtually and in Atlanta, GA, the meeting and exposition is poised to continue the connection of healthcare professionals and evolving research in hematology, including key sessions on how COVID-19 impacts the field. At a recent pre-meeting press briefing, representatives of ASH, including the organization’s president Dr. Martin A. Tallman, shared highlights of exciting, intriguing new data that will be presented in December.
Abstracts being presented cover a plethora of topics in diversifying care and immunotherapy advances, as well as new insights into multiple myeloma risk factors and gene therapy for transfusion-dependent beta-thalassemia. There will also be a specially moderated session focused on abstracts centered around COVID-19 and the science of thrombosis. The special session will also include abstracts about the outcomes in patients with hematologic disease who have COVID-19 and vaccine responses in different types of hematology patients.
Notably, at the meeting this year, the director of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta will be participating in a Grassroots Network Lunch to converse with meeting attendees. There will also be a symposium, held jointly by ASH and the FDA, on newly approved hematological drugs. Another symposium taking place will be discussing immunocompromised patients and the COVID-19 vaccine.
Through hybrid avenues of virtual and physical meetings and presentations, ASH is aiming to highlight and extend new research and approaches to treatment across hematology, continuing the advancement of understanding and care for patients [1].
Source:
[1] Medscape Medical News. (2021, December 1). ASH meeting: diversity, inclusion, immunotherapy, and COVID-19 [Press release]. https://www.obroncology.com/news/ash-meeting-diversity-inclusion-immunotherapy-and-covid-19
