HemeTalks: Conversations in Hematology Education

Join us for an insightful discussion on thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) in pregnancy with Drs. Richard Burwick and Shruti Chaturvedi as we navigate the complexities of diagnosing and managing hypertensive disorders in pregnancy. These conditions often present overlapping clinical and laboratory features, making timely and accurate intervention challenging. Through the case of a 32-year-old woman at 30 weeks' gestation with severe hypertension, headache, and new-onset thrombocytopenia, we will explore key diagnostic considerations, the distinguishing features of preeclampsia with severe features, Hemolysis, Elevated Liver enzymes, and Low Platelets (HELLP) syndrome, and TMA, and the best strategies for optimizing maternal and fetal outcomes in these high-risk situations. This episode offers practical, evidence-based insights to enhance the recognition and management of pregnancy-related TMA and hypertensive disorders. Learning Objectives: Differentiate between preeclampsia with severe features, HELLP syndrome, and TMA using clinical and laboratory findings. Identify the most appropriate diagnostic tests to confirm the underlying etiology in pregnant patients with hypertension and thrombocytopenia. Discuss immediate and long-term management strategies, including when to initiate delivery and the role of plasma exchange in suspected TMA.

Join us on HemeTalks as Dr. Christin DeStefano and Dr. Drew Helmer discuss the impact of military toxic exposures on the development of hematologic malignancies, including leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma. Learn about the challenges of diagnosing and treating these cancers, advancements in research, and strategies for improving care for military members and veterans. Learning Objectives:Discuss challenges in studying the effects of toxic exposures commonly experienced during military service and their links to hematologic cancers. Understand the unique evaluation and treatment challenges for hematologic malignancies in veterans and active-duty military members. Explore hematology-specific research and initiatives aimed at improving early detection and care for this population.

Dr. Shakira Grant and Dr. Irum Kahn explore the fascinating history of stem cell transplants, beginning with its origins and milestones in the field such as the evolution of haploidentical transplants, a groundbreaking approach that has expanded donor options and improved outcomes for patients from diverse backgrounds. They then examine the clinical implications of these advancements, their transformative impact on patient care, and the power of diversity in donation.Learning Objectives: To educate hematologists on…Key barriers patients face in accessing stem cell transplantation, including financial, racial-ethnic, and logistical challenges,The importance of racial and ethnic diversity in stem cell donor registries and the steps being taken to improve it, andPolicy-level solutions and interventions aimed at reducing cost barriers for patients needing stem cell transplantation.

Are you a healthcare professional seeking clarity on the evolving treatments for sickle cell disease (SCD)? In this 20-minute episode, experts from cellular therapy and bone marrow transplantation (BMT) explore key updates in SCD care, including curative therapies, gene-editing innovations, and BMT approaches. They address practical challenges in integrating these treatments into practice and discuss strategies to improve access and outcomes. Tune in to discover how collaboration between cellular therapy and BMT providers is transforming care and paving the way for better patient experiences. Learning Objectives Understand recent advancements in curative therapies, including gene editing and BMT, for sickle cell disease. Identify key challenges and barriers to integrating new treatments into clinical practice for SCD patients. Explore collaborative care strategies between cellular therapy and BMT providers to improve patient outcomes and access.

Join us as we explore blood transfusion safety, focusing specifically on Transfusion-Related Acute Lung Injury (TRALI) and Transfusion-Associated Circulatory Overload (TACO). Tailored for general hematologists with a foundational understanding of transfusion medicine, this session delves into the pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic criteria, and management strategies for TRALI and TACO. Through advanced discussions, participants will deepen their knowledge of these complications, enabling them to recognize, diagnose, and manage TRALI and TACO effectively in clinical practice.Learning Objectives:Gain a thorough understanding of the pathophysiology and clinical presentation of TRALI and TACO.Familiarize with the diagnostic criteria and differential diagnosis of TRALI and TACO.Develop effective management strategies for TRALI and TACO to ensure transfusion safety and enhance patient outcomes.

Speakers: Alexis Thompson, MD, and Sujit Sheth, MDDescription:For general hematologists with a foundational understanding of thalassemia, this episode discusses the changing demographics due to immigration and refugee resettlement. It covers the diagnosis process from newborn screening to older individuals, emphasizing genetic testing due to numerous mutations and varied phenotypes. The importance of correctly diagnosing older individuals previously misdiagnosed with iron deficiency refractory to treatment is highlighted. The episode also addresses regular transfusions, iron chelation, and monitoring for complications, along with advances in blood supply safety, reduced alloimmunization risks through extended typing, and MRI monitoring. Finally, novel agents in practice and development, including luspatercept, PK activators, and gene therapy, will be explored. Learning Objectives:Understand the changing landscape of thalassemia in the US. Revisit the state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment approaches. Learn about novel therapeutics in the thalassemia field.

Dr. Azam Farooqui (@azamfarooqui )and Dr. Sikander Ailawadhi answer the question: Why do we need earlier diagnosis and intervention in patients with multiple myeloma from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups? Coming Soon!Prepare to enhance your knowledge through the IMPACT II online learning module on ASH Academy On Demand! Participants will develop an increased ability to identify variations in factors influencing mortality and survival outcomes among individuals from racial and ethnic minority groups with multiple myeloma.Music: “Happy Medium” Zac Nelson (shutterstock.com). Licensed under Shutterstock: Standard License.

Season 2: IMPACT II: Impacting Multiple Myeloma in All CommuniTiesUnlock insights into the treatment of multiple myeloma within underrepresented racial and ethnic populations with this series of three enlightening podcast episodes. Join experts from both academic and community oncology settings as they dive into critical aspects of clinical risk, survival outcomes, and treatment considerations.Episode 1: Uncover the factors influencing outcomes for multiple myeloma patients from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups with Dr. Shah.Episode 2: Join Dr. Ailawadhi in exploring a hypothetical scenario of equal conditions and envision how mortality and survival outcomes may differ for multiple myeloma patients from underrepresented groups. Episode 3: Gain valuable insights from Dr. Hartley-Brown as she discusses therapeutic considerations for both current and emerging agents tailored to multiple myeloma patients from underrepresented racial and ethnic backgrounds.Are you ready to expand your understanding of multiple myeloma treatment disparities? Listen to Season 2 of HemeTalks on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or your preferred podcast platform! Don't forget to bookmark the ASH Podcast webpage for easy access.Coming Soon ASH Academy On Demand!Prepare to enhance your knowledge through the IMPACT II online learning module on ASH Academy On Demand! Participants will develop an increased ability to identify variations in factors influencing mortality and survival outcomes among individuals from racial and ethnic minority groups with multiple myeloma.Music: "PeriTune - Investigation2(Suspense-Royalty Free Music)" by PeriTune is licensed under CC BY 3.0.