Oncology Times Broadcast News

Oncology Times Broadcast News January 9th, 2009 American Society of Hematology 2008 Meeting Report Reporting From the 2008 Annual Meeting of the American Society of Hematology, San Francisco The exciting recent ASH conference reflected the vibrant mood of an America boldly tackling economic and political turmoil with post-presidential-election optimism. Peter Goodwin and George Canellos reflect on some of the big stories and talk with key investigators in San Francisco. Francesco Zaja recounts how rituximab has proved effective for treating immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP); Hannes Wandt presents compelling data suggesting that platelet transfusions can be withheld in many patients receiving stem cell transplants for their hematologic malignancies; and both Michael Hallek and Tadeusz Robak announce Phase III study findings of improved benefits for patients whose chronic lymphocytic leukemia has been treated by adding rituximab to standard chemotherapy. The ASH President, Kenneth Kaushansky, plus Linda