Professor Anton Hagenbeek 1948–2021: Father of MRD and lymphoma expert - Scorecard - MDSpire

Professor Anton Hagenbeek 1948–2021: Father of MRD and lymphoma expert

  • By

  • Bob Löwenberg

  • Marie José Kersten

  • Robert Peter Gale

  • Marinus van Oers

  • July 19, 2021

  • 0 min

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Clinical Scorecard: In Memoriam: Professor Anton Hagenbeek (1948–2021), Pioneer in Minimal Residual Disease and Lymphoma Research

At a Glance

CategoryDetail
ConditionLymphomas and acute leukemias
Key MechanismsMinimal Residual Disease (MRD) detection, hematopoietic cell transplantation, antibody and antibody–drug conjugate therapies
Target PopulationPatients with lymphomas and acute leukemias
Care SettingAcademic medical centers and cooperative clinical trial networks

Key Highlights

  • Pioneered research and clinical application of Minimal Residual Disease (MRD) in acute leukemias and lymphomas.
  • Led pivotal multi-center clinical trials establishing rituximab and other antibody-based therapies as standards of care in lymphoma.
  • Contributed to advancements in hematopoietic cell transplantation and innovative lymphoma therapies including antibody–drug conjugates.

Guideline-Based Recommendations

Diagnosis

  • Utilize MRD testing to assess residual disease in acute myeloid and lymphoblastic leukemias.
  • Incorporate MRD assessment in clinical decision-making for lymphoma management.

Management

  • Employ hematopoietic cell transplantation as a treatment modality in lymphomas.
  • Use antibody therapies such as rituximab, ofatumumab, 90Y-ibritumomab tiuxetan, and brentuximab vedotin in appropriate lymphoma subtypes.
  • Consider cost-effectiveness and patient access when selecting therapeutic strategies.

Monitoring & Follow-up

  • Monitor MRD levels to guide treatment response and detect relapse.
  • Implement e-health programs to support patient well-being and manage cancer-related fatigue.

Risks

  • Be aware of limitations in MRD testing including non-uniform distribution of leukemia cells.
  • Consider potential adverse effects and access issues related to expensive antibody-based therapies.

Patient & Prescribing Data

Patients with advanced follicular lymphoma, Hodgkin disease, and acute leukemias undergoing transplantation or antibody therapy.

Rituximab established as standard-of-care; early international studies demonstrated efficacy of ofatumumab, 90Y-ibritumomab tiuxetan, and brentuximab vedotin; MRD testing informs treatment adjustments.

Clinical Best Practices

  • Integrate MRD testing into routine diagnostic and monitoring protocols for hematologic malignancies.
  • Participate in cooperative group clinical trials to advance lymphoma therapies.
  • Address patient quality of life through supportive care initiatives including e-health fatigue management.
  • Balance innovative therapy benefits with considerations of cost-effectiveness and equitable drug access.

References

Original Source(s)

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