Defining lines of therapy in haematological malignancies: a proposed systematic and comprehensive framework from the EBMT Practice Harmonisation and Guidelines Committee

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The EBMT Practice Harmonisation and Guidelines Committee developed a standardized framework for defining lines of therapy (LoT) in hematological malignancies.
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A line of therapy is defined as a coherent therapeutic episode aimed at disease control, including phases like induction, consolidation, or maintenance.
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Variability in LoT definitions across studies hinders research and clinical practice, necessitating a standardized approach for clarity and consistency.
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Bridging therapies prior to cellular therapy are considered part of the same LoT as the definitive treatment, enhancing treatment continuity.
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The framework aims to improve methodological rigor and support evidence-based decision-making in precision hematology.

Bone Marrow Transplantation

by Alessandro Criscimanna, Jacques-Emanuel Galimard, Isabel Sánchez-Ortega, Patrick J. Hayden, Laurent Garderet, Anna Sureda, Fabio Ciceri, Donal P. McLornan, Krzysztof Kałwak, Antonio M. Risitano, Francesco Onida, Ibrahim Yakoub-Agha, Ali Bazarbachi, Annalisa Ruggeri
June 3, 2026

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