Piezo antigens define a new blood group system, enasidenib in mutant-IDH2 relapsed/refractory AML, and breakthrough COVID-19 despite prophylaxis in B-cell malignancies

In this week’s episode, we’ll discuss new research revealing that the mechanosensory ion channel Piezo1 is the elusive carrier molecule of the Er blood group antigens, thus establishing a new blood group system. Next, we review results of a randomized phase 3 trial of enasidenib versus conventional treatment in late-stage mutant-IDH2 relapsed or refractory AML. Although the primary endpoint of overall survival was not met, investigators say the risk benefit ratio remains positive. Finally, we’ll review a study showing a clinically significant risk of breakthrough COVID-19 infections in patients with B-cell malignancies despite vaccination and pre-exposure prophylaxis with tixagevimab-cilgavimab during the Omicron era. However, hospitalization rates in the study were low and no deaths were reported.