Inside the War on Myeloid Malignancies: Early Clues and Bold Innovations

In this episode of HemOnc Pulse, host Rahul Banerjee, MD, FACP of the Fred Hutch Cancer Center sits down with Uma Borate, MBBS, a leading hematologist from The Ohio State University, to explore the evolving landscape of early detection in myeloid malignancies. With diseases like AML and MDS posing urgent diagnostic and treatment challenges, the conversation begins with an overview of why early detection is not just important—but imperative.

Drs. Banerjee and Borate outline the current diagnostic landscape, spotlighting the limitations of existing tools and the absence of standardized screening protocols. They also underscore the clinical significance of catching these malignancies early, with emphasis on how timely identification can dramatically influence survival rates and patient outcomes.

The discussion then takes a deeper dive into the challenges faced by clinicians, including the lack of universal screening tests, the presence of silent precursor conditions, and the rapid progression often seen in these diseases. Dr. Borate shares insights into the tools currently being used to bridge these gaps—ranging from routine blood work to advanced genomic profiling and liquid biopsy technologies. She also offers a candid look at how her institution approaches measurable residual disease (MRD) monitoring and relapse detection.

In the final segment, the duo turns their attention to the future, where AI and machine learning hold promise for refining early detection methods and enabling more personalized, predictive care. They explore how emerging technologies may finally bring standardization to liquid biopsy protocols and transform the management of myeloid malignancies.