Hematology and Blood Disorders

Immunotherapy in Hematology

Immunotherapy has emerged as a transformative approach in the treatment of hematologic disorders, harnessing the body’s immune system to target abnormal blood cells and malignancies. Biological mechanisms underlying immunotherapy involve the activation, modulation, or enhancement of immune responses against diseased cells, including leukemic blasts, lymphoma cells, and abnormal plasma cells. Key strategies include monoclonal antibodies, which specifically bind to tumor antigens to induce cell death or recruit immune effectors, and chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy, where patient T cells are genetically engineered to recognize and eliminate malignant cells. Checkpoint inhibitors, another major modality, block inhibitory immune pathways, enhancing anti-tumor immunity. Diagnostic and laboratory methods play a critical role in selecting appropriate patients, monitoring responses, and managing adverse effects. Techniques include flow cytometry to characterize immune cell populations, molecular assays to detect target antigen expression, ELISA and immunoassays to monitor cytokine release, and next-generation sequencing for genetic profiling of malignant cells. Instruments such as automated cell counters, flow cytometers, incubators for cell culture, and gene-editing platforms are essential for immunotherapy development, manufacturing, and monitoring. Clinically, immunotherapy has demonstrated significant success in hematologic malignancies, improving survival rates, achieving remission in refractory cases, and offering curative potential for selected patients. However, challenges such as cytokine release syndrome, immune-related adverse events, and variable patient responses require careful monitoring and management. This session provides delegates with comprehensive knowledge of immune mechanisms in hematology, laboratory techniques and instruments supporting immunotherapy, and clinical applications of immune-based treatments. By understanding these biological principles and technological advances, participants can appreciate the potential of immunotherapy to revolutionize patient care, improve treatment outcomes, and contribute to the ongoing innovation in the field of hematology and blood disorder management.