Hematology today

Trends and questions that matter

Blood disorders present some of the most intricate challenges in medicine, from rapidly evolving therapies to nuanced diagnostic pathways. This page explores how hematologists are navigating new standards of care, interpreting emerging data, and responding to real-world clinical questions.

Hematology subspecialties

Where innovation meets complexity

Each subspecialty in hematology is undergoing transformation. Below are highlights of where innovation is accelerating—and where hematologists are asking new questions.

Leukemia & MDS

Oral azacitidine, FLT3 inhibitors, and MRD monitoring are improving outcomes in AML and MDS. Hematologists are exploring how to personalize therapy and balance efficacy with quality of life.

Lymphoma & myeloma

Bispecific antibodies, CD38-targeted therapies, and novel trial designs are reshaping treatment for relapsed/refractory disease. Patient access and real-world application remain key challenges.

Hemoglobinopathies

Gene therapy, voxelotor, and new oral agents are changing the landscape for sickle cell disease and thalassemia. Focus is shifting toward long-term toxicity, access equity, and psychosocial support.

Bone marrow failure syndromes

Advances in stem cell transplantation, immunosuppressive therapy, and molecular diagnostics are improving care for aplastic anemia and related conditions.

Thrombosis & bleeding disorders

New agents for ITP, hemophilia, and VTE are emerging. Hematologists are navigating evolving guidelines and balancing bleeding risk with anticoagulation strategies.

Common challenges in hematology

Hematologists are constantly seeking answers to stay current with evolving treatments and navigate complex care decisions.

Below are some of the most common challenges hematologists face today. Click the links to access the full case and answers from other hematologists on Healthcasts. 

Diagnostic and exploratory questions

• What etiologies should be considered for a patient who presents with pancytopenia?
  • 51% of practitioners suggest the top etiologies to consider are autoimmune disorders and rare syndromes (PNH, HLH).
     
    
    
• What workup is recommended for a child who presents with anemia, unexplained weight loss, and general malaise?
  • Practitioners recommend testing for leukemia, and to begin with a bone marrow biopsy.
• How do you evaluate bruising and epistaxis in a toddler with mild thrombocytopenia?
  • 47% of practitioners recommend testing for underlying blood disorders, and 42% recommend CBC and coagulation panels. 

Treatment planning questions

• What maintenance therapy is recommended for FLT3-ITD+ acute myeloid leukemia (AML)?
  • 86% of practitioners recommend Gilteritinib as a preferred FLT3 inhibitor.
• If a treatment is causing declining ANC, at what point should the medication be discontinued? 
  • 69% of practitioners suggest discontinuing treatment if ANC is <500/μL.
• What treatment is recommended for an older patient with AML-MDS?
  • 77% of practitioners suggest 7+3 plus Midostaurin for FLT3-mutated AML. 

Practice and workflow questions

• Are CAR T-cell therapies a future option for treating neuro-autoimmune disorders in practice? 
  • The majority of practitioners see it as a good option for neuro-autoimmune disorders, but have concerns about access in rural communities. 
• What factors are most important to you when considering treatment for high-risk, senior cancer patients?
  
  • The majority of practitioners say efficacy and clinical data are critical, followed by a safety/toxicity profile of available treatments. 
• What are the practical pathways for community-based clinicians to conduct meaningful research?
  • Most practitioners agree that partnering with academic centers is a good option, but that it is difficult to both treat patients and participate in research. 

Emerging and research-oriented questions

• 52% of practitioners say women of reproductive age and pregnant women are a target population, followed by older adults and post-bariatric surgery patients.
  
  
• What is the role of AI in diagnostics and treatment planning?
  • Most practitioners agree that AI can lead to breaking developments in diagnosis and treatments, but should have human oversight.
• What topics or research related to chronic lymphocytic leukemia are you hoping to discuss at ASCO?
  
  • 53% of practitioners hope to discuss advances in BTK and BCL-2 inhibitors.

Trending topics in hematology (2025)

To provide the best care to patients, it's vital that hematologists stay up-to-date on new developments. Here are some of the most discussed and innovative topics in 2025:

1. Combination therapies for blood cancers

Trials in AML and other leukemias are showing high response rates with novel drug combinations. These regimens are being refined to improve survival while minimizing toxicity, especially in older or high-risk patients.

2. Multi-omics and real-time genomics in clinical practice

Integration of genomics, proteomics, and metabolomics is enabling deeper insights into disease biology. Rapid sequencing and AI-powered pathology tools are delivering same-day biomarker results, transforming how hematologists diagnose and monitor disease.

3. Scaling cell & gene therapies

CAR T-cell therapy is expanding beyond academic centers, with efforts to develop off-the-shelf allogeneic options. Gene therapies for hemoglobinopathies are moving from trial to practice, raising questions about long-term safety, cost, and equitable access.

4. Nanotechnology in hematologic malignancies

Experimental nanorobots designed to selectively destroy cancer cells have shown promising results in preclinical models, reducing tumor growth by up to 70% without harming healthy tissue.

5. Global equity in access to advanced therapies

As novel treatments emerge, disparities in access—especially in low- and middle-income countries—are becoming more pronounced. Stakeholders are calling for policy reform, collaborative trial networks, and biosimilar adoption to close the gap.

Stay ahead in hematology

Hematology is advancing fast—and so is the need for trusted, peer-driven insights. Healthcasts connects hematologists with real-world consults, emerging data, and the questions their peers are asking every day.