In November 2023, Team Telomere hosted our inaugural Telomere Research Accelerating Collaborative Translational Science (TRACTS) Roundtable. TRACTS Roundtables are dynamic, quarterly gatherings where researchers and clinicians in the TBD field can collaborate to explore critical areas of Telomere Biology Disorder (TBD) research.
These sessions are designed to foster collaboration, accelerate innovative ideas, and drive forward impactful research that directly impacts the TBD community.
Our roundtable in November hosted over 25 attendees from institutions across the globe.
The roundtable started with four speakers who shared their expertise and insights:
- Dr. Alejandro Ferrer, Mayo Clinic
- Dr. Daria Babushok, University of Pennsylvania
- Dr. Christopher R. Reilly, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
- Dr. Emma M. Groarke, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health
The session focused on the topic of “Clonal Hematopoiesis.” Clonal Hematopoiesis refers to the development of mutations in blood stem cells. While such mutations occur commonly as people age, some can increase the risk of developing blood cancers such as Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS) and Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). Since individuals with TBDs are at increased risk for blood cancers, a better understanding of of clonal hematopoiesis in TBDs may help us better diagnose, monitor, and treat the hematologic presentations.
Each speaker presented data from their institutions and patient cohorts, examining the types and frequencies of mutations in TBD patients, how these mutations evolve, and their role in the development of blood cancers.
Why Is This Important for TBD Patients?
Individuals with TBDs are at increased risk of developing blood cancers. Understanding these risks and developing tailored screening methods can enable earlier detection of cancer development. Additionally, this can help clinicians better assess risks for blood cancer development beyond solely using age. Further, this can inform clinical decisions to improve patient outcomes. Currently, there is a need to improve outcomes for MDS/AM in individuals with TBDs. Thus, better screening and intervention strategies hold the promise of better outcomes through early detection and personalized care.
What Have Studies Taught Us?
Research shows many factors influence CH in TBDs, including genetic mutations and age. Some mutations may have protective effects, while others have detrimental effects. Expanding studies across institutions and cohorts is essential to understand these complexities better.
How Can Care Be Improved?
Current surveillance for blood cancer development in TBDs relies heavily on bone marrow monitoring. Future approaches could integrate clonal hematopoiesis data to provide a more accurate understanding of an individual’s risk. While research is still needed, using multi-institutional data can help standardize screening protocols, refine risk assessments, and enhance clinical care.
This first TRACTS Roundtable is just the beginning! This first roundtable will be followed up by a second roundtable where attendees will focus on actionable steps to take in this work area.
Team Telomere is proud to lead this initiative, and we look forward to continuing these important discussions!