VJHemOnc Podcast

Nurses play a key role in the CAR T-cell therapy process. In this podcast episode, you will hear insights into nursing in CAR-T and cellular therapy through exclusive interviews from the recent EBMT-EHA 8th European CAR T-cell Meeting. First, Erik Aerts, RN, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland, will walk through the CAR T-cell process from a nursing perspective, and Mairéad Ní Chonghaile, RGN, BNS, MSc, St James’s Hospital, Dublin, Ireland, will emphasize the importance of a true collaborative approach to care in the CAR-T process and discuss how to appropriately address fears or misconceptions patients may have. You will then hear from Thomas Jezequel, MSc, Nantes University Hospital, Nantes, France, who will comment on the role of social media in a patient’s CAR T-cell therapy journey and share messages for young nurses in the cellular therapy space. Finally, Jemma Stewart, nurse educator, and Ella Weisser, clinical nurse specialist, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia, will provide insight into the recommended frequency of Immune Effector Cell-Associated Encephalopathy (ICE) assessment in patients receiving CAR-T.

Today’s episode of the VJHemOnc podcast features updates from a number of clinical trials exploring BTK inhibitors (BTKi) and BTKi-containing regimens in non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) that were presented at the 2025 ASH Annual Meeting. First, you will hear updates in mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) trials from Michael Wang, MD, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, Austin Kim, MD, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, and Tycel Phillips, MD, City of Hope, Duarte, CA. Following this, Chan Cheah, MBBS, FRACP, FRCPA, DMSc, Linear Clinical Research and Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Perth, Australia, and Jorge Castillo, MD, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, share BTKi trial updates in Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia (WM). Finally, Lorenzo Falchi, MD, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, discusses the preliminary results of the MITHIC-FL2 trial (NCT05389293) investigating mosunetuzumab plus zanubrutinib in newly diagnosed high-burden follicular lymphoma (FL), and Jason Westin, MD, FACP, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, presents the primary analysis of the Smart Stop trial (NCT04978584), which evaluated a four-drug combination in newly diagnosed diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL).

This VJHemOnc podcast highlights key AL amyloidosis updates from ASH 2025, spanning risk stratification, optimisation of frontline therapy, emerging immunotherapies, and MRD assessment. Jahanzaib Khwaja, MD, FRCPath, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK, discusses a newly validated staging system defining ultra-high-risk AL amyloidosis in the era of daratumumab-based therapy. Vaishali Sanchorawala, MD, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, presents Phase II AQUARIUS trial (NCT05250973) data evaluating daratumumab-VCd dosing in newly diagnosed disease and shares Phase I trail (NCT06158854) results of the BCMA x CD3 bispecific antibody etentamig in relapsed or refractory AL amyloidosis. Heather Landau, MD, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, reviews early results from the NEXICART-2 trial (NCT06097832) of the BCMA-directed CAR T-cell therapy NXC-201. Andrew Staron, MD, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, discusses the prognostic significance of sustained MRD negativity, while Matthew Rees, MD, St. Vincent’s Hospital, Melbourne, Australia, presents real-world data on BCMA-directed CAR T-cell and bispecific therapies in systemic AL amyloidosis.

This VJHemOnc podcast highlights key acute myeloid leukemia (AML) updates from ASH 2025, spanning frontline therapy, molecularly targeted approaches, venetoclax-based combinations, and emerging immunotherapies. Amir Fathi, MD, MPH, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, discusses the Phase II PARADIGM study (NCT04801797) comparing azacitidine plus venetoclax with intensive chemotherapy, alongside updated KOMET-007 trial (NCT05735184) results of ziftomenib plus azacitidine and venetoclax in NPM1-mutated or KMT2A-rearranged AML. Alexander Perl, MD, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, reviews the Phase I/II VICEROY study (NCT05520567) of venetoclax, azacitidine, and gilteritinib in newly diagnosed FLT3-mutated AML ineligible for intensive therapy. Naval Daver, MD, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, presents a Phase Ib/II trial (NCT04086264) of pivekimab sunirine plus azacitidine and venetoclax in unfit newly diagnosed AML. Wei-Ying Jen, MA, BM BCh, M Med, MRCP, FRCPath, shares results of the Phase II SAVE study (NCT05360160) exploring an all-oral revumenib, decitabine/cedazuridine, and venetoclax regimen, while Mohammad Maher Abdul-Hay, MD, NYU Langone Health, New York City, NY, discusses early data from the Phase I trial (NCT05143996) of the FLT3 x CD3 bispecific CLN-049 in relapsed or refractory AML.

In this episode of the VJHemOnc Podcast, we focus on the management and prevention of differentiation syndrome in acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). We begin with a discussion with Yasmin Abaza, MD, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, on the biological basis of differentiation syndrome, the rationale and mechanism behind steroid prophylaxis, and how the supporting evidence has developed over time. Yannis Valtis, MD, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, then briefly comments on emerging therapeutic approaches and the need for prospective trials to better define their role.

This podcast features key updates in Non-Hodgkin lymphoma from ASH 2025, covering advances across follicular lymphoma (FL), diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), and Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia. John Burke, MD, Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers, Denver, CO, shares findings from the MorningSun study (NCT05207670) evaluating subcutaneous mosunetuzumab. Lorenzo Falchi, MD, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, discusses first results from the MYTHIC-FL2 study (NCT05389293) of mosunetuzumab plus zanubrutinib in newly diagnosed high-tumor-burden FL, followed by primary Phase III results from EPCORE FL-1 (NCT05409066) comparing epcoritamab plus R2 versus R2 alone in relapsed or refractory disease. Updates in DLBCL include Matthew Matasar, MD, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, presenting early results from the Phase III OLYMPIA-3 study (NCT06091865) of odronextamab plus chemotherapy, and Jason Westin, MD, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, discussing the Smart Stop study (NCT04978584). Umberto Vitolo, MD, University of Turin, Turin, Italy, and Lorenzo Falchi review fixed-duration epcoritamab strategies from EPCORE DLBCL-3 (NCT05660967) and EPCORE NHL-2 (NCT04663347). Saurabh Dahiya, MD, discusses early-phase CAR T-cell data with KITE-753 and KITE-363, while Michael Wang, MD, presents Phase I/II (NCT05471843) results of sonrotoclax in mantle cell lymphoma. Finally, Nirav Shah, MD, reviews updated Phase Ia/b (NCT05131022) data of bexobrutideg in Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia.

This podcast features key updates in multiple myeloma from ASH 2025. Luciano Costa, MD, PhD, UAB School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, discusses redefining functional high-risk myeloma, followed by Nisha Joseph, MD, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, who shares results from a Phase II dose-optimization study (NCT04068597) of inobrodib with pomalidomide and dexamethasone. Updates on CAR T-cell therapies are given by Shambavi Richard, MD, Mount Sinai, New York City, NY, Krina Patel, MD, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, and Samir Parekh, MD, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, NY. Finally, Salomon Manier, MD, PhD, Lille Hospital University, Lille, France, Dickran Kazandjian, MD, University of Miami Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miami, FL, Shahzad Raza, MD, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, Luciano Costa, MD, PhD, UAB School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, and Amrita Krishnan, MD, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, discuss T-cell engaging antibodies.

This podcast features updates in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) from ASH 2025. Talha Munir, MBBS, MRCP, FRCPath, PhD, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK, discusses the Phase III FLAIR study (ISRCTN01844152), followed by Matthew Davids, MD, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, who shares further insights. Carsten Niemann, MD, PhD, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark, shares long-term follow-up results from the GAIA/CLL13 (NCT02950051) trial. Paolo Ghia, MD, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy, shares insights into the Phase III ​BELLWAVE-010 study (NCT05947851), followed by Jennifer Woyach, MD, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, who discusses Phase I results (NCT04775745) of a novel BTK inhibitor rocbrutinib. Finally, Chan Cheah, MBBS, FRACP, FRCPA, DMSc, Linear Clinical Research and Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Perth, Australia, discusses the CaDAnCe-104 trial (NCT06634589) of the BTK degrader BGB-16673, and Barbara Eichhorst, MD, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany, shares two-year follow-up results from the EPCORE CLL-1 trial (NCT04623541) of epcoritamab monotherapy in Richter’s transformation.

In this podcast episode, leading experts share key updates in the management of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) from ASH 2025. Amer Zeidan, MBBS, MHS, Yale School of Medicine, highlights data from the MAXILUS trial, new insights from the iMERGE study, and early findings with the anti-CLEC12A antibody bexmarilimab in high-risk disease, followed by Valeria Santini, MD, University of Florence, Florence, Italy, who discusses long-term outcomes from iMERGE and a post-hoc analysis of the COMMANDS trial comparing luspatercept with epoetin alfa. Jacqueline Garcia, MD, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, provides perspective on the Phase III VERONA trial of azacitidine plus venetoclax, and Daniel Wiseman, MBChB, PhD, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK, presents results from the Phase II AMMO study in MDS-MPN overlap syndromes before Professor Santini returns to address current debates in MDS diagnosis and treatment.

In this podcast episode, leading experts provide valuable insight into the management of sickle cell disease (SCD). First, Samah Babiker, MBBS, MRCP-UK, FRCPath, Evelina London Children’s Hospital, London, UK, and Payal Desai, MD, Levine Cancer Institute & Wake Forest School of Medicine, Charlotte, NC, discuss the challenges associated with the transition from pediatric to adult care and how to support patients through this period. Following this, Enrico Novelli, MD, MS, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, shares insight into the management of vaso-occlusive crises, and Subarna Chakravorty, MBBS, FRCPath, MRCPCH, PhD, King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK, comments on whether MRI brain assessment should be routinely performed in all patients with SCD.

This episode of the VJHemOnc podcast focuses on accelerated and blast-phase myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN-AP/BP), offering insights into their diagnosis and management from leading experts. First, in an interview with Anand Patel, MD, University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL, you will hear about the diagnosis, risk stratification, and therapeutic strategies being explored for patients with MPN-AP/BP. Dr Patel will also comment on the role and timing of allogeneic stem cell transplantation (alloSCT) in this patient population. Following this, experts Adam Mead, MA, BM, BCh, MRCP, FRCPath, PhD, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK, Charlotte Brierley, MA, BM BCh, MRCP, DPhil, FRCPath, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK, and Juan Carlos Hernández-Boluda, MD, PhD, Hospital Clinic of Valencia, Valencia, Spain, will discuss the challenges of managing MPN-AP/BP, highlighting the need for biomarkers to identify patients at risk of aggressive disease progression.

This podcast features experts Mark Levis, MD, PhD, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, Sanam Loghavi, MD, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, and Eunice Wang, MD, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, who debate the value and utility of measurable residual disease (MRD) in the management of adults with newly-diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The discussion explores current limitations of MRD assays, the challenges of standardization, and the importance of integrating multiple modalities. This took place at the 7th International Workshop on Acute Leukemias (iwAL 2025), held in Washington, DC.

This episode of the VJHemOnc Podcast features discussions from the 2nd International Workshop on High-Risk Multiple Myeloma (iwHRMM 2025), held in Charleston, SC. First, you will hear from Ross Firestone, MD, PhD, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York City, NY, Nisha Joseph, MD, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, GA, and Ajai Chari, MD, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, who provide insight into immuno- and targeted therapies in HRMM. This is followed by Peter Voorhees, MD, Levine Cancer Institute, Charlotte, NC, and Holly Lee, MD, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada, who discuss resistance to these therapies, highlighting the mechanisms of resistance and potential strategies to overcome them.

This podcast features discussions from the 22nd International Workshop on Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (iwNHL), which took place in Cambridge, MA. The discussions focus on immunotherapy and novel combinations being explored for the treatment of NHL. Featuring experts Martin Hutchings, MD, PhD, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark, Elizabeth Budde, MD, PhD, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, Lorenzo Falchi, MD, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, and Sameh Gaballa, MD, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, who share insights into bispecific antibodies and other immunotherapeutics in early lines of treatment. This is followed by Laurie Sehn, MD, MPH, BC Cancer Agency, Vancouver, Canada, Juan Alderuccio, MD, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miami, FL, and Gilles Salles, MD, PhD, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, who delve deeper into antibody-based combinations.

In this episode of the VJHemOnc Podcast, we are joined by Shai Shimony, MD, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, and Richard Stone, MD, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, to discuss recent guideline updates on the risk stratification and treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The experts discuss differences in the World Health Organization (WHO) and International Consensus Classification (ICC) definitions, the recent European Leukemia Network (ELN) updates to risk stratification, incorporating measurable residual disease (MRD) into therapeutic decision-making, and biomarkers or stratification approaches on the horizon.

VJHemOnc recently attended the International Workshop on Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (XXI iwCLL 2025) in Krakow, Poland, where there was a session focused on the management of CLL in resource-limited settings. Today's podcast episode highlights discussions from this session. First, you will hear from Mazyar Shadman, MD, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, who discusses the development of resource-restricted recommendations for CLL. This is followed by Anna Schuh, MD, PhD, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK, Andrielle Yost, MPA, The Max Foundation, Seattle, WA, and Catherina Scheepers, The Max Foundation, Gauteng, South Africa, who share ongoing projects by iwCLL and The Max Foundation to improve access to treatment and patient outcomes in low- and middle-income countries. Finally, Brian Koffman, MDCM (retired), CLL Society, Inc., Chula Vista, CA, discusses the six principles for excellence that healthcare professionals and patient advocacy organizations should be aware of when caring for patients with CLL.

This episode of our Blood Cancer Awareness Month series explores the role of the multi-disciplinary team in caring for patients with blood cancer undergoing CAR T-cell therapy. The discussion features insights from Ty Simpson, BN, MNP, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Australia, who is a CAR-T nurse practitioner, and Frederick Vonberg, MD, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK, who is a neurologist with a primary research interest in the neurotoxic effects of CAR T-cell therapy. This is followed by Angela Halley, MBBS, BSc, MSc, FRCP, Royal Marsden Hospital, London, UK, who is a consultant in palliative medicine with an interest in developing early integrated palliative care in hematology, including patients undergoing CAR-T treatment and stem cell transplant.

Welcome to the next episode in our Blood Cancer Awareness Month series. In this podcast, Rahul Banerjee, MD, FACP, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, discusses financial and time toxicities in cancer care, explaining how out-of-pocket costs and the time spent receiving treatment impair patients' lives. Dr Banerjee shares insights from his own clinical experience, with a focus on patients with multiple myeloma.

Welcome to the first episode of our Blood Cancer Awareness Month special on VJHemOnc. In this podcast, leading experts answer your most pressing questions on blood cancers. Barbara Eichhorst, MD, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany, discusses chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), followed by Rakesh Popat, MBBS, MRCP, FRCPath, PhD, University College London Hospitals, London, UK, who addresses key questions on myeloma. Finally, Anna Sureda, MD, PhD, Catalan Institute of Oncology, Duran I Reynals Hospital, Barcelona, Spain, shares insights on lymphoma.

This episode features discussions from the 3rd International Workshop on Myelodysplastic Syndromes & Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (iwMDS & iwMPN) 2025, held in Lisbon, Portugal. First, you will hear from Uma Borate, MD, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, Luca Lanino, MD, PhD, Yale University, New Haven, CT, Robert Hasserjian, MD, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, and Zoey Xie, MD, MS, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, who share updates in the classification and risk stratification of MDS. Hetty Carraway, MD, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, and Amy DeZern, MD, MHS, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, then go on to discuss novel pathways and therapeutic agents being explored, including telomerase inhibition, the SELECT-MDS-1 study (NCT04797780), and more.