ASTCT Talks

Epizode

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  Exploring CAR T Updates in Pediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia 11.08.2026 50min

  In a cobranded episode between Oncology On the Go, hosted by CancerNetwork®, and the American Society for Transplantation and Cellular Therapy’s (ASTCT) program ASTCT Talks, Terri Lynn Shigle, PharmD, BCOP hosted Vinita Pai, PharmD, MS, BCPPS, who spoke about the use of CAR T-cell therapy for pediatric patients, focusing on acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).After a brief overview of progress in the cellular therapy field and pediatrics’ first and only FDA approved CAR T product since 2017, their discussion explored the following:Review of real-world practice and outcomes in ALLPediatric practical challenges including logistics, leukapheresis, and lymphodepletion chemotherapyStrategies for managing cell therapy toxicities in pediatricpatientsConsiderations for survivorship and long-term toxicitiesGaps in pediatric care and future directionsListen below or via your favorite podcast platform.ReferenceO'Leary MC, Lu X, Huang Y, et al. FDA approval summary: tisagenlecleucel for treatment of patients with relapsed or refractory B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Clin Cancer Res. 2019;25(4):1142-1146. doi:10.1158/1078-0432.CCR-18-2035
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  Titans of Transplant Featuring Dr. Crystal Mackall 03.08.2026 22min

  In this episode of ASTCT Talks, Dr. Nirali Shah welcomes Crystal Mackall, MD, the Ernest and Amelia Gallo Family Professor at Stanford University and a pioneer in immuno-oncology and cellular therapy, for a conversation in the Titans of Transplant series.Dr. Mackall reflects on her journey into medicine, the mentors who shaped her career, and the evolution of immunotherapy from an emerging concept to a transformative treatment modality. She also shares her perspective on the future of cell and gene therapies, the challenges facing pediatric cancer drug development, and the importance of resilience, mentorship, and innovation in scientific careers.Tune in to hear about:Dr. Mackall's path to becoming a physician-scientist.Lessons learned from mentors and decades of leadership in the field.The evolution of immunotherapy and cellular therapy.Emerging opportunities in RNA-based therapeutics and next-generation treatments.Barriers to advancing pediatric cancer therapies.Advice for trainees and early-career investigators.The role of resilience, collaboration, and curiosity in a successful career.Listen to the episode below or on your favorite podcast app. Subscribe to ASTCT Talks to stay up to date on the latest conversations in transplantation and cellular therapy.
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  The Role of the Social Worker in CAR T Care 23.07.2026 31min

  In this episode of ASTCT Talks, host Terri Lynn Shigle, PharmD, BCOP, Clinical Pharmacy Specialist in the Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy Department at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, sits down with Lauren Campasano, MSW, LCSW, OSW-C, a licensed clinical social worker in New Jersey at Robert Wood Johnson Barnabas Health, to discuss the vital role social workers play throughout the CAR T therapy journey.Together, they explore how social workers help patients and caregivers navigate the complex medical, emotional, financial, and logistical challenges associated with CAR T therapy. From pre-treatment evaluation through post-treatment recovery, the conversation highlights the importance of multidisciplinary support in improving the patient experience and optimizing outcomes.The discussion covers:The role of social workers in CAR T patient assessment, caregiver support, and treatment readiness.Common psychosocial, financial, and logistical barriers patients face during CAR T therapy.Best practices for integrating social work into the multidisciplinary cellular therapy team.This episode offers valuable insights for clinicians seeking to better understand the critical contributions of social work to CAR T care and patient-centered cellular therapy programs. Listen to the episode below or on your favorite app. Subscribe to ASTCT Talks and share this episode with your colleagues to keep the conversation going.This episode was made possible through support from Johnson & Johnson.
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  TIL Therapy for Solid Tumors 21.07.2026 30min

  In this episode of ASTCT Talks, host Daniel Olson, MD, of the University of Chicago, is joined by Stephanie Goff, MD, of the National Cancer Institute (NCI), and Allison Betof, MD, PhD, of Stanford Medicine to discuss the evolution and expanding role of tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy in solid tumors. From its early development at the NCI to its recent FDA approval in melanoma, the conversation explores how TIL therapy is reshaping treatment options for patients with advanced solid tumors. The discussion highlights:The history and key milestones that led to the development and approval of TIL therapy. The role of TIL therapy in the current melanoma treatment landscape. Practical considerations for treatment delivery, including lymphodepleting chemotherapy and IL-2 administration.This episode provides valuable clinical and operational perspectives on one of the most promising cellular therapy approaches for solid tumors and what’s next for the field.Listen to the episode below or on your favorite app. Subscribe to ASTCT Talks and share this episode with your colleagues to keep the conversation going. This episode was made possible through support fromIovance.
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  Titans of Transplant: Catherine Bollard, MBChB, MD 06.07.2026 24min

  In this episode of ASTCT Talks, Dr. Nirali Shah talks with Dr. Catherine Bollard as part of the Titans of Transplant series to explore her remarkable career journey and lasting impact on the field of transplantation and cellular therapy. From early inspirations rooted in personal experience to her leadership in advancing cell therapy, Dr. Bollard reflects on her decades of experience across research, clinical care, and mentorship. The conversation highlights both the scientific progress in cellular therapies and the human stories that continue to drive innovation. Dr. Bollard also shares insights into the challenges of building a career as a physician-scientist and the importance of passion, resilience, and collaboration in advancing the field.Tune in for a conversation that covers:Dr. Bollard's path into pediatric hematology/oncology and the personal experiences that shaped her focus on immunotherapy.Key milestones in the evolution of cell therapy, including early translational work and the path to broader adoption.Ongoing challenges in treating diseases like AML and pediatric solid tumors.The importance of mentorship, team science, and developing the next generation of leaders.Reflections on balancing a demanding career with her personal life and staying grounded in purpose.Listen to the episode below or on your favorite app. Subscribe to ASTCT Talks and share this episode with your colleagues to keep the conversation going.
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  Navigating the Dynamic Landscape of Stem Cell Transplantation 22.06.2026 11min

  In a cobranded episode between Oncology on the Go, hosted by CancerNetwork®, and the American Society for Transplantation and Cellular Therapy (ASTCT)’s program ASTCT Talks, Mitchell E. Horwitz, MD, highlighted key developments and ongoing initiatives related to allogeneic and cord blood transplantations among patients with different hematologic malignancies. The conversation touched upon the impact of omidubicel-onlv (Omisirge) on patient outcomes, current research on reducing the risk of graft-vs-host disease (GVHD) among transplantation recipients, and strategies for providing effective prophylaxis during treatment, among other topics.
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  GVHD in Pediatrics: Acute and Chronic Risk 18.06.2026 28min

  In this episode of ASTCT Talks, host Dr. Corey Cutler, MD, from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, is joined by Dr. Pooja Khandelwal, MD (Cincinnati Children’s Hospital), Dr. Ben Watkins, MD (Tulane University), and Dr. Kenneth Cooke, MD (Johns Hopkins University) for an in-depth discussion on evolving strategies to prevent graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) in pediatric transplant.The conversation explores how leading centers are approaching GVHD prophylaxis across a range of clinical scenarios, with a focus on improving both acute and chronic GVHD outcomes. Experts compare platform-based approaches — including post-transplant cyclophosphamide, calcineurin inhibitor–based regimens, abatacept, and graft manipulation — and discuss how these strategies influence long-term transplant success.Key topics include:Current approaches to reducing acute and chronic GVHD in pediatric patients.Tradeoffs between prevention platforms, including immune reconstitution and infection risk.Emerging data on novel strategies, such as vitamin A and extended co-stimulation blockade.The role of GVHD-free survival as a key endpoint in transplant outcomes.Ongoing challenges and unmet needs in preventing chronic GVHD.While advances in prophylaxis are helping to reduce GVHD incidence, chronic GVHD remains a significant clinical challenge, underscoring the importance of continued innovation across the prevention-treatment continuum.This episode was supported by an educational grant fromIncyte.
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  Unraveling Key Hematologic Oncology Developments at ASCO 2026 09.06.2026 24min

  In a live X Spaces discussion hosted by CancerNetwork® in collaboration with the American Society for Transplantation and Cellular Therapy (ASTCT), Marc J. Braunstein, MD, PhD, and Sofia Zahid, MD, highlighted noteworthy presentations and abstracts in hematologic oncology at the 2026 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting. Together, they discussed the data that may shake up clinical practice across different multiple myeloma, leukemia, and lymphoma populations.
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  Exploring and Managing Gastrointestinal-Related CAR T-Cell Lymphomas 02.06.2026 19min

  In a special cobranded episode between Oncology on the Go, hosted by CancerNetwork®, and the American Society for Transplantation and Cellular Therapy (ASTCT)’s program ASTCT Talks, host Rahul Banerjee, MD, FACP, spoke with colleague Hitomi Hosoya, MD, PhD, about a study she and coauthors published in Blood. In their study, Hosoya and colleagues assessed the underlying mechanisms of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell–related lymphomas developing in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The study focused on a particular case involving a 50-year-old patient with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma who developed T-cell lymphoma after receiving cellular therapy in the seventh-line setting. Listen below or via your favorite podcast platform.
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  ASTCT Talks: Gene Therapy Today and Tomorrow 20.05.2026 19min

  Gene therapy is changing how clinicians care for patients with rare and genetic diseases, with more therapies moving from research into clinical use. In this episode, Dr. Nirali Shah is joined by Dr. Christy Duncan and Dr. Sung‑Yun Pai to talk through recent progress in the field and what it actually takes to deliver these treatments at the patient level.The discussion draws on their experience in transplant and genetic disease, covering both scientific advances and the operational challenges that come with implementing gene therapy — especially in complex and resource‑intensive settings. Tune in for a conversation that covers:Recent developments in gene therapy, including in vivo approaches and newly approved treatmentsBarriers to broader use, including access, equity, and long-term monitoringWhat centers need to consider when building a gene therapy program, from workflows to team coordinationWhere things may be heading, including more individualized therapies and efforts to expand availabilityListen to the episode below or on your favorite app. Subscribe to ASTCT Talks and share this episode with your colleagues to keep the conversation going.
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  Treatment Options for cGVHD: Adult vs. Pediatric Perspectives 31.03.2026 29min

  In this episode of ASTCT Talks, host Corey Cutler, MD of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard University sits down with Nosha Farhadfar, MD, medical director of research for Sarah Cannon Research Institute’s transplant and cellular therapy program at Methodist Healthcare, and Pooja Khandelwal, MD, an associate professor within the division of bone marrow transplantation at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, to discuss adult and pediatric treatment perspectives for cGVHD.Tune in for a conversation that covers:Adult and pediatric cGVHD treatment approaches,including frontline choices and the selection and effectiveness of medications.Expert practice experiences for use in cGVHD treatment.New therapeutics the experts are looking forward to in cGVHD treatment. This episode was made possible thanks to a grant from Incyte.
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  Best Practice Considerations for Infection Prevention and Management Post-CAR T 13.01.2026 36min

  In this episode of ASTCT Talks, host Terri Lynn Shigle, PharmD(The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center; Pharmacy SIG Immediate Past-Chair), sits down with Zainab Shahid, MD (Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center; ID SIG Chair), and Gabriela Maron, MD (St. Jude Children’s ResearchHospital). As coauthors of the ASTCT Practice Guidelines, "American Society for Transplantation and Cellular Therapy Best Practice Considerations for the Prevention and Management of Infections After Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-Cell Therapy for Hematological Malignancies," recently published in Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, they discuss the implementation of critical strategies for safeguarding CAR T recipients.The conversation explores the nuances of the manuscript,providing a practical perspective on translating these consensus recommendations into clinical operations.Assessing the Burden of Immunosuppression: Evaluating the cumulative risk factors that predispose CAR T recipients to infection, including heavy pretreatment and the effects of lymphodepletion.Prophylaxis Optimization: Critical considerations regarding the timing, selection, and duration of antimicrobial regimens in the post-CAR T setting.Managing Hypogammaglobulinemia: A pragmatic look at IVIG replacement strategies, balancing emerging clinical evidence with institutional protocols and global product shortages.Addressing Evidence Gaps: Insider insights into the expert panel’s deliberations on "grey areas," such as the management of CMV reactivation and optimal post-therapy vaccination schedules.The Pediatric-Adult Continuum: Ensuring that prevention and management strategies are robust and applicable across the full age spectrum of CAR-T recipients.This episode provides essential context for cliniciansseeking to move beyond the published guidelines and operationalize these bestpractices with greater precision and confidence.Thank you to Johnson & Johnson and Legend Biotech forsupporting this episode.
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  LIVE From ASH: Multiple Myeloma Treatment Redefined by Bispecific Antibodies and T-Cell Therapies 06.01.2026 27min

  In a special cobranded episode between Oncology On the Go and the American Society for Transplantation and Cellular Therapy (ASTCT)’s program ASTCT Talks, Rahul Banerjee, MD, FACP, a physician-researcher who specializes in multiple myeloma at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, and Brooke Adams, PharmD, BCOP, a clinical pharmacist and transplant specialist at Orlando Health, break down practice‑changing data in multiple myeloma from the ASH Annual Meeting.The experts focus on bispecific antibodies and BCMA CAR T-cell therapies and close the discussion by reflecting on how data is redefining the treatment paradigm in multiple myeloma, raising possibilities of deep MRD negativity, treatment de-escalation, and prolonged drug holidays. Listen below or via your favorite podcast platform.
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  What Clinicians Need to Know About Chronic GVHD and Immunity 16.12.2025 20min

  In this episode of ASTCT Talks, supported by an educational grant from Sanofi US, host Dr. Corey Cutler, MD, from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, sits down with Dr. Sanjeet Singh Dadwal, MD, chief of infectious diseases at City of Hope, to explore a critical aspect of chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD): immune dysfunction and infection risk.The discussion highlights:• How chronic GVHD independently contributes to immune deficits and infection susceptibility.• Infectious risks associated with FDA-approved therapies for chronic GVHD.• Common infections in this population and why vigilance matters.• Practical guidance on prophylaxis strategies, vaccination timing, and navigating real-world challenges like food safety.This episode offers actionable insights for clinicians managing infection prevention and survivorship care in patients with chronic GVHD.Read “Infectious Disease Considerations in Chronic Graft-versus-Host Disease and Transplantation Survivors,” included in the 2024 GVHD Supplement collection published by Transplantation and Cellular Therapy.
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  Pulmonary Manifestations of Chronic GVHD 16.12.2025 23min

  In this episode of ASTCT Talks, supported by an educational grant from Sanofi US, Dr. Corey Cutler, from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and Dr. Guang-Shing Cheng, from the University of Washington and Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, discuss how to identify and manage non-infectious lung complications following allogeneic transplant. From differentiating infection versus inflammation to managing conditions like organizing pneumonia (OP), this conversation offers practical insights for clinicians.For a deeper dive, explore Dr. Cheng’s many publications on pulmonary topics in the Journal of Transplantation and Cellular Therapy. Additionally, read the article “Late-Onset Noninfectious Pulmonary Complications after Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation” by Harris et al. shared in a September 2024 GVHD Supplement collection by the journal.
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  Tackling Cognitive Challenges in Survivorship Care 02.12.2025 24min

  In this episode of ASTCT Talks, host Christina Ferraro, nurse practitioner from the Cleveland Clinic, sits down with Vanessa Kennedy, MD, from Stanford University, to address a critical aspect of survivorship: cognitive health, including issues like brain fog, memory lapses and reduced executive function.The discussion highlights:New ASTCT consensus guidelines on cognitive assessment.Practical strategies for operationalizing cognitive screening in busy clinical settings. How factors like anxiety, depression, sleep and polypharmacy influence cognition — and why addressing these is critical. Emerging interventions, from cognitive rehabilitation to surprisingly effective options like jigsaw puzzles.This episode offers actionable insights into supporting cognitive function and quality of life in survivorship care.
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  Titans of Transplant: Innovations in CAR T Cell Therapy 24.10.2025 41min

  In this episode of ASTCT’s Titans of Transplant series, Dr. Taha Al-Juhaishi welcomes Dr. Sattva Neelapu of MD Anderson Cancer Center for a deep and insightful conversation on the evolution, challenges and future of CAR T therapy.From the groundbreaking ZUMA-1 trial to today’s expandinglandscape of commercial CAR T products, Dr. Neelapu shares pivotal clinical experiences, lessons learned in toxicity management and reflections on mentorship and innovation. This episode offers a look at the progress made, the barriers that remain and the opportunities ahead for the next generation of leaders in cellular therapy.
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  Pharmacist Takeover: BCMA Bispecifics and CAR T-Cell Therapy 16.10.2025 37min

  In this episode of ASTCT Talks, we're excited to share a special feature from the Pharmacy Focus: Oncology Edition podcast in honor of American Pharmacists Month, featuring members of ASTCT Pharmacy SIG. Expert pharmacists share key insights on BCMA bispecifics, CAR T-cell therapies, and other cellular treatments for multiple myeloma. Moderated by Ryan Shaw, PharmD, of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the discussion features Sara Ann Scott, PharmD, of Emory Winship Cancer Institute, and Kelley Julian, PharmD, of the University of Utah Huntsman Cancer Institute. Together, they explore treatment sequencing strategies for cellular therapies, with a focus on ciltacabtagene autoleucel and idecabtagene vicleucel.
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  Optimizing Care for TILs, Cellular Therapy in Melanoma and Solid Tumors 09.10.2025 26min

  A panel of oncology pharmacists discusses the role oflifileucel in metastatic melanoma and other considerations for using cellular therapy in solid tumors. Featuring Brooke Adams, PharmD, BCOP Natalie Brumwell, PharmD, BCOP Bryant A. Clemons, PharmD, BCOP In a special co-branded episode between Oncology On theGo, hosted by CancerNetwork®, and the American Society for Transplantation and Cellular Therapy (ASTCT)’s program, ASTCT Talks, for American Pharmacists Month, a panel of oncology pharmacists discussed optimal strategies for using cellular therapies as treatment for patients with solid tumors. The panel included Brooke Adams, PharmD, BCOP, a board-certified oncology pharmacist specializing in stem cell transplantation and cellular therapy at the Orlando Health Cancer Institute in Orlando, Florida; Natalie Brumwell, PharmD, BCOP, a board-certified oncology pharmacist specializing in cellular therapy at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York, New York; and Bryant A. Clemons, PharmD, a board-certified oncology pharmacist specializing in hematology, blood and marrow transplantation, and cellular therapy at the University of Kentucky’s Markey Cancer Center in Lexington, Kentucky. The discussion focused on the use of the first commercially available tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) for patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma, lifileucel (Amtagvi), which the FDA granted accelerated approval status to in February 2024.1 The panelists first reviewed supporting data from the phase 2 C-144-01 trial (NCT02360579), in which lifileucel demonstrated an objective response rate of 31.5% (95% CI, 21.1%-43.4%), and a median duration of response that was not reached (NR; 95% CI, 4.1 months-NR) at the time of the approval. Additionally, the group highlighted considerations for dosinginterleukin-2 (IL-2), including management of toxicities and when to hold or discontinue further doses. Following a thorough breakdown of the proper conditions for using lifileucel in melanoma, the panelists concluded by discussing how to build upon an “exciting time for cellular therapy in solid tumors.” As part of optimizing the dosing of lifileucel and other cellular therapies in these patient populations, the experts exchanged ideas on how practices can collaborate across institutions and departments to expand access to novel treatments while helping providers develop comfort in administering these agents. Reference FDA grants accelerated approval to lifileucel for unresectable or metastatic melanoma. News release. FDA. February 16, 2024. Accessed September 30, 2025. https://tinyurl.com/2kweca6x 
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  Cord Blood Transplantation: Past, Present and Future Innovations 02.10.2025 33min

  In this episode of ASTCT Talks, Dr. Taha Al-Juhaishi is joined by Dr. Filippo Milano, director of the Cord Blood Transplant Program at Fred Hutch, for a wide-ranging conversation on the evolving role of umbilical cord blood transplantation. From its historical milestones to emerging clinical strategies, Dr. Milano shares insights drawn from decades of research, practice and mentorship. The discussion explores the unique biological advantages of cord blood, including its potent graft-versus-leukemia effect and low incidence of chronic GVHD. Dr. Milano outlines ideal patient profiles, unit selection criteria and conditioning regimens, while addressing challenges like engraftment delays and infection risk. As the field looks ahead, Dr. Milano reflects on theimportance of inclusivity, scientific rigor and mentorship to reengage transplant centers and inspire the next generation of clinicians. Whether as a stand-alone therapy or part of a hybrid platform, cord blood transplantation continues to offer hope for patients with high-risk disease and limited donor options.