
Blood Cancer Talks
This is a podcast on latest advances in the understanding and management of blood cancers. Here, we will bring a wide range of experts within hematologic malignancies to discuss various topics in depth.
Host: Raj Chakraborty, MD from Columbia University, New York, Ashwin Kishtagari, MD, from Vanderbilt University, Nashville, and Edward Cliff, MD, from Harvard University, Boston
Tweet your suggestions and feedback to @rajshekharucms @AshKishtagari @Eddie_Cliff @BloodCancerTalk
Latest episodes

Mar 26, 2025 • 50min
Episode 58: CAR Transgenic T-cell Lymphoproliferative Neoplasms (CTTLN) with Dr. Piers Blombery
In this episode, we explore the emerging entity of CAR Transgenic T-cell Lymphoproliferative Neoplasms (CTTLN), a rare but important complication of CAR T-cell therapy. Dr. Piers Blombery from Peter MacCallum Cancer Center joins us to dissect two cases from the CARTITUDE-4 trial where patients developed T-cell lymphomas expressing the chimeric antigen receptor following cilta-cel treatment for multiple myeloma. As a bonus, we also briefly discussed Dr. Blombery’s paper on menin inhibitors in UBTF tandem duplicated AML. Here are the papers we discussed: 1. CTTLN cases from CARTITUDE-4: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39938094/2. CTTLN case from MSKCC with insertional mutagenesis: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39908432/3. Other CTTLN cases in myeloma: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38865661/https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8417502/4. Response and resistance to menin inhibitors in UBTF tandem duplication AML: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38924737/

Mar 19, 2025 • 55min
Episode 57. ASH 2024 Update on Leukemia/Myeloid Neoplasms with Dr. Jayastu Senapati
In this episode, we delve into the key clinically relevant abstracts in leukemia and myeloid neoplasms with Dr. Jayastu Senapati from the MD Anderson Cancer Center. Here are the links to the abstracts we discussed: Older AML: Ven+HMA vs 7+3Abstract 450: https://ash.confex.com/ash/2024/webprogram/Paper210320.htmlAbstract 971: https://ash.confex.com/ash/2024/webprogram/Paper202801.htmlAbstract 969: https://ash.confex.com/ash/2024/webprogram/Paper199267.htmlVenetoclax resistance mechanismshttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39478230/FLAG-GO vs FLAG-IDA https://ashpublications.org/blood/article/144/Supplement%201/1513/532742/Gemtuzumab-Ozogamicin-Added-to-Fludarabine CPX-351: Abstract 55: https://ash.confex.com/ash/2024/webprogram/Paper207094.htmlAbstract 60: https://ash.confex.com/ash/2024/webprogram/Paper200413.htmlMenin Inhibitors Abstract 211 https://ash.confex.com/ash/2024/webprogram/Paper194384.htmlAbstract 212 https://ash.confex.com/ash/2024/webprogram/Paper207106.htmlAbstract 213 https://ash.confex.com/ash/2024/webprogram/Paper194827.htmlAbstracts 214 https://ash.confex.com/ash/2024/webprogram/Paper198218.htmlAbstract 215 https://ash.confex.com/ash/2024/webprogram/Paper198218.htmlAbstract 216 https://ash.confex.com/ash/2024/webprogram/Paper204375.html FLT3 inhibitors Abstract 221: https://ash.confex.com/ash/2024/webprogram/Paper201595.html MDS Abstract 349: https://ash.confex.com/ash/2024/webprogram/Paper194510.html ATRA in MDS: https://ash.confex.com/ash/2024/webprogram/Paper200433.html

Feb 12, 2025 • 1h 3min
Episode 56. Management of Newly Diagnosed CML with Dr. Hagop Kantarjian
In this episode, we discuss the management of CML with Dr. Hagop Kantarjian from MD Anderson Cancer Center. Here are the key articles we discussed: 1. ASC4FIRST RCT: Asciminib in newly diagnosed CML. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38820078/ 2. 5-year follow-up of ENESTnd RCT (nilotinib): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26837842/ 3. 10-year follow-up of ENESTnd RCT (nilotinib): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33414482/ 4. 10-year follow-up of CML-IV RCT (imatinib): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25676422/ 5. MD Anderson data on low-dose dasatinib (50 mg): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36054032/https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31553487/ 6. CML: 2025 update on diagnosis, therapy, and monitoring: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39093014/

37 snips
Jan 11, 2025 • 38min
Episode 55. ASH 2024 Myeloma Updates with Dr. Rakesh Popat
Dr. Rakesh Popat, a consultant hematologist and associate professor at UCL, shares insights from ASH 2024 on myeloma and amyloidosis. He discusses the AQUILA trial, highlighting daratumumab's benefits for high-risk smoldering multiple myeloma. The conversation also covers the promising early data of Anito-Cel, a novel CAR T therapy, and updates on survival outcomes for cilta-cel in relapsed myeloma. Additionally, he reviews long-term advancements in treatment strategies for AL amyloidosis and ultra-high-risk myeloma patients.

12 snips
Dec 22, 2024 • 58min
Episode 54. ASH 2024 Lymphoma and CLL Highlights with Dr. David Russler-Germain
Dr. David A Russler-Germain, a lymphoma clinician scientist from Washington University, shares insights on groundbreaking lymphoma and CLL research from ASH 2024. They delve into the promising results of the TRIANGLE trial for mantle cell lymphoma, highlighting significant survival gains with ibrutinib. The discussion also covers the efficacy of Tafasitamab in follicular lymphoma and the impressive response rates for Longcast Tuximab Tessarine. Additionally, they evaluate new treatment strategies for CLL and the implications for patient care.

Nov 13, 2024 • 45min
Episode 53. Belantamab Makes a Comeback with Dr. Hang Quach
In this episode, we discuss the comeback of belantamab mafadotin in multiple myeloma with Dr. Hang Quach, along with some other important abstracts presented at EHA/ASCO 2024. Here are the studies we discussed: 1. DREAMM-7 RCT: Belantamab-Vd vs Daratumumab-Vd in relapsed MM. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38828933/2. DREAMM-8 RCT: Belantamab-Pd vs PVd in relapsed MM. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38828951/3. Long-term follow-up of CASSIOPEIA Trial: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38889735/4. Update on MRD data from PERSEUS Trial: https://ascopubs.org/doi/10.1200/JCO.2024.42.16_suppl.7502

Oct 26, 2024 • 42min
Episode 52. Management of Hodgkin Lymphoma in Older Adults with Dr. Andrew Evens
In this episode, we dive into the management of older adults with Hodgkin Lymphoma with Dr. Andrew Evens. Here are the key articles we discussed: 1. Comparison of ABVD versus Stanford V in older Hodgkin Lymphoma patients: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3906856/2. Outcome of older adults ECHELON-1: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34162178/3. Sequential BV-AVD in older adults with Hodgkin Lymphoma: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30179569/4. SWOG S1826 trial (Nivo-AVD vs AAVD in advanced stage classical HL): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39413375/5. S1826 outcomes in older adults: https://ash.confex.com/ash/2023/webprogram/Paper180114.html6. Single-agent BV for older adults with Hodgkin: https://ashpublications.org/blood/article/142/Supplement%201/4435/503453

69 snips
Sep 27, 2024 • 57min
Episode 51. Venetoclax in AML with Dr. Andrew Wei
Dr. Andrew Wei, a leading expert in acute myeloid leukemia from the Peter McCallum Cancer Center, discusses the innovative use of venetoclax in treating AML. He highlights groundbreaking clinical trials that have transformed treatment pathways, particularly for older patients. Innovative therapies like venetoclax combined with hypomethylating agents are explored, along with ongoing resistance challenges and the role of genetic mutations in personalized treatment. The conversation also touches on the implications of minimal residual disease negativity in enhancing patient outcomes.

Aug 29, 2024 • 42min
Episode 50. Quadruplets in Newly Diagnosed Transplant-Ineligible Myeloma with Dr. Timothy Schmidt
In this episode, we discuss the management of newly diagnosed transplant in-eligible multiple myeloma with Dr. Timothy Schmidt, with a special focus on IMROZ and BENEFIT RCTs testing quadruplets in this space. Here are the key papers we discussed: 1. MAIA trial (Daratumumab-Lenalidomide-Dexamethasone [DRd] vs Rd in newly diagnosed transplant ineligible myeloma): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34655533/2. S0777 trial (VRd vs Rd in newly diagnosed myeloma [transplant-ineligible or transplant-deferred]): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32393732/3. IMROZ trial (Isatuximab-VRd vs VRd in newly diagnosed transplant-ineligible myeloma): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38832972/4. IFM-2020/BENEFIT trial (Isatuximab-VRd vs Isatuximab-Rd in newly diagnosed transplant-ineligible myeloma): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38830994/5. GEM2017FIT trial (VMP-Rd vs KRd vs Dara-KRd in newly diagnosed transplant-ineligible myeloma): https://ashpublications.org/blood/article/142/Supplement%201/209/500199

Aug 14, 2024 • 43min
Episode 49. Updates on Low-Risk MDS with Dr. Maximilian Stahl
In this episode, we discuss updates on low-risk MDS with Dr. Maximilian Stahl with a focus on imetelstat and luspatercept. Here are the trials we discussed: 1. IWG 2019 response criteriahttps://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7042664/ 2. MEDALIST trial: Luspatercepthttps://www.nejm.org/doi/10.1056/NEJMoa1908892?url_ver=Z39.88-2003&rfr_id=ori:rid:crossref.org&rfr_dat=cr_pub%20%200pubmed 3. COMMANDS trial : Luspatercept https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(23)00874-7/abstracthttps://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanhae/article/PIIS2352-3026(24)00203-5/abstract 4. IMerge trial: Imetelstat https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(23)01724-5/abstract
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