ASTCT Talks

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

In this episode of ASTCT Talks, supported by an educational grant from Sanofi US, Dr. Corey Cutler is joined by psychiatrist and physician-scientist Dr. Hermioni Amonoo to explore the psychological complexities faced by patients undergoing stem cell transplantation and living with chronic GVHD. Drawing from her research and clinical experience, Dr. Amonoo introduces a biobehavioral framework that integrates biological, psychological and social factors.This episode offers practical insights and compassionate strategies for improving psychological well-being in transplant patients, highlighting the importance of interdisciplinary care.For more information, read the article “A Biobehavioral Perspective on Caring for Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Survivors with Graft-Versus-Host Disease” by Lahijani et al. shared in a September 2024 GVHD Supplement collection by the journal.

In this episode of ASTCT Talks, Dr. Rahul Banerjee sits down with Dr. Kenneth Lim and Dr. Yi Lin of Mayo Clinic to discuss a critical and emerging topic in CAR T-cell therapy: delayed neurotoxicities following cilta-cel treatment in multiple myeloma. They break down the clinical features of nerve palsies and Parkinsonism-like symptoms, share diagnostic and treatment strategies and explore emerging predictive markers like absolute lymphocyte count. Given that cilta-cel is increasingly being used in second-line myeloma treatment and is even being studied in first-line treatment to replace stem cell transplantation, this conversation is a timely and insightful look at improving patient outcomes in CAR T-cell therapy.

An expert panel highlights key presentations in multiplemyeloma, lymphoma, and other hematologic malignancies at the 2025 ASCO Annual Meeting.CancerNetwork®, in collaboration with The American Society for Transplantation and Cellular Therapy (ASTCT), organized an X Space hosted by Rahul Banerjee, MD, FACP; Taha Al-Juhaishi, MD; and Muhammad Salman Faisal, MD. This expert panel convened to discuss key presentations and abstracts of interest at the 2025 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting featuring noteworthy developments in modalities like CAR T-cell therapy and transplantation across multiple myeloma, lymphoma, and other disease types.Banerjee is an assistant professor in the Clinical Research Division at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center in Seattle, Washington. Al-Juhaishi is the associate director of the Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation and Cell Therapy Program at Oklahoma University Health Stephenson Cancer Center and an assistant professor of medicine at the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine. Faisal is a hematologist/oncologist at Oklahoma University HealthStephenson Cancer Center and serves as an ambassador for ASCO.The group highlighted several late-breaking abstracts,plenary sessions, and poster presentations focused on significant clinical trial data and other findings across the hematologic oncology landscape. Topics of interest included the following:Phase 1b/2 CARTITUDE-1 trial (NCT03548207,NCT05201781)1Long-term follow-up showed that approximately one-third(33%; n = 32) of patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma maintained progression-free status for at least 5 years following a single infusion of ciltacabtagene autoleucel (cilta-cel; Carvykti). An equal likelihood of progression-free survival occurred in patients with high-risk cytogenetics or extramedullary plasmacytomas.With a median follow-up of 61.3 months, the median overall survival (OS) with cilta-cel was 60.7 months (95% CI, 41.9-notevaluable [NE]). Real-world axicabtagene ciloleucel (axi-cel; Yescarta) use2Across inpatient and outpatient treatment settings, safety and efficacy outcomes were comparable for patients who received axi-cel for relapsed/refractory large B-cell lymphoma.Multivariate analysis showed no associations between intended care setting and cytokine release syndrome or immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome.Investigators noted that these real-world data support the consideration of axi-cel in appropriate outpatient settings.Phase 1b/2 NEXICART-2 trial (NCT06097832)3Investigators assessed NXC-201, a sterically optimized CAR T construct, as a treatment for patients with relapsed/refractory light chain amyloidosis, a population with no FDA-approved options.Among 12 patients who received the agent at 450x 106 cells, 100% achieved rapid and deep hematologic responses at a median time to first and best response of 7 and 26 days, respectively. With a median follow-up of 121 days (range, 29-289), no hematologic relapses or progression had occurred.References1. Voorhees P, Martin T, Lin Y, et al. Long-term (≥5 year) remission and survival after treatment with ciltacabtagene autoleucel (cilta-cel) in CARTITUDE-1 patients (pts) with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM). J Clin Oncol. 2025;43(suppl 16):7507. doi: 10.1200/JCO.2025.43.16_suppl.75072. Furqan F, Hemmer M, Tees M, et al. Trends and outcomes by inpatient and outpatient infusion of axicabtagene ciloleucel (axi-cel) in the US for patients (pts) with relapsed/refractory large B-celllymphoma (R/R LBCL). J Clin Oncol. 2025;43(suppl 16):7023. doi:10.1200/JCO.2025.43.16_suppl.70233. Landau H, Hughes C, Rosenberg A, et al. Safety and efficacy data from Nexicart-2, the first US trial of CAR-T in R/R light chain (AL) amyloidosis, Nxc-201. J Clin Oncol. 2025;43(suppl 16):7508.doi:10.1200/JCO.2025.43.16_suppl.7508

In this episode of ASTCT Talks, Dr. Shernan Holtan welcomes Andrew Lin, Manager of Clinical Pharmacy Services of Adult BMT and CTS at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, to discuss the evolving role of tacrolimus levels in GVHD prophylaxis within the post-transplant cyclophosphamide (PTCy) era. They explore findings from a recent retrospective study examining whether higher tacrolimus levels offer added protection against GVHD, what this means for toxicity and patient outcomes and how these insights are shaping dosing strategies. The conversation also looks ahead to future research areas, including MMF optimization and the potential for simplified, patient-centered prophylaxis regimens.

Welcome to the fourth episode of ASTCT Talks’ exclusive 8-part series, supported by an educational grant from Sanofi US. In this episode, former ASTCT President Dr. Corey Cutler sits down with Dr. Connie R. Shi from the Cutaneous Oncology Program at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. They discuss Dr. Shi's recent article, Cutaneous Chronic Graft-Versus-Host Disease: Clinical Manifestations, Diagnosis, Management, and Supportive Care.Tune in as they explore the complexities of cutaneous GVHD, including acute and chronic presentations, diagnostic challenges and skin-directed treatment strategies such as topical steroids and phototherapy. They also cover key considerations for recognizing and diagnosing cutaneous GVHD in patients of all skin tones and managing long-term complications like skin cancer risk.

In this episode of ASTCT Talks, Dr. Taha Al-Juhaishi welcomes Dr. Lori Muffly, Associate Professor in the Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation-Cellular Therapies at Stanford University, to discuss groundbreaking advancements in graft selection and manipulation in hematopoietic cell transplantation. They explore the evolution of graft engineering strategies aimed at improving patient outcomes, with a focus on Orca-T, an innovative cell therapy designed to reduce graft-versus-host disease while maintaining graft-versus-leukemia effects. Dr. Muffly provides insights into the clinical development of this promising therapy, its impact on patient recovery, and the future of transplantation. Tune in to learn about the latest research and what it means for the future of cellular therapy.

In the next episode of ASTCT's "Titans of Transplant," Dr. Shernan Holtan hosts Dr. Renier Brentjens, a pioneer in CAR T-cell therapy and a transformative leader in transplantation and cellular therapy. Dr. Brentjens discusses the challenges and breakthroughs behind developing the first chimeric antigen receptors (CARs), the pivotal discovery of CD19-targeting hybridomas, and the determination needed to turn bold ideas into clinical reality. Tune in for an insightful look at how early experiments paved the way for today’s CAR T-cell advancements, capturing the passion, persistence, and pivotal moments that shaped a new era in cancer treatment.

In a special co-branded episode between Oncology On the Go hosted by CancerNetwork® and the American Society for Transplantation and Cellular Therapy (ASTCT)’s program ASTCT Talks, Alexis K. Kuhn, PharmD, BCOP, spoke with Katie Bruce, PharmD, BCPPS, and Susie Long, PharmD, about the use of approved cell-based gene therapies for patients with sickle cell disease, beta thalassemia, adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD), and metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD). These panelists shared the pharmacist’s perspective on ensuring quality care with these ex vivo gene therapies across all treatment phases, including mobilization, conditioning, and infection prophylaxis. Kuhn is an ambulatory Pediatric Hematology/Oncology/BMT Pharmacist at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, and an assistant professor of Pharmacy at the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine. Bruce is a pediatric clinical pharmacy specialist at the Sarah Cannon Pediatric Hematology/Oncology & Cellular Therapy program of Tristar Centennial Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee. Long is a pediatric clinical pharmacist in the Blood and Marrow Team at the University of Minnesota Masonic Children's Hospital. Specifically, the panelists spoke about the use of agents like elivaldogene autotemcel (Skysona) and atidarsagene autotemcel (Lenmeldy), which are FDA-approved for ALD and MLD, respectively. They also discussed the use of exagamglogene autotemcel (Casgevy) and lovotibeglogene autotemcel (Lyfgenia), which the FDA approved for treating patients 12 years and older with sickle cell disease in December 2023. The conversation broke down each stage of treatment, detailing optimal strategies for the cell manufacturing and storing processes as well as the management of toxicities like cytopenias. They also reviewed key considerations during the post-infusion period that may help maximize the quality of life for patients after they complete their therapy. “It has been so amazing to be able to be a part of gene therapy and gene editing,” Bruce stated regarding the potential long-term impacts of these treatments. “We have patients who are able to hold full-time jobs they never were able to have before. We have patients who are climbing mountains and backpacking through Europe, which would have never been an option before because their sickle cell disease would have prevented them from [doing] that…. It’s not an easy process, and it has a lot of steps for the patient to go through, but the reward at the end of it all is worth it.” References 1. bluebird bio receives FDA accelerated approval for SKYSONA® gene therapy for early, active cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy (CALD). News release. bluebird bio, Inc. September 16, 2022. Accessed October 7, 2024.https://tinyurl.com/mp8crxes 2. FDA approves first gene therapy for children with metachomatic leukodystrophy. New release. FDA. March 18, 2024. Accessed October 7, 2024. https://tinyurl.com/mrh659yk 3. FDA approves first gene therapies to treat patients with sickle cell disease. News release. FDA. December 8, 2023. Accessed October 7, 2024. https://tinyurl.com/3zbdnf4c