Nucleus, ASTCT News

Key CAR T and Transplantation Presentations From The 2025 Tandem Meeting

CancerNetwork®, in collaboration with the American Society for Transplantation and Cellular Therapy (ASTCT)®, hosted a Twitter/X Space during the 2025 Tandem Meetings. The live conversation featured Rahul Banerjee, MD, FACP, of Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, and Shernan Holtan, MD, of Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center. Together, they shared expert commentary on new data in CAR T-cell therapy and hematopoietic cell transplantation.

With insights drawn from posters, oral abstracts, and late-breaking presentations, the session unpacked both clinical takeaways and implications for patient care.

Highlights included:

  • LBA1 – Ide-cel + lenalidomide maintenance post-transplant in MM patients
    “This merges two worlds,” said Banerjee. “Not a tandem in the classic sense, but a transplant followed by CAR T.”
    [Garfall et al., Abstract LBA-1]

  • Abstract 50 – Real-world CAR T use in early relapsed/refractory LBCL
    Holtan noted, “In this cohort, no statistical survival difference was seen between second- and third-line therapy, though the curves suggest a trend.”
    [Rojek et al., Abstract 50]

  • Poster 340 – CAR T targeting CD83 in breast cancer
    Banerjee speculated on future innovations: “If we could deliver these locally, without systemic effects, that would be a game changer.”
    [Betts et al., Poster 340]

  • Poster 317 – IEC-colitis in cilta-cel-treated patients
    Banerjee reflected, “We assumed steroids would help, like with GVHD. But outcomes didn’t align.”
    [Chang Lim et al., Poster 317]

  • Poster 572 – Driving restrictions post-CAR T
    Banerjee advocated for updated policy: “Patients often can’t regain full independence until driving is restored—this restriction lacks strong evidence.”
    [Banerjee et al., Poster 572]

  • Presentation 58 – Physical function tests to predict ICANS and mortality
    “These simple tools helped flag patients unlikely to benefit from CAR T,” said Holtan. “This could refine patient selection.”
    [Herr et al., Presentation 58]

  • Poster 618 – HCT outcomes for MDS patients by age group
    Holtan expressed optimism: “We need conditioning regimens that are effective yet gentler—especially for older patients.”
    [Duarte et al., Poster 618]

  • Presentation 39 – Immune suppression trends post-HCT (18,000+ patients)
    Looking ahead, Holtan predicted a shift in GVHD care: “In 10 years, steroids may no longer be our go-to.”
    [Pidala et al., Presentation 39]

  • Poster 516 – Patient experiences with chronic GVHD via social media listening
    Holtan emphasized the human element: “We must prioritize mental health, community support, and advocacy alongside clinical treatment.”
    [Cowden et al., Poster 516]

The discussion emphasized not only the clinical relevance of each study but also broader themes—improving quality of life, adjusting standards of care based on real-world findings, and advancing innovation through thoughtful, patient-centered research.

References:

  1. Garfall AL, et al. Abstract LBA-1. Tandem 2025.

  • Rojek AE, et al. Abstract 50. Tandem 2025.

  • Betts BC, et al. Poster 340. Tandem 2025.

  • Chang Lim KJ, et al. Poster 317. Tandem 2025.

  • Banerjee R, et al. Poster 572. Tandem 2025.

  • Herr M, et al. Presentation 58. Tandem 2025.

  • Duarte FB, et al. Poster 618. Tandem 2025.

  • Pidala J, et al. Presentation 39. Tandem 2025.

  • Cowden M, et al. Poster 516. Tandem 2025.