ASTCT Talks

ASTCT

ASTCT Talks is the official podcast of the American Society for Transplantation and Cellular Therapy (ASTCT). We chat with industry leaders from all areas of the blood and marrow transplantation and cellular therapy field, including doctors, physician assistants, pharmacists, nurses, administrators, social workers, and more. We hope you enjoy listening!

  1. 23 hr ago

    Titans of Transplant: Catherine Bollard, MBChB, MD

    In this episode of ASTCT Talks, Dr. Nirali Shah talks with Dr. Cath 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.

    24 min
  2. 18 Jun

    ASTCT Talks: GVHD in Pediatrics: Acute and Chronic Risk

    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.

    29 min
  3. 13 Jan

    Best Practice Considerations for Infection Prevention and Management Post-CAR T

    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.

    36 min

About

ASTCT Talks is the official podcast of the American Society for Transplantation and Cellular Therapy (ASTCT). We chat with industry leaders from all areas of the blood and marrow transplantation and cellular therapy field, including doctors, physician assistants, pharmacists, nurses, administrators, social workers, and more. We hope you enjoy listening!

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