Leading experts gathered at the 2025 Tandem Meeting to present groundbreaking research in CAR T-cell therapy and stem cell transplantation, revealing significant advances in treatment approaches for various hematologic malignancies.
Innovative Combination Therapy for Multiple Myeloma
A pioneering Phase II multicenter trial presented as a late-breaking abstract investigated the combination of idecabtagene vicleucel (ide-cel) followed by lenalidomide maintenance in multiple myeloma patients. This novel approach targets patients who showed sub-optimal response after initial autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation.
"This study merges two worlds. It's like a tandem—but not really a tandem—because you're not doing 2 transplants back-to-back. You're doing a transplant followed by CAR T-cell therapy," explained Dr. Rahul Banerjee from Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center.
Real-World Evidence in Large B-Cell Lymphoma
Important real-world data emerged from the Cell Therapy Consortium regarding CAR T-cell therapy in early relapsed/refractory large B-cell lymphoma. Dr. Shernan Holtan of Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center noted that while nine-month survival rates showed no statistical difference between second-line versus third-line therapy, trend lines suggested potential benefits for earlier intervention.
Challenging Post-Treatment Guidelines
A significant development came from the US Multiple Myeloma Immunotherapy Consortium, questioning current driving restrictions for post-CAR T-cell therapy patients. Research indicates that the standard four-week driving prohibition after initial recovery may be unnecessarily restrictive.
"Patients and their caregivers who have put their life aside for 4 weeks just to get through CAR T-cell therapy are now being told they can't drive for 4 weeks... We argue that this requirement is not evidence-based," stated Dr. Banerjee.
Managing Treatment Complications
Researchers presented new insights into immune effector cell-associated complications. Notable findings included:
- Risk factors for immune effector cell-associated enterocolitis in patients treated with ciltacabtagene autoleucel
- The unexpected limitation of corticosteroids in treating immune effector cell-associated colitis
- Physical function measures as predictors of neurotoxicity syndrome and mortality risk
Future Directions in Transplantation
The meeting also highlighted evolving approaches to stem cell transplantation, particularly for older patients with myelodysplastic syndrome. Dr. Holtan expressed optimism about future developments: "My personal hope is that our field can develop more novel conditioning regimens that can ablate the marrow without causing gastrointestinal toxicities or other organ toxicities."
Patient Experience and Support
A notable social media listening study examined patient experiences with chronic graft-versus-host disease, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive support systems. The research underscored the need for improved physical function support, mental health resources, and community understanding for patients undergoing cellular therapies.
