ASTCT Talks

In this episode of ASTCT Talks, host Terri Lynn Shigle, PharmD, BCOP, Clinical Pharmacy Specialist in the Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy Department at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, sits down with Lauren Campasano, MSW, LCSW, OSW-C, a licensed clinical social worker in New Jersey at Robert Wood Johnson Barnabas Health, to discuss the vital role social workers play throughout the CAR T therapy journey.
Together, they explore how social workers help patients and caregivers navigate the complex medical, emotional, financial, and logistical challenges associated with CAR T therapy. From pre-treatment evaluation through post-treatment recovery, the conversation highlights the importance of multidisciplinary support in improving the patient experience and optimizing outcomes.The discussion covers:
The role of social workers in CAR T patient assessment, caregiver support, and treatment readiness.
Common psychosocial, financial, and logistical barriers patients face during CAR T therapy.
Best practices for integrating social work into the multidisciplinary cellular therapy team.

This episode offers valuable insights for clinicians seeking to better understand the critical contributions of social work to CAR T care and patient-centered cellular therapy programs. 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.This episode was made possible through support from Johnson & Johnson.

In this episode of ASTCT Talks, host Daniel Olson, MD, of the University of Chicago, is joined by Stephanie Goff, MD, of the National Cancer Institute (NCI), and Allison Betof, MD, PhD, of Stanford Medicine to discuss the evolution and expanding role of tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy in solid tumors. From its early development at the NCI to its recent FDA approval in melanoma, the conversation explores how TIL therapy is reshaping treatment options for patients with advanced solid tumors.
The discussion highlights:
The history and key milestones that led to the development and approval of TIL therapy.
The role of TIL therapy in the current melanoma treatment landscape.
Practical considerations for treatment delivery, including lymphodepleting chemotherapy and IL-2 administration.
This episode provides valuable clinical and operational perspectives on one of the most promising cellular therapy approaches for solid tumors and what’s next for the field.
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.
This episode was made possible through support fromIovance.

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.

In a cobranded episode between Oncology on the Go, hosted by CancerNetwork®, and the American Society for Transplantation and Cellular Therapy (ASTCT)’s program ASTCT Talks, Mitchell E. Horwitz, MD, highlighted key developments and ongoing initiatives related to allogeneic and cord blood transplantations among patients with different hematologic malignancies. The conversation touched upon the impact of omidubicel-onlv (Omisirge) on patient outcomes, current research on reducing the risk of graft-vs-host disease (GVHD) among transplantation recipients, and strategies for providing effective prophylaxis during treatment, among other topics.

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.