ASTCT Talks

In a cobranded episode between Oncology On the Go, hosted by CancerNetwork®, and the American Society for Transplantation and Cellular Therapy’s (ASTCT) program ASTCT Talks, Terri Lynn Shigle, PharmD, BCOP hosted Vinita Pai, PharmD, MS, BCPPS, who spoke about the use of CAR T-cell therapy for pediatric patients, focusing on acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).
After a brief overview of progress in the cellular therapy field and pediatrics’ first and only FDA approved CAR T product since 2017, their discussion explored the following:
Review of real-world practice and outcomes in ALL
Pediatric practical challenges including logistics, leukapheresis, and lymphodepletion chemotherapy
Strategies for managing cell therapy toxicities in pediatricpatients
Considerations for survivorship and long-term toxicities
Gaps in pediatric care and future directions

Listen below or via your favorite podcast platform.

Reference
O'Leary MC, Lu X, Huang Y, et al. FDA approval summary: tisagenlecleucel for treatment of patients with relapsed or refractory B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Clin Cancer Res. 2019;25(4):1142-1146. doi:10.1158/1078-0432.CCR-18-2035

In this episode of ASTCT Talks, Dr. Nirali Shah welcomes Crystal Mackall, MD, the Ernest and Amelia Gallo Family Professor at Stanford University and a pioneer in immuno-oncology and cellular therapy, for a conversation in the Titans of Transplant series.
Dr. Mackall reflects on her journey into medicine, the mentors who shaped her career, and the evolution of immunotherapy from an emerging concept to a transformative treatment modality. She also shares her perspective on the future of cell and gene therapies, the challenges facing pediatric cancer drug development, and the importance of resilience, mentorship, and innovation in scientific careers.
Tune in to hear about:
Dr. Mackall's path to becoming a physician-scientist.
Lessons learned from mentors and decades of leadership in the field.
The evolution of immunotherapy and cellular therapy.
Emerging opportunities in RNA-based therapeutics and next-generation treatments.
Barriers to advancing pediatric cancer therapies.
Advice for trainees and early-career investigators.
The role of resilience, collaboration, and curiosity in a successful career.
Listen to the episode below or on your favorite podcast app. Subscribe to ASTCT Talks to stay up to date on the latest conversations in transplantation and cellular therapy.

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. Catherine 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.