Rapid Advances in Immunotherapy and Transplantation for Hematologic Malignancies Highlighted at Miami Cancer Institute Summit

The Seventh Annual Miami Cancer Institute Immunotherapies Summit for Hematologic Malignancies, hosted by Baptist Health, convened leading hematologists, oncologists, and researchers to discuss the latest breakthroughs in treating blood cancers. Symposium director Guenther Koehne, MD, emphasized the dramatic changes in the field over the past seven years and the importance of keeping practitioners updated on these rapid developments.¹

Key Advances in Multiple Myeloma Treatment

Saad Usmani, MD, MBA, FACP, FASCO, of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, presented data on the increasing leverage of quadruplet induction therapies followed by autologous stem cell transplantation and maintenance therapy for multiple myeloma.¹ A significant shift in management involves limiting maintenance therapy to two years for good-risk myeloma patients, a departure from previous protocols of indefinite continuation.¹

The integration of minimal or measurable residual disease (MRD) detection is also playing a crucial role, allowing for earlier intervention if MRD returns after remission.¹ the use of CELMoDs, particularly in patients undergoing immunotherapies like bispecific antibodies or CAR T cells, is showing promise in preventing T cell apoptosis and exhaustion, potentially improving the duration of immune response.¹

Transformations in Lymphoma and Leukemia Therapies

Significant progress has been made in treating diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, with CAR T cells increasingly replacing stem cell transplantation in induction therapy.¹ In acute leukemia, Richard Stone, MD, from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, highlighted the potential obsolescence of the traditional 7+3 induction chemotherapy regimen.¹ Combinations of azacitidine and venetoclax, or 7+3 plus venetoclax, are emerging as potential new standards of care.¹

Wendy Stock, MD, of the University of Chicago, presented encouraging updates on the treatment of T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL), a historically difficult-to-treat disease, with novel approaches and CAR T-cell therapies showing improved outcomes.¹

Next-Generation CAR T-Cell Therapies and Allo-SCT Improvements

Michel Sadelain, MD, PhD, showcased advancements in CAR T-cell therapies, focusing on improving their duration of action and exploring their potential application in solid tumors.¹ Robert Soiffer, MD, and Corey Cutler, MD, from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, discussed improvements in allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo-SCT) and strategies for preventing and managing acute and chronic graft-versus-host disease.¹

Novel Approaches to High-Risk Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Dr. Koehne is actively involved in research focused on patients with very high-risk acute myeloid leukemia (AML), particularly those with TP53 mutations.¹ His team is developing a novel approach involving CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing to downregulate CD33 expression on hematopoietic stem cells, allowing for targeted elimination of AML cells without harming healthy stem cell function.¹ Early data published in JCO Precision Oncology demonstrate successful recovery of CD33-negative cells after transplantation, paving the way for immunotherapeutic interventions to eliminate residual leukemia.⁸

The Future of Hematologic Cancer Treatment

While autologous stem cell transplantation remains the standard of care for multiple myeloma, allo-SCT continues to be vital for AML, MDS, and myeloproliferative disorders.¹ Risk stratification is crucial in determining which patients will benefit most from transplantation.¹ The focus is shifting towards improving transplant outcomes, enhancing quality of life, and controlling adverse effects.¹

Dr. Koehne emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and staying abreast of the rapidly evolving landscape of hematologic cancer treatment.¹ The central theme of the Summit—and the future of the field—is to not only improve outcomes but also to maintain those outcomes with a strong emphasis on patient quality of life.¹

References

1. Koehne G. Interview with Guenther Koehne, MD. CancerNetwork. March 7, 2026. https://www.cancernetwork.com/view/seventh-annual-miami-cancer-institute-immunotherapies-summit-for-hematologic-malignancies-highlights-key-advances
2. Koehne G, Mushtaq MU, Muffly LS, et al. Remission of TP53-mutant AML after transplantation with trem-cel, a CRISPR/Cas9 gene-edited allograft lacking CD33, followed by a donor-derived anti-CD33 chimeric antigen receptor T (VCAR33). JCO Precis Oncol. 2025. 9:e2500556. https://doi.org/10.1200/PO-25-00556