Category: Lymphoma News

2022 American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting Recap

The 2022 American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting marked the 64th year in a row that hematology professionals gathered to discuss the latest research and updates in blood cancers and blood disorders. ASH is the world’s largest professional organizations made up of physicians and scientists with a keen interest in tackling blood diseases. Over 25,000 attendees participate in the annual ASH Meeting which aims to highlight advancements across both malignant and non-malignant hematology. Similar to last year’s meeting, ASH was hosted in a hybrid format, accommodating members from around the world to gather both virtually and in-person in New Orleans.

Each year, we look to honor and celebrate the Weill Cornell Medicine (WCM) Lymphoma Program team members whose new discoveries and research were selected for presentation at the ASH meeting. During the conference, we provided insights and perspectives via coverage on our Twitter feed, offering a deeper look into original research coming out of our basic science laboratories as well as translational and clinical research studies.

Leading up to the conference, Dr. John Leonard shared his #LeonardList: a yearly countdown on Twitter highlighting what he found to be the top 10 most impactful and important lymphoma research abstracts presented at the ASH annual meeting. For the fifth year in a row, a special CancerCast podcast episode provided listeners insight directly from Dr. Leonard regarding the “why” behind his #LeonardList selections, as well as 5 additional bonus podcast-only choices. His abstract selections aim to highlight research that is changing the treatment landscape for lymphoma patients, as well as other important issues as racial disparities and other factors in care. Listen to the teaser clip below for a sneak peek and tune into CancerCast for the full episode available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or online at Weill Cornell Medicine.

At this year’s ASH meeting, many of the notable presentations demonstrated scientific and treatment advancements that are leading the way for more targeted therapies and improved outcomes for patients. The WCM team shared research updates across many different forms of lymphoma.

Research involving Dr. Richard Furman investigated a novel treatment for people with lymphoma, including patients with mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), and Richter’s transformation (RT). The study found that the treatment was tolerable and efficacious in well-treated and refractory patients, a population that often is less likely to respond to therapies. Dr. Furman breaks down the findings below.

The Weill Cornell Lymphoma Program is proud to partner with the Lymphoma Epidemiological Outcomes (LEO) Cohort, representing the largest, most diverse group of lymphoma patients studied to-date. At ASH 2022, our team was involved with many research updates involving this cohort. Our program chief, Dr. Peter Martin, shared his sentiments of gratitude, and our recent blog post details this LEO Cohort research.

Below is a breakdown of some of the additional great lymphoma work that Weill Cornell physicians and researchers shared throughout the ASH 2022 meeting.

Mantle Cell Lymphoma (MCL)

Dr. Jia Ruan presented data from an investigator-initiated multi-center study evaluating a triplet-combination therapy for mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) patients. In this phase II trial, the team added acalabrutinib to the doublet lenalidomide and rituximab treatment regimen with encouraging results. The study also explored minimal residual disease status as a biomarker to adjust treatment intensity and duration.

Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL)

Dr. Mohammad Alhomoud, a current Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital Hematology & Medical Oncology fellow, participated in this year’s ASH conference. Below, he breaks down this research investigating the impact of low-dose radiation in combination with CAR T-cell therapy for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL).

Dr. Danny Luan presented at ASH 2022 on research he conducted under the mentorship of Weill Cornell Lymphoma Program Chief, Dr. Peter Martin, and other team members. Dr. Luan completed medical school at Weill Cornell and is now in his first-year residency at Weill Cornell and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. He reported on a new predictive model for DLBCL outcomes after patients complete immunochemotherapy.

Dr. Nicolás Di Siervi – a postdoctoral associate in Dr. Leandro Cerchietti’s lab –presented an oral abstract on a novel target for aggressive B-cell lymphomas. This research looked deeper into the tumor microenvironment to identify vulnerabilities that could be targeted for future lymphoma therapies.

T-Cell Lymphoma

Dr. Jia Ruan was selected to present research at this year’s ASH conference regarding how certain care factors affect clinical outcomes for peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL) patients. Specifically, Dr. Ruan’s research dove into data from the Lymphoma Epidemiological Outcomes (LEO) and National Cancer Institute (NCI) supported Molecular Epidemiology Resource (MER) cohorts.

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)

Dr. Richard Furman shared insights into results from a phase I/II clinical trial of acalabrutinib in relapsed and refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) patients. This research  provided the longest follow-up dataset to-date for this subset of CLL patients. Dr. Furman explains the significance of this research below.

Dr. John Allan presented an oral abstract based on the CAPTIVATE study highlighting four year follow-up data from the minimal residual disease (MRD) study cohort of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).

Finally, in addition to the important research that our team was involved with at this year’s ASH meeting, we had a few thought leaders selected to participate in specialized programming. Dr. John Leonard Chaired a Friday Satellite Symposium session in which Dr. John Allan was a panel speaker titled “Aggressive B-Cell Lymphomas: Experts Discuss New Care Standards and Evolving Treatment Strategies.” Alongside fellow lymphoma experts, Drs. Leonard and Allan helped  educate attendees on innovative care strategies for aggressive B-cell lymphomas, including diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and mantle cell lymphoma.

Dr. Jia Ruan presented on “Fixing the Target on Aggressive Lymphoma: Insights on the Next Phase of Integrating Targeted Agents into MCL and DLBCL Management.” This CME program discussed the use of targeted agents, including new evidence with BTK inhibitors in MCL and DLBCL indicating that these therapies may lead to better treatment responses when added to established therapeutic platforms or when used in disease subtypes defined by specific molecular features.

Dr. Leandro Cerchietti also spoke at a Scientific Program on Stromal Cells in Lymphoma, highlighting the role of these specialized cells in the lymphoma tumor microenvironment. Dr. Cerchietti discussed how leveraging certain biological vulnerabilities may lead to future therapies.

The Weill Cornell Medicine Lymphoma Program remains committed to advancing the overall understanding of lymphoma biology, improving clinical outcomes, and enhancing the quality of life for all those affected by the disease. While we are wrapping up coverage of our involvement at the 2022 ASH meeting, the WCM Lymphoma Program physicians and scientists continue to conduct research each and every day to advance the field.

ASCO 2021 – Lymphoma Updates

The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) is the world’s leading organization for physicians and oncology professionals caring for people with cancer. The 2021 Annual Meeting was hosted virtually, connecting oncology professionals from around the world to discuss the newest, state-of-the-art research and treatment updates.

The Weill Cornell Lymphoma Program team is always proud of our contributions to new lymphoma research presentations at the ASCO Annual Meeting. We’ve outlined some of the highlights from this year’s conference, including research updates and new discoveries from our team. Additionally, our Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian Hematology & Oncology Fellow Dr. Sam Yamshon received a prestigious ASCO Conquer Cancer Foundation 2021 Young Investigator Award to support critical lymphoma research and the transition from fellowship to faculty. 

Samuel Yamshon, MD – 2021 ASCO Young Investigator Award Recipient

Weill Cornell Lymphoma Program Chief Dr. Peter Martin presented new mantle cell lymphoma research and shared important insights about care in the community or real-world setting as part of an oral abstract session. 

Dr. John Leonard reviews an National Cancer Institute (NCI)-supported clinical trial evaluating the role of stem cell transplant in primary central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma treatment. 

Dr. Richard Furman explains exciting results from a phase 3 clinical trial comparing two different treatment options for patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) for the first time.

Additionally, Dr. Peter Martin breaks down mantle cell lymphoma research evaluating the role of botezomib when added to bendamustine and rituximab as induction therapy.

PET scan imaging during treatment for bulky Hodgkin lymphoma can provide critical information to shape the course of care. Dr. John Leonard breaks down this NCI-supported ALLIANCE research presented this year’s ASCO meeting. 

COVID-19 and Cancer: Helpful Resources for Lymphoma Patients

The Weill Cornell Medicine Lymphoma Program team remains committed to supporting and protecting the health and safety of our patient community during this challenging time. With COVID-19 dominating the news and impacting our everyday lives, many people may be left wondering which sources to trust and which recommendations to follow when it comes to understanding the coronavirus and staying safe during this unprecedented time.

We developed this article and compiled a handful of reliable resources designed to help lymphoma patients — at our center and beyond – best navigate this rapidly changing situation.

COVID-19 Basics and General Guidelines

Physicians and staff within the division of Hematology and Oncology at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital are here to provide guidance and support to our cancer patients and their loved ones. We encourage you to review the information outlined in our COVID-19 and Cancer Guide, where we provide answers to our patient community’s most frequently asked questions. You are also welcome to call our COVID-19 hotline at (646) 697-4000 with questions at any time.

If you have COVID-19 symptoms or suspect that you have been in contact with someone with COVID-19, contact your oncologist for further instruction. If you need in-person medical attention, your doctor will advise you regarding the necessary steps and preparations to protect you and others at the facility before you arrive. Please do not visit your doctor’s office or the emergency department without first being in touch with your healthcare team.

COVID-19 and Lymphoma

In the Lymphoma Research Foundation (LRF) webinar entitled “Coronavirus and What the Lymphoma Community Needs to Know,” our own Dr. John Leonard reviews the current medical understanding and response to COVID-19 (per March 19, 2020). Dr. Leonard explains why we all must work together to “flatten the curve,” and addresses frequently asked questions surrounding immune system suppression and the coronavirus, lymphoma treatment during the pandemic, the use of masks and transmission of the disease between different groups such as children, the elderly and pets.

The LRF also created a COVID-19 fact sheet complete with prevention tips and questions to ask your oncologist. Weill Cornell Lymphoma Program Chief Dr. Peter Martin and an infectious disease specialist contributed to and medically reviewed this information.

Appointments and Video Visits

Please know that we remain dedicated to the health and wellbeing of our lymphoma community and that continuing to provide world-class cancer care for our oncology patients is important to us. As part of our mission to provide care during this unprecedented time, the Hematology & Oncology division has been implementing extensive patient-centered precautions. These include efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19 within our facilities and the expansion of virtual video-based appointments.

The Weill Cornell Lymphoma Program continues to be able to offer new and current patients the cancer care they need. We also provide expert, multidisciplinary care for patients with lymphoma who need medical attention for COVID-19.

Video visits allow patients to receive high-quality lymphoma care from the comfort and convenience of their own homes, while adhering to safe social distancing parameters recommended to minimize exposure to other individuals. Our video visit capabilities also extend to patients who wish to schedule a virtual second opinion.

To schedule a video visit, please follow the instructions below. Our team will work with you to obtain any necessary medical records prior to your visit. We will inform you if we believe that you are better suited for an in-person visit.

New Patients
Please call (646) 962-2800.

Existing Patients
Please call (646) 962-2064.

Learn more about video visits. Once your video visit is scheduled, use this guide to connect with your doctor.

Video visits use the same insurance coverage as in-person appointments, and your copayment and deductible still apply.

Visitor Policy

While we recognize the value of family and friends’ support throughout lymphoma diagnosis and treatment, keeping patients and their loved ones safe requires temporary limits on the number of people allowed to accompany each patient to an appointment. Please note that our policies continue to evolve during these unprecedented times. Click here for our latest COVID-19 visitation guidelines.

Additional Resources

Patients are welcome to call the WCM/NYP COVID-19 hotline – (646) 697-4000 – with any questions. Please note that this hotline is available as a public service to provide information only, and not to diagnose, treat or render a medical opinion.

Patients may also consult the following resources.

Ways to Help

It can be easy to feel powerless in the midst of a global pandemic, but there are ways that you can help. In fact, the biggest impact that people – sick or healthy – can make in the fight against COVID-19 is simply to stay at home to curb the spread of disease and its potential to overwhelm the healthcare system.

Those willing and able to contribute to Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian’s response to COVID-19 can make a donation to support the purchasing of ventilators and personal protective equipment (PPE), and the physical and emotional wellbeing of healthcare workers on the frontlines of the outbreak.

A fundraiser was also created to provide nutritious, high-quality meals to the New York City doctors, nurses and ancillary staff leading the fight against COVID-19 as part of medical intensive care units.

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