Dana-Farber Cancer Institute researchers will present key research studies at the 2025 Tandem Meetings, the premier conference in hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) and cellular therapy. Organized by the American Society for Transplantation and Cellular Therapy (ASTCT) and the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research (CIBMTR), the event will take place February 12-15 in Honolulu, Hawaii.
The conference will spotlight the latest advancements, technologies, and innovations in the field, bringing together global experts to improve outcomes for patients with blood-related disorders. Dana-Farber's presentations will highlight novel approaches and impactful findings aimed at transforming the future of transplant and cellular therapy care.
Lauren Merz, MSc, MD will present her findings on Treatment Outcomes By Duffy Genotype in Patients (Pts) with Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma (NDMM) Receiving Lenalidomide, Bortezomib, and Dexamethasone (RVd) Alone or Rvd Plus Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation (ASCT) in the Determination Phase 3 Trial on Thursday, February 13. The DETERMINATION trial found there is longer progression free survival (PFS) for patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma who are randomized to RVd+ASCT compared to RVd-alone but no overall survival difference despite delayed ASCT being used in only 28% of patients assigned to delayed transplant (Richardson PG et al NEJM 2022); researchers performed an exploratory analysis of this trial by Duffy status.
The Duffy null variant is seen in 2/3rds of people identifying as Black or African American in the United States (but rare in those identifying as White) and causes lower absolute neutrophil counts and differences in cytokine homeostasis as well as chemokines resulting in diminished ability to compensate for inflammatory dysfunction and perturbation of both cytokines and chemokines. Researchers found that PFS was significantly longer in Duffy null patients assigned to RVd-alone with no difference in PFS by Duffy status in those assigned to RVd+ASCT, and remarkably these differences in PFS by Duffy status were more pronounced than differences previously noted by race. Further exploration of the impact of Duffy status on treatment outcomes and personalized therapy selection is warranted based upon these novel findings, with additional analysis ongoing and future studies planned.
Nicoletta Cieri, MD, PhD, will present Minor Histocompatibility Antigens Cross-Reactive Against Gut-Tropic Viral Epitopes Facilitate Acute GvHD of the Gut. The study shows that immune reactions leading to severe gastrointestinal acute GvHD after stem cell transplants can be driven by cross-reactivity between minor histocompatibility antigens and antigens deriving from viral proteins of common gut-tropic viruses like CMV, EBV, and adenovirus. Using genetic data from donor-recipient pairs, researchers developed a method to measure this cross-reactivity, finding that a higher load of these 'look-alike' antigens increases the risk of severe GI complications. This approach could help identify high-risk patients before transplant, allowing for targeted preventive strategies.
Joseph H. Antin, MD will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award. This recognition is given to a physician who has made continuing contributions to the BMT and cellular therapy fields through the advancement of knowledge through basic or clinical science. Antin is a Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School and the Jock and Bunny Adams Chair in Hematology. He was Chief of Stem Cell Transplantation at Brigham and Women's Hospital from 1986-1997. From 1997-2018 he was Chief of the Stem Cell Transplant Program of the Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women's Cancer Center - and now Chief Emeritus. Antin's accomplishments range from his collaboration on the first use of molecular techniques to establish chimerism after transplantation with David Ginsburg, MD and Stuart Orkin, MD (1984) and the first use of PCR to detect and quantify residual BCR/ABL after stem cell transplantation (1989) to his seminal publication with David Porter, MD on donor lymphocyte infusions for relapsed CML in 1994. He and Jamie Ferrara, MD proposed the concept of cytokine storm as part of the pathophysiology of Graft-versus-Host Disease (GVHD). He has conducted numerous studies in GVHD prevention and therapy, including the early development of tacrolimus for GVHD prophylaxis. He pioneered the use of sirolimus with Dr. Corey Cutler, MD, MPH, and collaborated with Jerome Ritz, MD and Robert Soiffer, MD on many basic studies of immunologic manifestations of GVHD and immune reconstitution after transplantation. He has trained numerous faculty members and fellows, many of whom are national and regional leaders in stem cell transplantation.
Jerome Ritz, MD will be appointed as an ASTCT Fellow. This professional appointment honors Ritz's exceptional achievement and service within ASTCT's member community. The distinction recognizes members for their volunteer service, dedication, and commitment to ASTCT. Recipients have carried out efforts that benefit ASTCT, the specialty of transplantation and cellular therapy, and the patients whom they serve. Ritz received his MD from Chicago Medical School in 1972, followed by residency in internal medicine at the University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics, Madison. He completed a clinical fellowship in hematology and oncology at Beth Israel Hospital, and a research fellowship at DFCI, where he joined the staff in 1980. Since 1996, he has been director of the Connell and O'Reilly Families Cell Manipulation Core.
