Redefining Allogeneic Transplants & Cellular Therapy: Key Takeaways from EBMT 2025

Experts discuss key indications for alloHSCT and emerging GVHD prophylaxis strategies, as well as explore a novel investigational allogeneic T-cell immunotherapy, Orca-T, and its clinical impact in the field of transplantation.

Dr Bejanyan reports consulting or advisory role for CareDx, Medexus Pharmaceuticals, Orca Biosystems, AlloVir, TScan Therapeutics, and Pfizer; and research funding from CRISPR Therapeutics. Dr Meyer reports sponsored research from Orca Biosciences, Kyverna; and a scientific adviser role and equity holder for GigaMune, Indee, TRACT, Jura Biosciences. Dr Oliai reports no relevant disclosures (investigator on the Orca T trial funded by Orca Biosciences). Dr Gandhi reports roles with OncLive, MJH Life Sciences, OrcaBio (research), CareDx (Advisory Board). Dr Salhotra reports received funding from Rigel, Bristol Myers Squibb and Orca Biosciences; and speakers bureau for Incyte and Sanofi.

EP. 1: AlloHSCT in AML: When, Why, and for Whom?

April 30th 2025

Panelists discuss how identifying appropriate candidates for allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (alloHSCT) in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) involves evaluating remission status, relapse risk based on cytogenetics and molecular markers, treatment response, and European LeukemiaNet (ELN) risk classification to balance potential benefits against transplant-related risks.

EP. 2: Timing and Candidacy for AlloHSCT in MDS

April 30th 2025

Panelists discuss how the decision to pursue allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (alloHSCT) in myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) is driven by risk stratification, adverse cytogenetic and molecular features, and clinical trajectory, aiming to offer curative therapy to patients with poor prognoses despite potential transplant-related risks.

EP. 3: Optimizing AlloHSCT Timing in ALL & MF: Identifying the Right Candidates

May 7th 2025

Panelists discuss how the decision and timing of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (alloHSCT) in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and myelofibrosis (MF) are guided by disease risk, remission status, prognostic scoring systems, and patient fitness to ensure that curative potential outweighs transplant-related risks.

EP. 4: Balancing Cure and Toxicity: Tailoring AlloHSCT Intensity and Timing

May 7th 2025

Panelists discuss how selecting a conditioning regimen for allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (alloHSCT) involves balancing curative potential with toxicity based on patient fitness and disease risk, while emphasizing the importance of early referral and multidisciplinary coordination to optimize timing and individualize treatment planning.

EP. 5: Managing GVHD: Incidence and Prophylaxis Strategies After AlloHSCT

May 14th 2025

Panelists discuss how graft-vs-host disease (GVHD) remains a significant complication in post-allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (alloHSCT), with incidence rates varying by donor type and prophylaxis used, while emphasizing evolving prophylaxis practices and institutional variations in treatment approaches.

EP. 6: EBMT 2025 Spotlight: Long-Term Outcomes With PTCy – Insights From the ALWP-EBMT

May 14th 2025

Panelists discuss how long-term outcomes following posttransplant cyclophosphamide (PTCy)-based graft-vs-host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (alloHSCT) show promising survival rates but highlight the ongoing need for optimization in GVHD management and supportive care due to the higher incidence of chronic GVHD and nonrelapse mortality.

EP. 7: EBMT 2025 Highlight: Real-World GVHD Prophylaxis: - Insights From the GETH/TC Group Study

May 21st 2025

Panelists discuss how the Spanish Group for Hematopoietic Transplantation and Cellular Therapy (GETH/TC) real-world study highlights the effectiveness of posttransplant cyclophosphamide (PTCy)-based graft-vs-host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis in reducing acute GVHD incidence and treatment failure rates, supporting its adoption as a standard strategy, particularly in settings with limited donor availability.

EP. 8: Identifying Appropriate Patients for PTCy as GVHD Prophylaxis in AlloHSCT

May 21st 2025

Panelists discuss how cautious use of posttransplant cyclophosphamide-based (PTCy) graft-vs-host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis may be considered in high-risk patients, certain donor types, or those with toxicity concerns, where more traditional regimens such as calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs) and methotrexate (MTX) may be preferred to balance GVHD prevention and minimize complications.

EP. 9: Evolving GVHD Prophylaxis: Emerging Drug and Graft Engineering Strategies

May 28th 2025

Panelists discuss how advancing graft-vs-host disease (GVHD) management includes innovative strategies such as targeted therapies, graft engineering with regulatory T cells, optimization of posttransplant cyclophosphamide (PTCy), and the use of biomarkers for early detection, all aimed at improving GVHD prevention and treatment outcomes.

EP. 10: Orca-T: A New Allogeneic Cell Therapy - Defining Orca-T and Potential Advantages Compared With Conventional AlloHSCT

May 28th 2025

Panelists discuss how Orca-T is a novel allogeneic cell therapy that reduces the risk of graft-vs-host disease (GVHD) by using T-cell-depleted grafts and a proprietary engineered approach, combined with single-agent tacrolimus to minimize immune suppression while preserving the graft-vs-leukemia effect.

EP. 11: EBMT 2025 Spotlight: Key Takeaways From the Orca-T Phase 3 Trial – Efficacy, Safety, and Insights

June 4th 2025

Panelists discuss how the Orca-T Phase 3 trial presented at EBMT (European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation) 2025 shows significant improvements in progression-free survival (PFS) and response rates compared with standard treatment, with manageable safety, highlighting its potential as a new treatment option pending further long-term studies.

EP. 12: EBMT 2025 Highlight: Comparing Orca-T and PTCy – Insights From the Phase 1b Orca-T and Registry-Based PTCy Patients

June 4th 2025

Panelists discuss how the results of the phase 1b Orca-T trial, compared with registry-based patients who are posttransplant cyclophosphamide (PTCy), demonstrates improved response rates and progression-free survival with a favorable safety profile, suggesting Orca-T may offer better clinical outcomes than standard PTCy-based therapies.

EP. 13: Orca-T and the Future of AlloHSCT: Addressing Unmet Needs

June 11th 2025

Panelists discuss how Orca-T adds significant value to the allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (alloHSCT) treatment landscape by reducing nonrelapse mortality and re-hospitalization rates, offering improved clinical outcomes and lower toxicity, thus enhancing patient recovery and quality of life posttransplant.

EP. 14: Expert Perspectives: Orca-T Conditioning Regimens

June 11th 2025

Panelists discuss how Orca-T may expand patient eligibility for allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (alloHSCT) by including those typically considered high-risk for traditional transplant due to its lower toxicity and improved safety profile, potentially broadening the pool of eligible patients.

EP. 15: Unanswered Questions and the Future for Orca-T: What’s Next?

June 18th 2025

Panelists discuss how unanswered questions regarding long-term outcomes and potential late toxicities, along with the need for further evaluation in specific patient subgroups, highlight the importance of continued research to refine the use of Orca-T across diverse populations.

EP. 16: EBMT 2025: Exciting Updates and Advancements in AlloHSCT

June 18th 2025

Panelists discuss key updates from EBMT (European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation) 2025, including advancements in immune reconstitution, novel graft-vs-host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis strategies, and addressing ongoing unmet needs in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (alloHSCT), such as improved infection control, GVHD prevention, and enhancing long-term survival and quality of life.