Project Oncology®

The treatment landscape for relapsed/refractory (R/R) large B-cell lymphoma has significantly shifted, with CAR T-cell therapies now offering curative potential in the second-line setting. But these advances also raise important questions, like how to identify the right candidates and navigate logistical barriers to ensure timely, equitable access. Joining Dr. Charles Turck to explore these critical considerations is Dr. Saira Ahmed, Associate Professor in the Department of Lymphoma and Myeloma and the CAR T Program Director in the Department of Lymphoma and Myeloma at the MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Our treatment approach for patients with endometrial cancer is evolving, with antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) and biomarker-driven therapies showing promise. Dr. Brian Slomovitz highlights future directions that could redefine treatment pathways for patients with advanced or recurrent disease. Dr. Slomovitz is the Director of Gynecologic Oncology and Co-Chair of the Cancer Research Committee at Mount Sinai Medical Center as well as a Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Florida International University in Miami.

The second-line treatment of HR+/HER2-advanced breast cancer has evolved in recent years, particularly with the rise of biomarker-driven strategies targeting PI3Kα and other mutations. But given these advances, there’s a lot we need to think about when selecting therapy, like the differences between selective and non-selective inhibitors, toxicity profiles, and shared decision-making. Joining Dr. Charles Turck to share their insights on those key considerations and how we can personalize care for patients with PI3Kα-mutated HR+/HER2- advanced breast cancer are Drs. Komal Jhaveri and Neil Iyengar. Dr. Jhaveri is the section head for the Endocrine Therapy Research Program in the Breast Medicine Service at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and Dr. Iyengar is the Co-Director of the Breast Oncology Program at the Winship Cancer Institute at Emory University.

Due to their wild-type inhibition, first-generation PIK3CA inhibitors for HR+/HER2- advanced breast cancer were limited by significant toxicities, including hyperglycemia, rash, and diarrhea. But now, mutation-specific PIK3CA inhibitors could help improve tolerability and adherence as well as simplify dosing strategies—all while maintaining efficacy. To learn more about the efficacy and safety of current and emerging PIK3CA-targeted therapies, Dr. Charles Turck speaks with Dr. Neil Iyengar, Co-Director of the Breast Oncology Program and Director of Cancer Survivorship Service at Winship Cancer Institute at Emory University.

Not only is PI3Kα the most common mutation seen in patients with HR+/HER2- advanced breast cancer, but it’s also associated with endocrine therapy resistance and more aggressive cancer growth. Given its prevalence and impact on outcomes, it’s important to know how and when to test for this mutation and how emerging targeted therapies might change our approach in clinical practice. Joining Dr. Charles Turck to share her insights on PI3Kα testing and targeted therapies for HR+/HER2- advanced breast cancer is Dr. Hope Rugo, Director of the Women's Cancers Program, Division Chief of Breast Medical Oncology and Professor of the Department of Medical Oncology and Therapeutics Research at City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Despite FDA approvals and growing clinical integration, CAR T-cell therapies remain clouded by misconceptions, some of which could impact clinical decision-making and delay appropriate referrals. To help set the record straight on CAR T-cell therapy, Dr. Charles Turck speaks with Dr. Matthew Lunning about the realities of patient selection, safety, and access. Dr. Lunning is an Associate Professor in the Division of Hematology/Oncology at the University of Nebraska Medical Center.

Pediatric sickle cell disease treatment, particularly the use of hydroxyurea, NSAIDs, and opioids, has evolved in response to clinical guidelines and regulatory shifts, but gaps still remain in how children receive essential medications. Joining Dr. Charles Turck to discuss these national prescribing trends, disparities in care, and the implications of evolving treatment guidelines for this population is Dr. Abiodun Ologunowa. Dr. Ologunowa is a doctoral candidate and research assistant in the Department of Pharmacy Practice and Clinical Research at the University of Rhode Island College of Pharmacy.

Although CAR T-cell therapies have transformed the treatment of B-cell malignancies, a major logistical and socioeconomic barrier remains: patients are typically required to stay near a certified treatment center for at least 4 weeks after infusion to manage potential adverse events. So to help improve patient access, a recent study explored exactly when toxicities occur and whether post-infusion monitoring could be shortened without compromising safety. And based on the findings, it’s time to rethink the 4-week monitoring window. To learn more about the study’s results and what they mean for patient monitoring, safety, and broader outcomes, tune in to hear Dr. Charles Turck speak with Dr. Manali Kamdar, who authored a poster on this topic that was presented at the 2025 American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting.

Despite the promise of curative therapies for sickle cell disease, access and cost barriers highlight the ongoing need for disease-modifying treatments like hydroxyurea. Tune in to hear Dr. Yogindra Persuad, a physician in the Department of Hematology at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, discuss a multimodal approach to care, emphasizing research on oral agents and broader symptom management beyond pain.

Cardiopulmonary complications are a leading cause of early mortality in adults with sickle cell disease, with evidence showing that cardiac injury may begin as early as childhood. However, despite the severity of these issues, there are currently no uniform guidelines for asymptomatic cardiac screening in this population. Join Dr. Parul Rai, a physician in the Department of Hematology at St. Jude’s Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, to learn about current research, early detection strategies, and the need for more sensitive diagnostic markers to prevent severe cardiac outcomes in patients with sickle cell disease.