Treatment - The Bloodline with Blood Cancer United Podcast

CAR T‑cell therapy is redefining what personalized cancer treatment can look like, offering real promise for patients and families.

In this episode, we speak with Dr. Richard Maziarz and CAR T Nurse Coordinator Bashi Ratterree of Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU). Together, they explain how CAR T‑cell therapy works, who may be eligible, what patients can expect during treatment and recovery, and the promising advancements shaping the future of this innovative therapy.

Mentioned on this episode: 

Additional Blood Cancer United Support Resources: 

Episode supported by Bristol Myers Squibb; Johnson & Johnson & Legend Biotech;  Kite, a Gilead Company; Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation.

The post Inside CAR T‑Cell Therapy: How Innovation Is Changing Lives first appeared on The Bloodline with Blood Cancer United Podcast.

Cutaneous T‑cell lymphoma (CTCL) is a rare condition that often raises important questions for patients and families.

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Stefan Barta, of the University of Pennsylvania, to bring clarity to what CTCL is, how it’s diagnosed, and what patients can expect from staging and treatment. Dr. Barta breaks down the differences between CTCL subtypes, explains why diagnosing someone can take time, and shares the most up-to-date therapies, including skin directed treatments, immunotherapies, and emerging clinical trial options. Most importantly, he offers reassurance for those newly diagnosed: “The future is absolutely bright… there is a lot of hope for our patients with CTCL.”

Mentioned on this episode: 

Additional Blood Cancer United Support Resources: 

Episode supported by Kyowa Kirin, Inc. and Cutaneous Lymphoma Foundation.

The post Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma (CTCL): Illuminating a Brighter Path Forward first appeared on The Bloodline with Blood Cancer United Podcast.

Curious about what’s new in the world of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS)? We’re bringing you the latest insights straight from one of the field’s leading experts.

In this episode, we speak with Dr. Mikkael Sekeres, of the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center at University of Miami Health. Recorded onsite at the 2025 ASH (American Society of Hematology) Annual Meeting and Exposition, this conversation explores what MDS is, how it’s treated today, and what researchers are learning about managing side effects.

Dr. Sekeres also walks us through the most notable MDS updates presented at ASH, highlighting promising therapies and clinical trial data that may help shape future care. Whether you’re newly learning about MDS or following ongoing research, this episode offers an accessible look at where things stand and what’s on the horizon.

*This is not an official program of the ASH annual meeting

Mentioned on this episode: 

Additional Blood Cancer United Support Resources: 

Episode supported by Geron Corporation and Taiho Oncology, Inc.

The post The Bloodline Live! Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS) Updates in Research first appeared on The Bloodline with Blood Cancer United Podcast.

In this episode, we sit down with Ann Grace MacMullan, Director of Integrative Wellness at the International Waldenstrӧm’s Macroglobulinemia Foundation (IWMF), to explore how wellness can become a powerful part of life after a cancer diagnosis. Ann Grace shares practical, calming techniques, including breathing exercises, “Bee’s Breath”, and guided meditation, that you can do anywhere to reduce stress and feel more grounded. We’ll also dive into what integrative wellness really means, why it matters for blood cancer patients, and how concepts like the “self-care sandwich” can help you start and end your day with intention.

Mentioned on this episode: 

Additional Blood Cancer United Support Resources: 

Episode supported by Merck & Co., Inc.

The post Hope Meets Healing: Simple Practices for Stress Relief first appeared on The Bloodline with Blood Cancer United Podcast.

In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Abdulraheem Yacoub of The University of Kansas Cancer Center to discuss myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN), a group of rare blood cancers that affect how blood cells are produced. We explore what MPNs are, the most common types, and the signs and symptoms that lead to diagnosis. We also answer real questions from members of our MPN online chat community, covering topics like life expectancy, genetic mutations, and managing side effects. Finally, we discuss current treatment options, emerging therapies, and share a message of hope for patients and their loved ones.

Mentioned on this episode: 

Additional LLS Support Resources: 

Supported by PharmaEssentia USA Corporation.

The post After Diagnosis: Finding Hope with Myeloproliferative Neoplasms first appeared on The Bloodline with Blood Cancer United Podcast.

When cancer enters a family, it changes everything – routines, roles, and relationships.

In this episode, we talk with Lindsey and Thomas Kealey about what it means to navigate cancer together as a care partner and patient. From unexpected diagnoses to months spent living in a hospital room, Lindsey shares how she balanced caregiving, work, and self-care while learning to hold space for difficult emotions. Together, they offer practical tips for caregivers, like creating healing spaces, communicating with care teams, and finding small moments of gratitude amid uncertainty. This heartfelt conversation is a reminder that behind every patient is someone quietly carrying so much and they deserve to be seen too.

Mentioned on this episode: 

Additional LLS Support Resources: 

The post Supporting the Supporter: Real Talk for Caregivers first appeared on The Bloodline with Blood Cancer United Podcast.

MRD (minimal/measurable residual disease) testing is changing the way doctors understand and monitor blood cancers.  In this episode, we talk with Dr. John Burke of the Rocky Mountain Cancer Center about how MRD testing works, what the results mean to patients and their care teams, and how ongoing clinical research is helping shape more personalized and hopeful approaches to treatment. 

Mentioned on this episode: 

Additional LLS Support Resources: 

Supported by Adaptive Biotechnologies Corporation and Allogene Therapeutics.

The post MRD Explained: What it Means for You and Your Care first appeared on The Bloodline with Blood Cancer United Podcast.

In this episode of The Bloodline with Blood Cancer United, Elissa and guest co-host, Kristen Parker, speak with Dr. Anand Jillella, of Georgia Cancer Center. Together, they explore acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL)—a rare but highly curable subtype of acute myeloid leukemia. Dr. Jillella explains the rapid onset of APL, its hallmark signs and symptoms, and how targeted treatments have transformed outcomes for patients. Kristen, an APL survivor and Blood Cancer United Patient & Community Outreach Manager, also shares her personal perspective. Listeners will gain valuable insight into why APL stands apart as one of the most treatable forms of leukemia today.

Mentioned on this episode: 

Additional LLS Support Resources: 

The post Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia (APL): Advances, Hope, and Healing first appeared on The Bloodline with Blood Cancer United Podcast.

In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Marc Hoffmann from The University of Kansas Cancer Center, to explore chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)—what it is, how it’s treated today, and where research is headed. Dr. Hoffmann shares insights on treatment goals, side effect management, and the importance of shared decision making. We also touch on emerging therapies—including CAR T-cell therapy and bispecifics—and end with a message of hope for those navigating life after a CLL diagnosis.

Mentioned on this episode: 

Additional LLS Support Resources: 

Supported by AbbVie Inc., BeOne Medicines and Genentech, A Member of the Roche Group.

The post Partnering in Care: Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) first appeared on The Bloodline with Blood Cancer United Podcast.

In this episode, we speak with Mary Wells, who was diagnosed with primary myelofibrosis in 2018, a rare blood cancer that falls under the umbrella of myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN). Mary walks us through her journey, from the side effects and emotional toll of cancer to finding the right treatment that allowed her to reclaim her life.

Mary shares the ups and downs of watch-and-wait periods, switching medications, and navigating side effects. Along the way, she advocated for her own care and partnered closely with her doctor, making shared decisions that ultimately led her to a treatment that works best for her.

Mentioned on this episode: 

Additional LLS Support Resources: 

Supported by GSK plc.

The post Choosing the Path Forward: Shared Decisions in Myelofibrosis Care first appeared on The Bloodline with Blood Cancer United Podcast.