The expanding role of targeted agents in AML—including FLT3, IDH1/2, and other mutation-directed therapies—has introduced new complexity into treatment planning. Should these agents be incorporated upfront to maximize initial disease control, or reserved for later lines to extend therapeutic options over time? As molecular profiling increasingly guides care, the timing of targeted therapy remains a key point of debate. In this spirited exchange, Dr. Naval Daver and Dr. Aditi Shastri will challenge each other’s perspectives in a lively, intellectually charged discussion, highlighting how disease biology, treatment intensity, and sequencing decisions shape outcomes in contemporary AML management.

"The Only BTKi Approved in 1L CLL/SLL and 1L MCL" Speaker: Edward Pearson, MD

Supported by an educational grant from Autolus, Inc. Learning Objectives: • Analyze key clinical and biologic considerations that influence CAR T-cell therapy selection and timing in ALL, including disease burden, prior therapy exposure, and overall treatment goals • Evaluate the latest efficacy and safety profiles of newer and emerging CAR T-cell therapies for ALL • Apply evidence-informed strategies to address key clinical and delivery challenges associated with CAR T-cell therapy for ALL, including AE management and supportive care coordination

The addition of venetoclax to hypomethylating agents has generated significant interest in higher-risk MDS, with early data suggesting improved response rates—but questions remain around durability, toxicity, and patient selection. Should venetoclax be incorporated routinely, or reserved for select patients? In this dynamic debate, Dr. Yasmin Abaza and Dr. Anand Patel will examine the evolving evidence and competing perspectives, exploring how risk features, tolerability concerns, and treatment goals influence the decision to include venetoclax in frontline management.

"Reignite the Spark: Clinical Conversations about Jaypirca® (pirtobrutinib)" Speaker: M. Yair Levy, MD

Treating relapsed DLBCL in older patients demands a careful balance between efficacy and tolerability, particularly as newer options expand beyond traditional approaches. CAR T-cell therapy offers the possibility of durable remission, but questions remain around feasibility and toxicity in this population, while bispecific antibodies and novel combinations provide more accessible alternatives with promising activity. Which strategy best serves elderly patients in real-world practice? In this dynamic debate, faculty will examine the evidence and key trade-offs, exploring how age, fitness, and treatment goals shape therapeutic choice in this increasingly common clinical scenario.

Supported by an educational grant from AstraZeneca. Learning Objectives: Analyze the latest clinical trial and real-world evidence supporting BTK inhibitor and BCL-2–based strategies in patients with CLL requiring therapy beyond the first line Implement evidence-based sequencing strategies to select appropriate targeted therapies for CLL following disease progression, resistance, or intolerance Incorporate MRD assessment and genomic risk factors into personalized treatment selection and duration decisions in relapsed or progressive CLL

Frontline treatment for standard-risk CLL has shifted dramatically with the adoption of targeted agents, raising a fundamental question: is a defined course of therapy sufficient, or does ongoing treatment provide more sustained disease control? Fixed-duration regimens—often incorporating venetoclax-based combinations—offer the appeal of treatment-free intervals, while continuous approaches with BTK inhibitors aim to prolong remission. In this engaging debate, Dr. Adam Kittai and Dr. Farrukh Awan will contrast these strategies, examining depth of response, tolerability, resistance patterns, and how to align treatment choice with patient priorities in everyday practice.

“Watch-and-wait” has long been the standard for patients with low tumor burden, asymptomatic follicular lymphoma—but as therapies such as anti-CD20–based regimens and novel agents become more effective and better tolerated, that paradigm is being challenged. Could earlier intervention reshape outcomes, or does observation still offer the greatest long-term benefit? In this lively, case-driven debate, Dr. Allison Rosenthal and Dr. John Leonard will weigh the evidence, tackling real-world decision points around risk stratification, patient selection, and timing of therapy to help clinicians navigate this common and evolving clinical dilemma.

"Relapsed / Refractory Multiple Myeloma: Evolving Needs & The Cereblon Pathway" Speaker: Jennifer Walter, Senior Medical Science Liason; Bristol Myers Squibb

The treatment paradigm for relapsed Hodgkin lymphoma is rapidly evolving as highly active options such as brentuximab vedotin and PD-1 inhibitors move earlier in the disease course. With many patients achieving deep responses to these agents, the necessity of consolidative autologous stem cell transplant (autoSCT) is increasingly being questioned. Can novel-based approaches safely replace transplant, or does autoSCT still provide unmatched durability for select patients? This interactive session will spotlight contrasting strategies through clinical scenarios, with Dr. Catherine Diefenbach and Dr. Elif Yilmaz dissecting the evidence, sequencing considerations, and key factors that influence decision-making in modern practice.

High-risk smoldering myeloma sits at the intersection of observation and active treatment, with an increasing push to intervene before symptomatic disease develops. Daratumumab has shown promising activity in delaying progression, but whether early intervention should become standard of care remains unsettled. Is it time to redefine the standard, or does watchful waiting still best serve these patients? In this engaging exchange, Dr. Shaji Kumar and Dr. Samer Al Hadidi will explore the data, risk stratification tools, and clinical trade-offs shaping decisions at this evolving boundary in myeloma care.

The rapid emergence of CAR T-cell therapy and bispecific antibodies is beginning to challenge the traditional role of transplant in earlier lines of care. With high response rates and evolving durability data, could these immune-based approaches move into the frontline setting, or does transplant remain the most reliable path to long-term remission for eligible patients? In this dynamic debate, Dr. Saad Usmani and Dr. Jonathon Kaufman will take opposing positions, unpacking the data, practical considerations, and patient factors that are redefining how—and when—we deploy these powerful treatment strategies.

"DARZALEX FASPRO® CEPHEUS Trial & TALVEY® Overview" Speaker: Solly Chedid, MD

BCMA-targeted therapies—including CAR T-cell products and bispecific antibodies—have transformed outcomes in relapsed multiple myeloma, but their optimal placement remains uncertain. Should these highly active options be deployed at first relapse for all eligible patients, or reserved for a more strategic, individualized approach? With considerations around prior exposure, sequencing, access, and long-term disease control, the decision is far from straightforward. In this fast-paced exchange, Dr. Krina Patel and Dr. Prashant Kapoor will take opposing viewpoints, dissecting the evidence and real-world trade-offs that inform when—and for whom—BCMA-directed therapy should enter the treatment pathway.

Myeloma is a rapidly evolving field with three important novel therapies having changed the standard of care of the last few years - CAR T Cell therapy, bispecific antibodies, and antibody-drug conjugates. However, there is unprecedented research continuing in these areas, and others, that will further shape the future of myeloma care. There is tremendous optimism about novel CAR T approaches with new targets and methodologies, along with bispecfic and trispecific antibodies that can deepen response in patients refractory to current therapies. Furthermore, novel classes of agents such as CelMoDs, and small molecules are also being developed and introduced. This session will introduce these novel approaches and how they may change the standard of care and even produce a cure in a fraction of patients.

Held just weeks after ASCO and EHA, this interactive 45-minute roundtable will highlight the timeliest and most practice-relevant updates in multiple myeloma. Moderated by Dr. Shaji Kumar and led by a panel of expert myeloma faculty, the discussion will focus on key data, emerging trends, and clinical implications. Audience engagement will drive a dynamic exchange on how new findings may influence real-world decision-making.