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Scientific Workshop on Understanding and Overcoming Tumor-Intrinsic Resistance To CAR-T Therapies for Aggressive B-Cell Lymphomas

To date, resistance studies have examined properties of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) products and clinical factors like inflammatory markers and tumor burden. Lymphoma microenvironments (LMEs) associated with outcome also have been described, but further mechanistic details are lacking. Tumor-intrinsic resistance mechanisms mediated by malignant genomes is even less well understood, likely because of the functional studies necessary to establish the bases of genotype-phenotype and genotype-outcome relationships. Increasingly, these key unknowns are the focus of leaders in the CAR-T research community.

This workshop will examine new approaches to understand resistance to CD19-directed chimeric-antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell products. Specifically, the workshop will focus on unique genomic changes that impact CAR-T outcomes compared to standard therapies, functional laboratory studies to define mechanisms, and their connections to LMEs.

Lastly, the workshop will utilize a multidisciplinary focus on work in progress paired with interactive sessions to foster participant understanding of emerging approaches necessary to tackle new challenges in hematology.

Target Audience:

Basic scientists, pathologists, translational researchers and cliniciansÌý

Objectives:

• Promote wider understanding of the unique genomic changes that associate with CAR-T responses in contrast to standard therapies and the techniques and specialized analyses necessary to define them.
• Highlight emerging data and techniques that examine relationships between lymphoma genotypes and immunophenotypes.
• Examine relationships between infused CAR-T cells and non-CAR host T cells and how their interactions shape CAR-T outcomes.
• Propose paradigms to examine the impact of individual genes altered in tumor genomes able to promote CAR-T resistance.
• Provide discussion frameworks for using results of resistance studies to inform design of next-generation cellular immunotherapies with potential to benefit greater numbers of patients.

Workshop Program:

The full workshop program with speakers will be available at a later date.

Co-Chairs:

Jonathan H.ÌýSchatz,ÌýMD
University of Miami
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[email protected]

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Scientific Workshop on Therapy Resistance Mechanisms in Blood Malignancies

Resistance to therapy poses a significant challenge in the treatment of blood disorders, largely due to the limited study of the underlying mechanisms. This workshop will cover aspects of resistance to therapy in blood malignancies, focusing on genetic as well as non-genetic molecular mechanisms. Topics will include epigenetic, epitranscriptomic, translational, post-translation, and metabolic aspects, as well as their potential interaction.

Pre-existing or adaptive, cell autonomous or non-autonomous mechanisms of resistance will be discussed, along with novel systems to investigate them and potential therapeutic interventions to tackle them. Experts in molecular mechanisms of therapy resistance in tumor cells will share the latest updates and insights from their research. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the complexities of therapy resistance and explore new avenues for therapeutic approaches. Lastly, this interdisciplinary workshop will serve as a forum for the exchange of ideas and collaboration among investigators from various fields.

Target Audience:

Researchers and clinical investigators interested in the underlying causes of therapy resistance in blood disorders. Both early-career and experienced investigators are encouraged to participate to foster mentoring, networking, and collaboration.

Objectives:

• Help scientists working in the field of hematology understand mechanisms of resistance to therapy.
• Interrogate various mechanisms of resistance.
• Provide a forum for open discussion and exchange of ideas that will assist the development of solutions to overcome the challenge of relapse in blood cancers.
• Promote collaboration and exchange of technologies.

Workshop Program:

The full workshop program with speakers will be available at a later date.

If you would like to request a speaking slot at this workshop, please contact the workshop Co-chairs directly.

Co-Chairs:

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Rutgers University
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[email protected]

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Ghent University
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[email protected]

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Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center
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[email protected]

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Scientific Workshop on Mitochondria and Metabolism in Blood Cancer - From Discovery to Patients

Mitochondrial and metabolic pathways play an important role in the pathogenesis of blood cancers. In addition, they represent a biological vulnerability that can be targeted therapeutically in some patients. This workshop will bring together a multidisciplinary group of researchers to discuss mitochondrial pathways and metabolism in blood cancers with the goal of facilitating collaborations between investigators from diverse fields who would likely not otherwise interact.

The workshop will feature sessions on:

• Fundamental discoveries in mitochondria and metabolism that will offer new insight into blood cancer biology and potential therapies. Talks may include discoveries in model organisms.
• Translational research – Targeting mitochondria and metabolism in blood cancer. Speakers will discuss preclinical studies of novel mitochondrial and metabolic targets for the treatment of blood cancers.
• Clinical research – Talks will include discussions of therapies targeting mitochondrial and metabolic pathways.

Target Audience:

Basic scientists, translational researchers, and clinician investigators studying mitochondrial pathways and metabolism in the lab and/or clinic.

ÌýObjectives:

• Discuss fundamental discoveries in mitochondrial and metabolic pathways that will inform on new biology in blood cancers.
• Identify new therapeutic strategies to target dysregulated metabolism in blood cancer and discuss their effectiveness in preclinical models and clinical trials.
• Spark discussion and collaboration among investigators with diverse background who share a common interest in metabolism.

ÌýWorkshop Program:

The full workshop program with speakers will be available at a later date.

If you would like to request a speaking slot at this workshop, please contact the workshop Co-chairs directly.

Co-Chairs:

Aaron DÌýSchimmer,ÌýMD, PhD
Princess Margaret Cancer Centre
Toronto,ÌýCanada
[email protected]

MarinaÌýKonopleva
Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Bronx,ÌýNY
[email protected]

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Scientific Workshop on Interplay Between Coagulation and Malignancy

Thrombosis is a common complication of cancer and its therapy. This workshop will provide a forum for the hemostasis and thrombosis community to discuss ongoing investigations into mechanisms of thrombosis in cancer, the interplay of coagulation factors and tumor progression, and address more broadly the mechanisms of thrombo-inflammation.

The workshop will feature short research presentations with equal focus on discussion to foster interactions between basic and translational researchers interested in cancer and thrombosis.

Target Audience:

Basic scientists and researchers interested in the mechanisms of thrombosis in cancer patients, thrombo-inflammation, and how thrombosis may influence the progression of cancer. Clinical researchers may benefit from the workshop to understand the mechanisms of disease and identify potential collaborations. Participation from early career and senior investigators will also be encouraged to facilitate mentoring/networking opportunities.

Objectives:

• Provide a unique forum to discuss the latest scientific developments in cancer and thrombosis.
• Enhance current collaborations, develop new collaborations, and provide opportunities for interaction between early career and established investigators in cancer and thrombosis.

Workshop Program:

The full workshop program with speakers will be available at a later date.

Co-Chairs:

Jeffrey I.ÌýZwicker,ÌýMD
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
New York,ÌýNY
[email protected]

LisaÌýBaumann Kreuziger,ÌýMD, MS
Versiti
Menomonee Falls,ÌýWI
[email protected]

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Scientific Workshop on Germline Predisposition to Hematopoietic Malignancies and Bone Marrow Failure

Deleterious germline variants conferring susceptibility to hematopoietic malignancies (HMs) and bone marrow failure (BMF) are recognized now to occur much more commonly than previously assumed. Furthermore, assessing for germline predisposition is now advocated by multiple clinical guidelines. Although the genes identified as conferring HM cancer risk have identified new molecular pathways important for hematopoiesis and tumorigenesis, the mechanisms by which these gene variants cause HMs and BMF are not understood fully.

This year, we anticipate sessions on the science and clinical translation of germline RUNX1-mutant HMs; complex genetics and variant analysis; mechanistic insights from disease models; and new scientific discoveries in this field.

Target Audience:

International investigators who are actively studying HMs and BMF, trainees, and clinicians.

Objectives:

• Discuss on-going research efforts in specific predisposition syndromes.
• Strengthen existing and develop new international collaborations in these diseases.
• Discuss the novel biology of predisposition syndromes.
• Highlight model systems for mechanistic exploration of HMs and BMF syndromes.
• Discuss the clinical implications of scientific progress in the area of germline predisposition to HMs BMF.

Workshop Program:

The full workshop program with speakers will be available at a later date.

If you would like to request a speaking slot at this workshop, please complete the form below and submit it by August 10, 2024 to the workshop Co-chairs directly.Ìý.

Co-Chairs:

LucyÌýGodley,ÌýMD, PhD
Northwestern University
Chicago,ÌýIL
[email protected]

MarcinÌýWlodarski,ÌýMD, PhD
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
Memphis,ÌýTN
[email protected]

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Scientific Workshop on Genomic Toxicities of Gene and Cell Therapies

The facile application of gene editing technologies has fueled a revolution in the management of hematologic diseases. The two areas that have seen the most significant changes are hemoglobinopathies and blood cancers. The increasing use of gene edited therapies provides great promise for the future but also brings toxicities related to genome engineering. Understanding the biological basis of these toxicities is critical to managing patients receiving these therapies and designing next-generation products.

This workshop aims to bring together investigators with distinct and complementary expertise to discuss the biological implications of gene editing and accelerate progress by sharing lessons from each discipline. Specifically, this workshop will focus on emerging questions following the use of gene and cellular therapies for the treatment of hematologic (classical and malignant) diseases. Beginning with the recent application of these novel therapies, the program will focus on emerging toxicities, potential scientific and clinical roadblocks, and discussions of regulatory considerations.

Target Audience:

Basic scientists, translational researchers, clinical trialists and regulatory experts studying cell and gene therapies, developing novel gene editing platforms, and/or conducting adverse event reporting and monitoring.

Objectives:

• Bring together two parallel groups of investigators who share the scientific goal of editing human genomes to treat blood disorders.
• Promote discussions that share lessons and insights from one disease context to another.
• Spark new multidisciplinary collaborations.

Workshop Program:

The full workshop program with speakers will be available at a later date.

Co-Chairs:

NathanÌýSingh,ÌýMD
Washington University School of Medicine
Saint Louis,ÌýMO
[email protected]

StefanoÌýRivella,ÌýPhD
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
Philadelphia,ÌýPA
[email protected]

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Scientific Workshop on Decentralized Clinical Trials in Hematology: Reshaping the Traditional Clinical Trial Paradigm with AI Strategies for 'Real World' Patient Representation

Decentralized Clinical Trials (DCTs) are of great interest to the hematology community (classical and malignant hematology practice providers), pharmaceutical sponsors and regulatory agencies because these studies have enormous potential to remove patient access barriers to clinical trials and enroll more 'real world' patients. Despite this interest, there are many outstanding questions about the practical aspects of performing these trials: from trial design to data integrity and result analysis challenges.

This workshop will address these questions providing perspectives from academia, industry, and regulatory stakeholders. In the advent of artificial intelligence (AI), there is a unique opportunity to understand how to leverage it in all aspects of DCTs to ensure real world patient participation. To that end, this workshop will also highlight possible applications of AI to DCT design, implementation, and execution.

Target Audience:

Translational investigators, Clinical investigators (including those in the practice setting), advance practice providers, industry collaborators/sponsors, clinical trial staff (research coordinators, data managers), regulators, biostatisticians and early career investigators.

ÌýObjectives:

• Bring together all key stakeholders -clinical investigators, industry, regulatory agencies ad patient advocates who share a common interest in the conduct of successful decentralized clinical trials.
• Learn about the operational opportunities and challenges in conducting DCTs including leveraging AI tools for these studies.
• Spark new multidisciplinary collaborations across different stakeholder groups that continue long after the workshop.

Workshop Program:

The full workshop program with speakers will be available at a later date.

If you would like to request a speaking slot at this workshop in the future, please contact the workshop Co-chairs directly.

Co-Chairs:

UmaÌýBorate,ÌýMD
The Ohio State University
Columbus,ÌýOH
[email protected]

Stephanie ValerÌýSeremetis,ÌýMD
Novo Nordisk
Plainsboro,ÌýNJ
[email protected]

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Scientific Workshop on Clonal Hematopoiesis

Clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP) is linked to various disease states, and is heterogeneous with respect to its impact, based on specific mutations, variant allele frequency of the mutations, and germline context. As CHIP may occur in any of dozens of genes typically found aberrant in myeloid neoplasms, it follows that the mechanism of pathogenesis varies based on the CHIP that occurs, as will, accordingly, the potential treatment opportunities.

The first decade after the discovery of CHIP was dedicated to describing this profound phenomenon in large cohorts, and its relation to different diseases. This has led to considerable insight into the molecular epidemiology of CHIP. Now, the onus is to understand how CHIP leads to disease. Overtures toward understanding how different CHIP mutants influence pathobiology have been made, and there is hope in addressing CHIP-associated effects, largely via addressing specific pro-inflammatory signaling patterns upregulated in CHIP-mutation-specific states.

This workshop will highlight novel mechanistic insights into CHIP-associated pathobiology including the challenge of translating these insights to novel secondary prevention clinical trials to prevent CHIP associated disease from occurring.

Target Audience:

Myeloid biologists, vascular/coagulopathy researchers, molecular geneticists and clinical researchers, particularly those who design clinical trials.

Objectives:

• Communicate recent discoveries and highlight the disparate means by which CHIP can initiate or accelerate disease.
• Illustrate proof-of-principle therapeutic interventions in the lab to initiate a discussion on potential therapeutic opportunities in the clinic.
• Engage the audience in a thoughtful discussion around the expectations from regulatory agencies for a secondary prevention study in healthy persons. The differences between this and a treatment trial in patients already stricken with a lethal hematologic malignancy.Ìý

Workshop Program:

The full workshop program with speakers will be available at a later date.

Co-Chairs:

Michael R.ÌýSavona,ÌýMD
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Nashville,ÌýTN
[email protected]

LambertÌýBusque,ÌýMD
University of Montreal
Montreal,ÌýQC,ÌýCanada
[email protected]

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Scientific Workshop on Challenges and Novel Technologies in Red Blood Cell Quality Assessment

Red Blood Cell (RBCs) transfusion, afforded by a global network of blood storage and banking, is one of the most common and lifesaving medical treatments and the oldest cell therapy. The quality assessment for stored RBC products and their subsequent allocation currently follows rudimentary approaches and should benefit from novel technologies. Given the rapid and astounding advances in -omics, machine learning, and lab-on-a-chip technologies in the last decade, their standalone and integrated use have been suggested in multiple recent articles by many in the field.

This workshop will feature themes and experts in a wide range of areas including but not limited to biopreservation, blood storage and transfusion, blood banking, blood quality assessment, lab-on-a-chip and microfluidic technologies, multi-omics technologies, ethics and public health law, with a focus on advancing technologies both for storage and quality assessment of blood products.ÌýÌý

Target Audience:

Investigators and personnel with interest in blood banking, bio-preservation, transfusion medicine, -omics (i.e, metabolomics, proteomics, lipidomic), large scale data, machine learning, bioengineering, medical devices, cell and gene therapy, ethics, regulatory affairs; and ultimately patients who are recipients of blood products.

Objectives:

• Bring together stakeholders and experts from diverse backgrounds who have pioneered advances to improve RBC quality assessment.
• Engage a diverse audience on this important topic.
• Spur discussion, innovation, and meaningful progress towards a new era of precision transfusion medicine of stored RBC products.

Workshop Program:

The full workshop program with speakers will be available at a later date.

ÌýIf you would like to request a speaking slot at this workshop, please contact the workshop Co-chairs directly.

Co-Chairs:

UmutÌýGurkan,ÌýPhD
Case Western Reserve University
Shaker Heights,ÌýOH
[email protected]

Osman BerkÌýUsta,ÌýPhD
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston,ÌýMA
[email protected]

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Scientific Workshop on Aging and Hematology

Hematologic disorders disproportionately affect older adults; however, our understanding of the aging mechanisms that drive hematologic dysfunction remains limited. This workshop will interrogate the roles for cell intrinsic (epigenetics, proteostasis) vs. extrinsic (microenvironment, immune function) factors on aging in hematologic diseases. The workshop which aims to be interactive and fostering debate-style discourse, will also address the translation of geroscience biomarkers that can be used to understand and treat patients across the aging continuum.

Target Audience:

Laboratory-based scientists, clinical/translational investigators, and early career investigators with an interest in aging and hematology (malignant and classical).

Objectives:

• Foster interaction and engagement among aging scientists and investigators conducting research at the interface of hematology and aging.
• Provide a forum within ASH to advance discussions on novel aging science related to hematologic disorders and implications for translation to clinical practice.
• Provide opportunities for early career investigators to participate and interact with established leaders in the field of hematology and aging.

Workshop Program:

The full workshop program with speakers will be available at a later date.

Co-Chairs:

Kah PohÌýLoh,ÌýMD, MBBCH BAO, MS
University of Rochester
Rochester,ÌýNY
[email protected]

MeganÌýWeivoda,ÌýPhD
Mayo Clinic
Rochester,ÌýMN
[email protected]