Insights Across Hematologic Oncology at Columbia University

During a visit to Columbia University Irving Cancer Research Center, experts across hematologic oncology shared their perspectives on key trends and developments in their respective fields. These conversations explored novel therapeutic approaches and translational research that may advance the paradigm across different leukemia, multiple myeloma, and lymphoma populations.

First, Nicole Lamanna, MD, an associate clinical professor of medicine in the Hematologic Malignancies Section of the Hematology/Oncology Division at Irving Medical Center, discussed relevant advancements in the management of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). She described how the FDA approval of fixed-duration acalabrutinib (Calquence) plus venetoclax (Venclexta) may affirm a shift away from standard chemoimmunotherapy in the field.¹ Her discussion also emphasized evaluating the adverse effects and benefit/risk profiles of drug classes such as BTK inhibitors and BCL-2 inhibitors during the treatment decision-making process.

Next, Rajshekhar Chakraborty, MD, an assistant professor of medicine in the Division of Hematology/Oncology at Irving Medical Center, touched upon critical themes related to the use of bispecific antibodies for patients with multiple myeloma and other plasma cell disorders. Educating providers on the utility of bispecific antibodies in earlier treatment settings, he noted, is one of the important challenges that the field must address to expand usage of these therapies in community practices. He also highlighted findings from the phase 3 MajesTEC-3 trial (NCT05083169) and how they support the clinical utility of teclistamab-cqyv (Tecvayli) plus daratumumab and hyaluronidase-fihj (Darzalex Faspro) for patients with relapsed/refractory disease.²

Finally, Hua-Jay “Jeff” Cherng, MD, an assistant professor of medicine in the Lymphoma Program in the Division of Hematology and Oncology at Irving Medical Center, detailed translational work that may shape clinical practice in the lymphoma space. He spoke about research aiming to move markers like ctDNA and minimal residual disease from “the bench to the bedside” as part of clinical decision-making for patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Other future focuses, Cherng said, include leveraging molecular genotyping to improve outcomes for higher-risk subgroups or even replacing chemotherapy with less toxic targeted agents.

References

1. CALQUENCE® plus venetoclax approved in the US as first all-oral, fixed-duration combination for patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia in the 1st-line setting. News release. AstraZeneca. February 20, 2026. Accessed March 11, 2026. https://tinyurl.com/38zbx96s
2. Mateos MV, Bahlis N, Perrot A, et al. Phase 3 randomized study of teclistamab plus daratumumab versus investigator’s choice of daratumumab and dexamethasone with either pomalidomide or bortezomib (DPd/DVd) in patients (pts) with relapsed refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM): results of MajesTEC-3. Blood. 2025;146(suppl 2):LBA-6. doi:10.1182/blood-2025-LBA-6