BloodCancerTalks: ASCO/EHA 2026 Lymphoma Round-Up with Dr. Thomas Lew

Guest: Dr. Thomas Lew, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre (Melbourne, Australia) — hematologist specializing in lymphoid malignancies.

In this episode, we break down the biggest lymphoma and CLL data from ASCO and EHA 2026 (Chicago and Stockholm), covering mantle cell lymphoma genomics, bispecific antibodies in DLBCL and follicular lymphoma, a practice-changing (or not) CNS prophylaxis study, transplant-eligible relapsed DLBCL, fixed-duration BTK/BCL2 combinations in CLL, and the first in vivo CAR T data in lymphoma.

1. TRIANGLE: TP53-Mutated MCL Molecular Subgroup Analysis

Molecular subgroup data from the practice-shaping TRIANGLE trial presented by Dr. Marta Grau.

Discussion: Where TP53-mutated MCL stands today, and whether ibrutinib-containing regimens are changing the natural history of this historically dismal subgroup.

2. EPCORE DLBCL-1: Epcoritamab vs. Chemotherapy in R/R DLBCL

Randomized phase 3 trial (n=483) of bispecific antibody epcoritamab vs. investigator's choice chemotherapy (72% R-GemOx, 28% BR) in second-line-or-later, transplant-ineligible R/R DLBCL, presented by Prof. Chris Fox.

Discussion: A PFS benefit without an OS signal, set against a meaningfully higher infection-related mortality — what this means for patient selection and infection mitigation strategies.

3. CNS Prophylaxis in Ultra-High-Risk DLBCL: Does HD-MTX Help?

Pooled analysis of two large multicenter retrospective cohorts (n=1,923 ultra-high-risk patients — CNS-IPI 5–6, testicular/renal/adrenal/breast involvement, or ≥3 extranodal sites), presented by Dr. Matt Wilson (Glasgow) and simultaneously published in JCO.

Discussion: Whether these data close the door on routine HD-MTX in ultra-high-risk DLBCL, and if any subgroup still warrants prophylaxis.

4. Pola-R-ICE: A Negative Trial in Transplant-Eligible R/R DLBCL

Randomized phase 3 study (4 European cooperative groups; n=294) of polatuzumab vedotin added to R-ICE in transplant-eligible R/R DLBCL, with ASCT/alloSCT/CAR-T permitted as consolidation.

Discussion: Why this trial missed, and what it tells us about the ceiling of intensive salvage chemo-immunotherapy platforms in the CAR-T era.

5. BRUIN-CLL-322: Fixed-Duration Pirtobrutinib + Venetoclax-Rituximab in R/R CLL

Randomized phase 3 trial (n=639) of fixed-duration pirtobrutinib (non-covalent BTKi) plus venetoclax-rituximab (PVR) vs. venetoclax-rituximab (VR, the MURANO-based control) in second-line-or-later R/R CLL.

6. SOUNDTRACK-F1: Surovatamig (CD19 Bispecific) Safety Run-In in Untreated Follicular Lymphoma

Safety run-in from a randomized trial (surovatamig vs. chemoimmunotherapy) in untreated FL meeting GELF criteria, presented by Prof. Chan Cheah — building on EPCORE-FL-1 data presented at ASH.

Discussion: How this CD19-directed bispecific compares to CD20-targeting agents in frontline FL.

7. LB2501: First In Vivo CAR T Data in B-Cell Lymphoma

Late-breaking data from Dr. Lei Fan and Legend Biotech on LB2501, an in vivo CD19/CD20 dual-targeted CAR T therapy — a third-generation, self-inactivating, replication-incompetent lentiviral vector that generates CAR T cells directly in vivo, without lymphodepletion. Builds on the in vivo CAR T myeloma data first presented at ASH and updated at EHA.

Discussion: What these very early but striking data suggest about the feasibility of in vivo CAR T generation in lymphoma, and how it might reshape access to cellular therapy.

BloodCancerTalks is co-hosted by Rajshekhar Chakraborty, Ashwin Kishtagari and Eddie Cliff. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.