Dana-Farber Researchers to Present Key Transplant and Cellular Therapy Studies at 2026 Tandem Meetings

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute will present new research and clinical program findings at the 2026 Tandem Meetings; the leading conference focused on hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) and cellular therapy. Organized by the American Society for Transplantation and Cellular Therapy (ASTCT) and the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research (CIBMTR), the meeting will be held February 4–7, 2026, at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City, Utah.

The conference features advances across transplantation, CAR T-cell therapy, gene therapy, supportive care, infectious risk, and health-system readiness. Dana-Farber’s presentations this year include studies aimed at overcoming treatment resistance in engineered cell therapies and improving transplant success for patients with non-malignant diseases, along with additional talks and posters focused on real-world cellular therapy delivery, safety optimization, and program innovation.

Maria Caterina Rotiroti, PhD, will present Engineering T cells with a Membrane-Tethered Version of SLP-76 Overcomes Antigen-Low Resistance to CAR T cell Therapy as part of the ASTCT Spotlight Session: Best of Transplantation and Cellular Therapy: Selections from the ASTCT Journal and New Investigator Awards. One challenge in CAR T-cell therapy is that cancers can evade treatment by reducing the amount of target antigen on the tumor surface (“antigen-low” disease), making it harder for CAR T cells to recognize and fully activate against cancer cells. This work focuses on strengthening CAR signaling using a membrane-tethered form of SLP-76, a key signaling adaptor inside T cells, with the goal of helping CAR T cells remain effective even when the target is present at lower levels. If these findings translate clinically, they could point toward next-generation CAR designs that extend benefit to more patients and reduce relapse driven by antigen downregulation.
Wednesday, Feb 4, 2:24 PM–2:35 PM MST, Room 151 G 

Dr. Susan Prockop will present Management of Mixed Chimerism and Graft Failure in Non-Malignant Disease as part of the pediatric plenary session, (PEDS) Plenary: Engraftment on the Edge: Precision Transplant Strategies for Non-Malignant Diseases. For children and other patients receiving transplant for non-malignant conditions such as inherited bone marrow failure, immune disorders, and hemoglobinopathies, the goals and risks can differ from cancer-focused transplantation, making durable engraftment especially critical. “Mixed chimerism,” a situation where both donor and patient blood-forming cells persist, and graft failure can lead to recurrence of the underlying disease and the need for additional intensive therapy. This presentation will address evolving, precision-oriented strategies to monitor engraftment and manage these complications, with the aim of improving long-term cure while minimizing toxicity for patients whose transplants are intended to correct lifelong, non-malignant disease.
Thursday, Feb 5, 9:15 AM–9:35 AM MST in Room 155 A-G 

Dr. Corey Cutler will be appointed as an ASTCT Fellow. This professional appointment is in recognition of Cutler’s immeasurable impact to the field of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and cellular therapy and dedication to the Society. Recipients have carried out efforts that benefit ASTCT, the specialty of transplantation and cellular therapy, and the patients whom they serve. Dr. Cutler received his MD from McGill University, Montreal, Canada and his MPH from the Harvard school of Public Health. He completed postgraduate training in Internal Medicine at Royal Victoria Hospital, Montreal, followed by a fellowship in Hematology/Oncology at Dana-Farber. In 2002, he joined Dana-Farber, where he currently is the Director of the Adult Stem Cell Transplantation Program.

Other notable Dana-Farber presentations and awards:

•    Dr. Corey Cutler will present Novel (or Future) Cellular Therapies, Immunological Impact, and Infectious Risk (Infectious Diseases Track, CME event) on Wednesday, Feb 4, 8:15 AM–9:00 AM MST, Room 251 A-F.
•    Dr. Corey Cutler will present Emerging Therapies and Preventative Strategies for GVHD (Advanced Practice Provider Track) on Thursday, Feb 5, 11:15 AM–12:00 PM MST, Room 251 A-F.
•    Amy Emmert will chair (ADMIN) States Under Stress: How Healthcare Leaders Are Developing Ways to Ensure Treatment Access and Value on Friday, Feb 6, 1:00 PM–2:00 PM MST, Room 155 A-G.
•    Kaitlen Reyes will present It Takes a Village: Developing an Interdisciplinary Team to Deliver Gene Therapy to Adult Patients with Sickle Cell Disease and Transfusion-Dependent β Thalassemia on Thursday, Feb 5, 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM MST, Hall AB
•    Linda Ramsdell will present Lessons Learned in Delivering Tumor-Infiltrating (TIL) Therapy- Essentials Needed for Success on Thursday, Feb 5, 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM MST, Hall AB
•    Dr. Moses Heardley Murdock and Dr. Parash Prasad are recipients of the ASTCT 2026 New Investigator Award