SCRI Unveils Groundbreaking Blood Cancer and Blood Disorder Research Through 100 Abstracts at 2025 ASH Annual Meeting
In a historic showing that underscores its growing prominence in hematology research, the Sarah Cannon Research Institute (SCRI) will present 100 abstracts and scientific presentations at the 67th American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting & Exposition, held December 6–9, 2025, in Orlando, Florida, and virtually. This marks the largest number of accepted submissions in SCRI’s history and highlights the breadth, depth, and innovation of its clinical and translational research in blood cancers and blood cancer disorders.
More than 50 SCRI investigators from over 15 research sites across the United States serve as first or co-authors on these studies, reflecting a robust, collaborative network of community-based oncology researchers deeply committed to improving outcomes for patients. These Blood cancer contributions span a wide spectrum of hematologic conditions—including leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, β-thalassemia, sickle cell disease, and chronic lymphocytic leukemia—and feature cutting-edge advancements in cellular therapies, gene editing, bispecific antibodies, real-world data analytics, and novel treatment strategies tailored for diverse patient populations.
Dr. David Spigel, Chief Scientific Officer at SCRI, emphasized the significance of this milestone: “This year’s ASH Annual Meeting & Exposition marks a turning point for SCRI. With 100 accepted abstracts—our highest ever—we’re not only showcasing the scientific rigor of our work, but also demonstrating how a community-based research model can drive global innovation. Every abstract represents the Blood cancer dedication of investigators, study teams, and, most importantly, the patients who entrust us with their care. Together, we’re translating discovery into real-world impact.”
Pioneering Gene Editing Therapies for Inherited Blood Disorders
Among the most anticipated presentations is the debut of early data from a pediatric gene therapy trial led by Dr. Haydar Frangoul, Medical Director of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology and Cellular Therapy at SCRI/TriStar Centennial Children’s Hospital. Blood cancer On Saturday, December 6, Dr. Frangoul will deliver an oral presentation titled “First Results of Exagamglogene Autotemcel in Pediatric Patients Aged 5–11 Years with Transfusion-Dependent β-Thalassemia or Sickle Cell Disease with Recurrent Severe Vaso-Occlusive Crises.” The study evaluates a next-generation ex vivo CRISPR/Cas9 gene-edited autologous hematopoietic stem cell therapy designed to reactivate fetal hemoglobin production, potentially offering a functional cure for these debilitating inherited disorders.
This trial builds on earlier success in adolescents and adults and now extends the promise of gene editing to younger patients—a critical advancement, as early intervention may prevent lifelong organ damage and complications. The presentation will include efficacy endpoints such as transfusion independence in β-thalassemia and reduction in vaso-occlusive crises in sickle cell disease, alongside safety and engraftment data.
In a second oral presentation on Monday, December 8, Dr. Frangoul will also present findings from the BEACON Study, which compares two dosing strategies for plerixafor—a mobilizing agent used to collect CD34+ stem cells for gene therapy. The study reveals that a fixed-dose regimen is as effective as weight-based dosing in mobilizing and collecting sufficient stem cells in sickle cell patients undergoing base-edited cell therapy, with a comparable safety profile. This finding could streamline logistics and reduce variability in cell collection, a crucial step toward broader accessibility of gene therapy in community settings.
Next-Generation Cellular Therapies for Leukemia
SCRI is also driving innovation in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a disease with historically poor outcomes in relapsed or refractory cases. Dr. Nosha Farhadfar, of SCRI at Methodist Healthcare, leads a groundbreaking Blood cancer Phase I multicenter trial evaluating Senti-202, a first-in-class “logic-gated” CAR NK (natural killer) cell therapy engineered to target CD33 and/or FLT3—but not endomucin, a protein expressed on healthy endothelial cells. This selective targeting aims to preserve normal tissue while eliminating leukemic blasts.
The oral presentation on Monday, December 8, will share promising early results demonstrating both safety and anti-leukemic activity in adult patients with relapsed/refractory AML. Blood cancer Unlike traditional CAR T-cell therapies, CAR NK cells offer potential advantages including lower risk of cytokine release syndrome and the possibility of “off-the-shelf” use—eliminating the need for patient-specific manufacturing. If successful, Senti-202 could represent a paradigm shift in accessible, safer cellular therapy for ALM.
Dr. Farhadfar will also present safety and dosing data for axatilimab, a monoclonal antibody targeting CSF-1R, in patients with chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) enrolled in the AGAVE-201 study. The findings support the feasibility of a 0.6 mg/kg every-four-weeks dosing schedule, potentially simplifying long-term management for this challenging complication of allogeneic stem cell transplantation.
Transforming Lymphoma Care with Subcutaneous, Fixed-Duration Therapies
Lymphoma research at SCRI is focused on improving convenience, tolerability, and outcomes for elderly or unfit patients who may not tolerate intensive chemotherapy regimens. Dr. Jeff Sharman, a longtime lymphoma expert at Willamette Valley Blood Cancer Institute and SCRI, is first author on a pivotal oral presentation from the MorningSun Phase II study, which evaluates subcutaneous mosunetuzumab—a CD20/CD3 T-cell engaging bispecific antibody—as a fixed-duration monotherapy in previously untreated diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) patients who are elderly or unfit for standard R-CHOP.
The interim results, to be shared on Saturday morning, could offer a chemotherapy-free option for this vulnerable population, with implications for outpatient management and quality of life. In a companion presentation the same afternoon, Dr. John Burke of Rocky Mountain Blood Cancer Centers will present extended follow-up from the same study in follicular lymphoma (FL) patients with high tumor burden. This analysis includes novel exploratory data on circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), which may serve as an early predictor of response or relapse, paving the way for personalized monitoring strategies.
Both studies highlight SCRI’s leadership in bringing novel immunotherapies from academic centers into community oncology practices—where the majority of Blood cancer patients receive care.
Leveraging Technology to Reduce Complications and Hospitalizations
Beyond novel therapeutics, SCRI is also exploring how digital health tools can enhance patient safety. Dr. James Essell of OHC/SCRI will present data showing that remote therapeutic monitoring (RTM) significantly reduces hospitalizations due to infection in patients undergoing treatment for hematologic malignancies. The Blood cancer system uses wearable sensors and patient-reported outcomes to flag early signs of neutropenic fever or other complications, enabling preemptive interventions. In an era where infection remains a leading cause of treatment-related mortality, RTM could become a standard of care in outpatient hematology.
Leadership in Myeloma and Chronic Leukemias
SCRI’s influence extends across the hematologic spectrum. Dr. Hans Lee will moderate a high-profile ASH session on advances in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma, reflecting his national recognition in this field. Meanwhile, Dr. M. Yair Levy of Texas Oncology/SCRI will present updated efficacy and safety data from the ASC2ESCALATE trial of asciminib, a first-in-class STAMP inhibitor, in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients who have failed Blood cancer one prior tyrosine kinase inhibitor. Early results suggest robust molecular responses with a favorable toxicity profile, offering a new oral option for CML management.
Real-World Evidence and Patient-Centered Insights
SCRI’s research portfolio also emphasizes real-world evidence (RWE), which complements randomized trials by reflecting how therapies perform in routine clinical practice. Dr. Burke will present two poster studies on covalent BTK inhibitors in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), analyzing treatment patterns, reasons for discontinuation, and correlations between progression-free and overall survival. These insights help clinicians anticipate challenges and optimize sequencing strategies.
Additionally, Dr. Krish Patel of SCRI will share findings from a U.S.-based patient survey revealing diverse treatment preferences in relapsed/refractory follicular lymphoma—highlighting the need for shared decision-making and personalized care plans. His team will also present results from a quality improvement initiative aimed at standardizing adverse event management for bispecific antibodies in community DLBCL care, addressing a critical gap as these therapies become more widespread.
Finally, Dr. Patel will unveil early data from a first-in-human Phase I trial of LY4152199, a novel T-cell engager targeting the B-cell activation factor receptor (BAFF-R). This mechanism represents a new frontier in B-cell malignancy treatment, with potential activity in tumors resistant to CD20-directed therapies.
Bridging the Gap Between Community and Academic Research
SCRI’s presence at ASH goes beyond data presentation. Dr. John Burke will speak on a panel titled “How Can Community-Based and Academic Hematologists Foster Clinical Trial Participation as Part of Patient Care?”—a topic central to SCRI’s mission. By embedding clinical trials within community practices, SCRI ensures that groundbreaking therapies are accessible not just to patients near major academic hubs, but to diverse populations across the country. This model accelerates recruitment, enhances generalizability of results, and democratizes access to innovation.
A Legacy of Collaboration and Impact
The 100 abstracts accepted at ASH 2025 are more than a record—they are a testament to SCRI’s integrated, patient-centered research ecosystem. From gene editing labs to rural oncology clinics, SCRI’s investigators are united by a common goal: to turn scientific discovery into better days for patients with blood cancers and disorders.
As Dr. Spigel noted, “Our strength lies in our network. Every abstract is the product of collaboration—between physicians, nurses, data specialists, lab scientists, and, above all, patients who say ‘yes’ to research. At SCRI, we believe the future of hematology is not just discovered in ivory towers, but delivered in communities.”
For a complete list of SCRI’s presentations at the 2025 ASH Annual Meeting & Exposition, visit [SCRI’s official ASH 2025 page].
About Sarah Cannon Research Institute
SCRI is one of the world’s leading oncology research organizations, Blood cancer conducting pioneering clinical trials in partnership with community practices across the United States and internationally. Focused on accelerating drug development and improving patient outcomes, SCRI has played a pivotal role in the development of numerous FDA-approved Blood cancer therapies. Its hematology program is among the most active globally, with deep expertise in leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, and non-malignant blood cancer disorders.
About Sarah Cannon Research Institute (SCRI)
Sarah Cannon Research Institute (SCRI) is one of the world’s leading oncology research organizations conducting community-based clinical trials. Focused on advancing therapies for patients over the last three decades, SCRI is a leader in drug development. It has conducted more than 850 first-in-human clinical trials since its inception and contributed to pivotal research that has led to the majority of new Blood cancer therapies approved by the FDA in the past decade. SCRI’s research network brings together more than 1,300 physicians who are enrolling patients into clinical trials at over 200 locations in more than 20 states across the U.S. Visit SCRI.com to learn more.
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