Zara Baloch

🎙️ Advancing Cancer Innovation: Early Detection, Drug Discovery & Precision Medicine Join MedNews Week for an insightful conversation with Dr. Shernan Holtan, Chief of Hematology and Cell Therapy at Allina Health and an internationally recognized leader in stem cell transplantation, cellular therapy, and GVHD research. A pioneering physician-scientist whose contributions have helped shape modern transplantation practices and advance innovative cancer therapies, Dr. Holtan brings a unique perspective on translating scientific discoveries into meaningful improvements in patient care. 🔬 Explore the future of early cancer detection, drug discovery, and precision medicine, and the innovations transforming oncology. ▶️ Watch the full episode exclusively on OncoDaily TV: youtube.com/watch?v=B9ox7PRi… #MedNewsWeek #ShernanHoltan #PrecisionMedicine #CancerResearch #DrugDiscovery #CellTherapy #Oncology #WomenInMedicine

CAR-T has transformed outcomes in large B-cell lymphoma. But how many patients actually receive it? Despite the expanding role of CAR-T in relapsed/refractory large B-cell lymphoma (LBCL), access remains a major challenge in routine clinical practice. A large US real-world analysis using claims data from October 2016 through May 2025 evaluated 8,959 patients with R/R LBCL after at least two prior lines of therapy. The findings were striking: Only 20% were referred to an authorized CAR-T treatment center. Just 15% ultimately received CAR-T. Of those treated, 7% originated at an authorized center, while 8% were referred from elsewhere. Access was not evenly distributed. Referred patients were younger and lived closer to authorized treatment centers, highlighting potential geographic and referral-related barriers. Among patients in the second-line closed-claims cohort, CAR-T recipients also had a longer time to next treatment or death compared with those who did not receive CAR-T (28 vs. 12 months; P<0.005). Importantly, the study identified two major points of attrition: patients never reaching an authorized treatment center and patients referred but ultimately receiving alternative therapies. The broader message is important: innovation alone does not improve outcomes if eligible patients cannot access it. As CAR-T moves earlier in the treatment pathway, improving referral networks, physician awareness, and timely evaluation at specialized centers will be essential. The next challenge in CAR-T may not be developing a better product—it may be ensuring that more eligible patients actually receive the therapies we already have. ashpublications.org/bloodadv… #CAR T #CellTherapy #DLBCL #Lymphoma #Hematology #HealthcareAccess #HealthEquity #CancerResearch

A heartfelt thank you to the International Society for Cell & Gene Therapy (ISCT) and the exceptional organizing committee for an unforgettable two days of learning, mentorship, and inspiration at the University of Pennsylvania! It was an incredible opportunity to explore the nuances of cell and gene therapy, from establishing and sustaining high-quality cellular therapy programs to navigating clinical development, operational complexities, and the future of this rapidly evolving field. What made this experience especially meaningful was the extraordinary attention to detail, thoughtful mentorship, and generosity of global leaders willing to share their knowledge and experiences. I am particularly grateful for the privilege of learning from pioneers such as Dr. Carl June, alongside an outstanding faculty and organizing committee, including Drs. Alice Bertaina, Jaap Jan Boelens, Bruce Levine, Matthew Porteus, Sarah Nikiforow, and Megan Melody, whose contributions continue to shape the future of cellular immunotherapy. I leave Philadelphia with invaluable insights, meaningful connections, and an even stronger commitment to advancing cellular therapies, fostering innovation, and expanding access to these transformative treatments for patients worldwide. It is an incredible honor to be part of the 2026 ISCT Cell Therapy Fellows cohort and to learn from the very leaders who helped build this field. Thank you for investing in the next generation of cellular therapy leaders. The future of cell and gene therapy is extraordinarily promising, and I am excited to help shape what comes next! #ISCT2026 #CellTherapy #GeneTherapy #CARTCellTherapy #CellularImmunotherapy #Leadership #Mentorship #Innovation

LIGHT THE NIGHT 2026 | ALL FOR ONE. ALL FOR A CURE. ❤️🏮 Some nights remind us why we chose this calling. Others remind us why we can never stop fighting. Tonight was both. I had the profound privilege of joining Blood Cancer United (formerly the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society) for its extraordinary Light The Night celebration in New York City—an evening of hope, remembrance, resilience, and unwavering solidarity in the fight against blood cancer. Walking shoulder to shoulder with cancer patients, survivors, caregivers, families, and advocates, each carrying a lantern illuminating the darkness, was an experience I will never forget. For me, this mission is deeply personal. Long before I became a physician, I was a caregiver to someone I loved who was battling cancer. I remember the fear, the uncertainty, the sleepless nights, and the desperate search for answers. I remember what it felt like to stand on the other side of medicine, hoping that someone, somewhere, could offer guidance, compassion, and a fighting chance. And I will never forget the organizations and individuals who stood beside us when we needed them most. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, now Blood Cancer United, was among those who helped us navigate some of our darkest moments, connecting us with resources, support, and access to exceptional care. For that, I will remain forever grateful. Today, as a physician in hematology and oncology, I carry those experiences into every patient encounter, every research project, and every effort to advance cancer care. I believe that leadership in medicine is not simply about advancing science. It is about remembering whom that science is meant to serve. We must practice what we preach. We must stand alongside the patients and families whose lives we hope to transform. And we must ensure that advances in cancer research translate into meaningful, equitable access to lifesaving care. Tonight, as hundreds of lanterns illuminated the New York skyline, I was reminded that while cancer may touch each family differently, our fight is collective. Every lantern represented a story. Every story represented a life. And every life reminded us why our work matters. To Blood Cancer United, its extraordinary leadership, volunteers, advocates, researchers, and supporters: thank you for turning compassion into action and bringing light to families navigating their darkest hours. Until every patient has hope. Until every family has access. Until every cure reaches those who need it. We walk together. We fight together. And we will continue pushing the boundaries of what is possible. ALL FOR ONE. ALL FOR A CURE. ❤️ #LightTheNight #BloodCancerUnited #BloodCancerAwareness #Leukemia #Lymphoma #MultipleMyeloma #CancerResearch #HematologyOncology #PatientAdvocacy #CancerSurvivorship #HealthEquity #TogetherWeCan