Episode 73. ASCO and EHA 2026 Lymphoma Roundup with Dr. Thomas Lew

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.