Hema Now
In this episode of Hema Now, Megan Melody speaks about the evolution of CAR-T cell therapy and its impact on lymphoma care. She explores the major advances that have transformed outcomes for patients with relapsed and refractory disease, the unanswered questions shaping current research, and the practical challenges of building successful cellular therapy programmes. The conversation also covers equitable access to treatment, the role of quality standards and accreditation, personalised approaches to CAR-T therapy, and the importance of physician leadership and mentorship in shaping the future of academic haematology.
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Megan Melody is a malignant haematologist specialising in lymphoma and cellular therapy at Tampa General Hospital, Florida, USA. She earned her medical degree from the University of South Florida Health Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, before completing her residency in Internal Medicine at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida.
She subsequently completed her fellowship in Hematology and Medical Oncology at Northwestern University’s McGaw Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois, USA, where she developed expertise in the treatment of complex blood cancers, including leukaemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma, with a particular focus on cellular therapies.
Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction
01:13 – Journey into Haematology and Lymphoma
04:19 – Major Advances in CAR-T
06:00 – Unanswered Questions After CAR-T
07:45 – Building Successful Cellular Therapy Programmes
09:06 – Improving Access to CAR-T
12:55 – Evolving Standards in Cellular Therapy
14:16 – Towards Personalised CAR-T Treatment
16:00 – Physician Leadership in Academic Medicine
17:10 – Career Advice for Future Specialists
19:02 – Future Directions in Cellular Therapy
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this episode belong to the speakers and do not necessarily represent the opinions of EMJ.
Keywords: Academic medicine, biomarkers, CAR-T cell therapy, cell and gene therapy, cellular therapy, haematology, immunotherapy, lymphoma, malignant haematology, patient access, personalised medicine, physician leadership.
