Looking Ahead to ASH’s 68th Meeting, With President Robert Negrin, MD

The American Society of Hematology (ASH) recently wrapped its 67th Annual Meeting and Exposition in Orlando, Florida, with > 8,200 abstracts accepted and > 1,100 oral presentations, exemplifying the expansive nature of the hematology field, set to continue in 2026.

“The science was spectacular,” said Robert Negrin, MD, newly elected president of ASH and professor of medicine at Stanford University, in an interview with HCPLive. “That goes without saying. I think that's something that happens every year, but I would say that the late-breaking abstract session was probably the best session I've ever attended. Every paper was practice-changing or groundbreaking.

At the 67th ASH meeting, investigators highlighted in vivo CAR T therapies, next-generation autologous and allogeneic CAR T platforms, and novel bispecific antibodies, chemotherapy combinations improving outcomes in myeloma and other hematologic diseases. Key data included the Phase 2 iMMagine‑1 trial of anitocabtagene autoleucel, the phase 3 MajesTEC‑3 trial of teclistamab with anti‑CD38 therapy, a phase 2 cevostamab post-CAR T study, early Durga‑1 results on AZD0120, extended ELARA follow-up on tisagenlecleucel, and updates from CARTITUDE‑4 and the COBRA trial.1

These findings reinforce a rapidly evolving hematology landscape, demonstrating the impact of CAR T therapies, next-generation platforms, and bispecific antibody combinations can deliver deeper, more durable responses in myeloma and lymphoma. They signal potential shifts in standard care, expand treatment options for relapsed or refractory patients, and highlight the promise of personalized, multi-antigen strategies to improve outcomes across hematologic diseases.1

Negrin has been involved in the organization since he attended his first meeting as a fellow in the 1990s. In his 33 years as a member, he served as the inaugural editor-in-chief of Blood Advances and an associate editor of Blood, as an ad hoc member of the Executive Committee, and as chair of the Scientific Committee on Transplant Biology and Cellular Therapies.1

“Many people describe ASH as their scientific family, and that is something the leadership should take great pride in. For me personally, it’s been an opportunity to contribute through various committees, journals, and now the executive committee,” remarked Negrin. “It is vital that we demonstrate to our community that ASH will continue to enrich opportunities and experiences for its members worldwide.”

Over his career, Negrin’s research has focused on understanding and improving the biology of immune responses after bone marrow and stem cell transplants, including the balance between graft‑versus‑host disease and graft‑versus‑tumor effects using animal models and clinical studies. Additionally, he has been involved in investigating how specific immune cell populations influence graft outcomes and immunotherapy, including work on cytotoxic T cells and regulatory T cells to improve transplant success and reduce complications.3

Looking ahead, the 68th Annual Meeting and Exposition will take place December 12–15, 2026, in New Orleans, Louisiana.1

“I’m also really excited about going to New Orleans. It’s a fantastic city, and the meeting will be buzzing with activity. There are so many highlights in the annual program, and I can’t give all the secrets away, you have to be there to experience it. But most importantly, the meeting reinforces a sense of community, which I think is critical.”

Editor’s note: Negrin reports relevant disclosures with BioEclipse Therapeutics, Biorasi, Amgen, and others.

References

1. Highlights of ASH in North America - Hematology.org. Hematology.org. Published 2026. Accessed January 27, 2026. https://www.hematology.org/meetings/highlights-of-ash-in-north-america

2. Robert Negrin MD Begins Term as 2026 ASH President - Hematology.org. Hematology.org. Published 2026. Accessed January 27, 2026. https://www.hematology.org/newsroom/press-releases/2026/robert-negrin-md-begins-term-as-2026-ash-president
   ‌Negrin Lab. Blood & Marrow Transplantation& Cellular Therapy Division. Published 2020. Accessed January 27, 2026. https://med.stanford.edu/bmt/research/negrin-lab.html