Grounded in a culture of collaboration, connectivity and data-based science, MD Anderson's research yields transformative findings that are shifting patient care and improving patients¡¯ lives across the globe. From pioneering cellular therapies to the latest bispecific antibodies and targeted therapies, our work is leading to more personalized diagnoses, treatments and improved outcomes for patients.
At the ASH Annual Meeting and Exposition, our experts showcase their latest research with colleagues from across the globe for large-scale discussion.
Keep up with presentation highlights from our experts as well as learn more about our pioneering research across the field of hematology below.
Featured articles
Leukemia specialists: How advances in measurable residual disease (MRD) are improving cancer care
Measurable residual disease (MRD) is a monitoring tool that physicians use to assess the remission status of patients with leukemias, lymphomas, myelomas and other blood disorders.??
Formerly known as ¡°minimal residual disease,¡± this term describes a situation in which cancer cells are still present in the body after treatment, yet undetectable using current testing methods.?
Two of our leukemia specialists, , and , explored this subject in a recent . Here are three highlights from that discussion.?
Next-generation sequencing can now reveal ¡®a needle in a haystack¡¯
Patients with blood cancers used to be monitored for relapse using:?
- Flow cytometry, which reveals disease through certain patterns of refracted laser light, and?
- Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests, which are highly sensitive molecular tests that detect specific genetic material from cancer cells?
But sometimes, patients would seem to be cured based on these tests, only to relapse some months later. That got doctors to questioning why. Here¡¯s the conclusion ours came to: even if some patients appeared to have no residual disease, it was only because we weren¡¯t able to detect it yet.??
One possible solution? Next-generation sequencing.?
¡°With next-generation sequencing, we can pick out a single leukemia cell from a sea of a million normal ones,¡± explains Haddad. ¡°This is a very, very minimal level of disease that would¡¯ve previously gone unnoticed ¡ª like a needle in a haystack. This new test can help us detect any little seed left behind so we can completely eradicate the cancer. This marks a real paradigm shift.¡±?
Meet the Experts
Stop by booth 1711 to ask a question, learn about training and career opportunities, continue the conversation on key presentations with our experts, catch up with colleagues or grab a cup of coffee.
Check back for more updates to the Meet the Experts schedule soon.
Exhibit Hall Hours (all times Eastern)
Saturday, Dec. 6: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 7: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Monday, Dec. 8: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
2025 ASH Annual Meeting Exhibit Hall
Institutes at MD Anderson
United by a shared mission to end cancer, MD Anderson clinicians and scientists work seamlessly together to advance groundbreaking research that can transform the field of hematology. Leveraging our unique research ecosystem, including three leading institutes, we are pioneering new prevention, diagnostic and treatment approaches to address the most pressing needs for patients with cancer.
James P. Allison Institute
The James P. Allison Institute is dedicated to advancing exceptional discovery, translational and clinical research to integrate immunobiology across disciplines and unlock the full potential of science and medicine for human health. The institute builds upon the legacy of its namesake, James P. Allison, Ph.D., who was awarded the 2018 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for his fundamental discoveries in T cell biology and his invention of ipilimumab, the first immune checkpoint inhibitor to treat cancer.
Institute for Cell Therapy Discovery & Innovation
Building upon unparalleled expertise, MD Anderson¡¯s Institute for Cell Therapy Discovery & Innovation is leading the world in developing and advancing impactful cell therapies for patients in need. By uniting the top minds in the field to lead exceptional fundamental, translational and clinical research, we're focused on creating breakthrough off-the-shelf therapies that can be readily adapted for both hematologic and solid tumors as well as devastating auto-immune conditions, infections and other diseases.
Learn more about the Institute for Cell Therapy Discovery & Innovation
Institute for Data Science in Oncology
The Institute for Data Science in Oncology (IDSO) integrates the tremendous power of meaningful data extraction and interpretation with MD Anderson¡¯s unparalleled scientific and clinical expertise to transform research and care to impact patients.
Education and Training at MD Anderson
MD Anderson academic programs are competitive and comprehensive. We offer educational opportunities from undergraduate degrees to graduate medical education opportunities.