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E. Anders Kolb, M.D.

E. Anders Kolb, M.D.

President & CEO
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS)
04 February 2025

In recent years, treatments for blood cancers have been advancing rapidly. Can you provide some context about the newest developments?

Blood cancers remain a proving ground for innovation in cancer therapy. CAR T-cell therapy is a remarkable example, as it demonstrates the rapid progress in this field. Since the first approvals in 2017, 18 different CAR T-cell therapies have been approved, with five new approvals just this year. These therapies, initially for blood cancers, are now being explored for broader applications across other types of cancers. At the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS), we focus on supporting the early development of these therapies, like immunotherapies and antibody-based treatments, to accelerate their approval and availability.

Recently, there was also a significant milestone with the approval of menin inhibitors, a promising treatment for pediatric acute myeloid leukemia (AML). LLS's role in the development of these therapies is pivotal. For example, we funded initial research in 2006 that identified the role of menin in leukemia, and we continued to support its development through to commercial approval. This year’s FDA approval of revumenib for AML marks a significant step forward, offering hope for patients with this challenging condition.

How many CAR T-cell therapies are currently approved?

There are seven CAR T-cell therapies approved in total, with indications for 18 different conditions. The five approvals this year represent significant progress and underline the rapid advancements in this field. These therapies are not only transforming blood cancer treatment but also paving the way for broader applications in other cancers.

This progress exemplifies LLS’s commitment to accelerating the development and approval of innovative therapies. We have been instrumental in funding groundbreaking research, ensuring that transformative treatments like CAR T-cell therapy become a reality for patients who desperately need them.

Why have blood cancers therapies progressed faster compared to solid tumors?

There are two main reasons: biology and focused support. Biologically, blood cancers like chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) often result from single, identifiable genetic mutations, making them more responsive to targeted therapies like tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Additionally, blood cancers are more accessible for study and monitoring, as they can be examined through blood tests or bone marrow biopsies, unlike solid tumors that require invasive procedures.

Immunotherapy is also particularly effective for blood cancers, as they don’t form dense tumor masses or share the same microenvironmental challenges as solid tumors. On the support side, organizations like LLS prioritize funding for blood cancer research, ensuring progress in this area remains a key focus for global cancer discovery.

What is the "Bold Goal" for LLS?

Our Bold Goal is to enable patients with blood cancer to gain more than one million years of life by 2040. As we celebrate our 75th year, this is an opportunity to reflect on our achievements, assess how far we have come, and identify ways to accelerate progress. Since our founding in 1949, LLS has been at the forefront of funding research, patient education, and advocacy for innovative therapies. Discoveries like CAR T-cell therapies and menin inhibitors highlight the impact of our work, not just for blood cancers but also for other cancer types.

Two key areas require our focus: advancing discovery and improving access to care. On the discovery front, we must invest in cutting-edge research and push for breakthroughs in therapies for diseases like AML and multiple myeloma, where survival rates have lagged. Transformational discoveries, akin to CAR T-cell therapies or menin inhibitors, are crucial for these more refractory cancers.

Equally important is addressing the accessibility of these therapies. While 18 CAR T-cell therapies have been approved, many patients cannot access them due to cost or complexity of care. We are committed to narrowing the gap between those who can and cannot access these life-saving treatments, ensuring that progress in discovery translates into real-world benefits for all patients.

How does LLS approach partnerships to achieve its mission?

Partnerships are central to our mission of curing cancer and improving patients' quality of life. Major breakthroughs, such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors, CAR T-cell therapies, and menin inhibitors, were all achieved through collaborations involving labs, institutions, and companies worldwide. These innovations are never the result of a single effort but rather the collective work of a global network.

At LLS, we bring together key stakeholders—scientists, clinicians, and industry leaders—to drive progress. By fostering these collaborations, we ensure that resources and expertise are aligned, accelerating the development and delivery of life-saving therapies to patients who need them most.