Yale Cancer Center Research in Breast Cancer and Hematology Showcased at National Meetings

Members of the Center for Breast Cancer and the Hematology Program at Yale Cancer Center and Smilow Cancer Hospital recently presented their latest groundbreaking research on two national stages. First at the annual American Society of Hematology (ASH) meeting, followed by the annual San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium (SABCS).

On December 6-9, 2025, physicians, scientists, and trainees presented the latest advances in hematological research and clinical care from Yale at the annual ASH meeting in Orlando, FL. Oral presentations, education sessions, and poster presentations highlighted new research in lymphoma, leukemia, myeloid malignancies, sickle cell disease, and classical hematology. Amer Zeidan, MBBS, presented three oral abstracts sharing preliminary results from three major trials, and Pat LoRusso, DO, led a trainee session focused on "Drug Development.

Diane Krause, MD, PhD, was presented with the ASH Advancing Inclusive Excellence Award during a ceremony held on December 7th. This award honors hematologists who have supported the development of an inclusive hematology workforce. Stephanie Halene, MD, chaired a Scientific Symposia session exploring hematopoiesis in the golden years — from aging and epigenetic landscapes to clonal destiny. We were also honored that three Yale Hematology-Oncology fellows received the ASH Hematology Inclusion Pathway (HIP) Fellow Awards which supports early-career researchers to build careers in academic hematology.

Yale was also well represented at SABCS, which was held December 9-12, 2025, with oral presentations, education sessions, and poster presentations on topics including HER2+ breast cancer, ADCs, advanced cancers, hormone replacement therapy, menopause after cancer, and cancer genetics. Some highlights include a session with Dr. Eric Winer who was a discussant on a trial discussing treatment decisions for patients with DCIS. He emphasized that treatment for ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) should be based on thorough patient education and patient-centered decision making. During an educational session moderated by Dr. Tara Sanft, Dr. Maryam Lustberg highlighted the considerable unmet needs in menopause care for breast cancer survivors and those at high-risk, stressing that many symptoms experienced by patients remain overlooked. Dr. Lustberg also presented during a Quick Pitch session on why patient-reported outcomes must be central to oncology drug development and clinical trials.

Representation at these national events underscores Yale’s dedication to advancing cancer research and treatment through rigorous scientific inquiry and innovative clinical care approaches. Many major and impactful discoveries are presented at these meetings and the hard work and dedication of our trainees and physicians are central to these achievements as they continue to make transformative contributions in the fight against all types of cancer.