Hematology Pills

In this episode, Prof. Robin Foà and Prof. Filippo Milano reflect on a groundbreaking phase two study out of Seattle that introduces a novel and highly effective approach to cord blood transplantation. Unlike traditional double cord blood transplants, which have historically been hindered by severe complications when T-cells from both units interact, this new methodology overcomes these major disa...

In this episode, Prof. Robin Foà and Dr. Filippo Milano explore the evolving treatment landscape of Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph+ ALL), focusing on the transition from intensive chemotherapy and transplantation toward targeted therapies combined with immunotherapy. What emerges from the discussion is not only a new therapeutic strategy, but a deeper understandi...

In this episode, Prof. Robin Foà and Dr. Filippo Milano explore the rapidly expanding role of Artificial Intelligence in medicine, reflecting on a transformation that feels both inevitable and profound. Much like past technological revolutions, AI is already reshaping daily clinical practice—supporting communication, improving academic writing, and streamlining routine tasks—while quietly redefini...

In this episode, Prof. Robin Foà and Dr. Filippo Milano are joined by Dr. Clara Camaschella to explore the evolution of iron metabolism, tracing one of the most elegant and coherent stories in modern hematology. From the early conceptual models of iron regulation to the molecular breakthroughs that defined the field, the discussion reflects on what has been described as a true “golden age” of iron...

In this episode, Prof. Robin Foà and Dr. Filippo Milano reflect on a striking paradox: while research has revolutionized hematology over the past decades, the sustainability of this progress is now in question. Innovation has transformed patient outcomes, yet rising costs and shrinking public funding threaten to slow the pace of discovery. The discussion highlights the growing crisis of academic s...

In this episode, Prof. Robin Foà , Prof. Filippo Milano and Prof. Sabina Chiaretti explore the first results of a worldwide randomized phase 3 trial that challenges a long-standing paradigm in adult Philadelphia-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph+ ALL): the necessity of frontline chemotherapy. The discussion focuses on a direct comparison between a fully chemo-free strategy—combining Ponati...

In this episode, Prof. Robin Foà and Dr. Filippo Milano sit down with Dr. Mazyar Shadman, a leading voice in immunotherapy and one of the foremost experts in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Together, they explore how rapidly—and profoundly—the therapeutic landscape of CLL has transformed, moving away from chemo-immunotherapy toward a new era defined entirely by targeted agents. The conversatio...

In this episode, Prof. Robin Foà and Dr. Filippo Milano are joined by Dr. Fred Appelbaum from the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center to reflect on the persistent challenges and evolving landscape of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Unlike other hematologic malignancies that have seen major therapeutic revolutions, AML remains bound to the traditional 7+3 regimen, a reminder of how complex its biology trul...

In this episode, Prof. Robin Foà and Dr. Filippo Milano look back on twenty-five years of remarkable progress in the treatment of Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph+ ALL). Once regarded as one of the most devastating hematologic malignancies, with prognosis considered among the worst in oncology, Ph+ ALL has undergone a dramatic transformation thanks to targeted ther...

In this episode, we delve into the evolving landscape of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) treatment, with a focus on cutting-edge therapies and their impact on patient outcomes. We explore the rapid integration of CAR T-cell therapy, now being used earlier in treatment and its effects on survival rates. The discussion also addresses the shifting role of allogeneic transplantation, particularly i...

In this episode, we delve into the transformative changes in allogeneic stem cell transplantation (SCT), a treatment once seen as a last resort for patients but now experiencing a renaissance . Despite the rise of therapies like immunotherapy and CAR-T cells, SCT continues to evolve and remains crucial, particularly with recent breakthroughs. A key focus of the discussion is the introduction of po...

In this episode of Hematology Pills , Dr. Marco Ruella, Prof. Robin Foà, and Dr. Filippo Milano dive into the challenges of CAR T-cell therapy resistance. They explore key resistance mechanisms, including T-cell dysfunction, the tumor microenvironment, and antigen loss, such as CD19 in relapsed ALL. Dr. Ruella discusses promising strategies to overcome these hurdles, like dual-targeting approaches...

In this episode of Hematology Pills , Professor Robin Foà speaks with Dr. Filippo Milano and Dr. Rahul Banerjee about the current role of CAR-T cell therapy in the treatment of multiple myeloma. The discussion touches on key aspects such as therapeutic potential, toxicity management, and the practical issues related to access. Aimed at clinicians and healthcare professionals, the episode provides...

Join Prof. Robin Foà (Sapienza University of Rome) and Dr. Filippo Milano (Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle) as they explore the evolving landscape of CAR-T cell therapies . This episode of Hematology Pills offers concise yet profound insights into the challenges and opportunities surrounding CAR-T treatments, from access and sustainability to innovation and clinical advancements .With a foc...

In the inaugural episode of our hematology podcast, Professor Robin Foà (Emeritus Professor of Hematology, Sapienza University of Rome) and Dr. Filippo Milano (Associate Professor, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle) explore the groundbreaking advances in gene therapy and the pressing ethical dilemmas surrounding patient access. From the high costs and insurance hurdles in the U.S. to the impa...

Join Prof. Robin Foà (Sapienza University of Rome) and Dr. Filippo Milano (Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle) as they explore the cutting-edge world of hematology.  Hematology Pills  offers concise yet profound insights into innovative treatments like gene and immunotherapy, transforming patient care and reshaping the future of hematology. Aimed at specialists and researchers, this podcast is...