The 2025 European Hematology Association (EHA) Annual Congress was successfully held from June 12 to 15 in Milan, Italy. Marking the 30th anniversary of the EHA, this year’s congress stood out as a major milestone, drawing over 15,000 experts and scholars from around the world with its global impact and groundbreaking research highlights. During the event, Oncology Frontier – Hematology Frontier had the privilege of speaking with Professor Martin Dreyling, Chair of the EHA 2025 Scientific Program Committee (SPC) and a professor at LMU Munich, to explore the most transformative scientific advances presented at the meeting.Professor Martin Dreyling: Welcome to the 2025 Annual Congress of the European Hematology Association (EHA 2025), the 30th edition of our event. As Chair of this year’s Scientific Program Committee, I’m honored to share this remarkable gathering with you all.
The influence of the EHA Congress now extends far beyond Europe—it has become a truly global platform for hematology. This year, we welcomed over 15,000 participants from across the globe, a testament to the power of international scientific collaboration. The core mission of this congress is clear: to showcase the latest research, foster deep dialogue, and shape the future of diagnosis and treatment for hematologic diseases.
So, what are the most noteworthy highlights of EHA 2025? The congress is rich in content, spanning multiple cutting-edge areas. Many of the studies presented have the potential to reshape clinical practice. It’s not an exaggeration to say that by the time we return to our clinics on Monday, we may need to rethink our current treatment approaches.
One key point to highlight is the truly global scope of high-quality research showcased this year. While the United States continues to make strong contributions, we’ve also seen an impressive rise in scientific output from Asia. For example, Chinese researchers delivered major findings in plenary sessions, LBA (Latest Breakthrough Abstract) presentations, and a variety of thematic forums. This growing presence is an exciting trend and one that reflects the increasingly global face of hematology research.
Let’s begin with multiple myeloma (MM), where immunotherapy continues to dominate the spotlight this year. While CAR-T cell therapy has increasingly become a standard approach for relapsed/refractory MM, new combination strategies are pushing the boundaries of efficacy even further. Belantamab mafodotin, for instance, is experiencing a “revival” by being paired with other targeted agents, offering a viable Plan B for patients ineligible for cellular therapies.
Moreover, CAR-T therapies targeting BCMA are undergoing continuous refinement. One novel trispecific CAR-T construct presented at the congress achieved a 100% response rate in early-stage studies, with good tolerability—an impressive result that shows great promise. In parallel, bispecific antibodies targeting different BCMA epitopes are showing comparable efficacy to CAR-T in studies shared during the LBA sessions, while offering greater accessibility. These therapies are poised to reshape the treatment paradigm for relapsed MM, ushering in a true era of immunotherapy.
In the field of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), Menin inhibitors have emerged as a major focus. These targeted agents, now entering clinical practice, are gradually replacing traditional high-intensity chemotherapy and driving AML treatment toward the era of precision medicine. They are beginning to challenge our conventional understanding of AML as a disease requiring prolonged hospitalization and intensive cytotoxic therapy.
For lymphoma, immunotherapy is once again a key theme. This year’s research centered on optimizing first-line regimens. Promising results from phase II studies were seen with bispecific antibodies combined with R-CHOP, as well as antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) replacing traditional chemotherapy backbones. We now await phase III trials to confirm their benefit.
One particularly groundbreaking announcement came during the plenary session: results from a phase III trial comparing Pola-R-GEMOX (a regimen including polatuzumab vedotin) with the traditional R-GEMOX in relapsed/refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Pola-R-GEMOX significantly improved complete response rates (by around 20%), progression-free survival (by 15–20%), and also extended overall survival. This advancement is not only a clinical improvement—it may very well redefine the standard of care for relapsed DLBCL. For the next DLBCL patient facing relapse, this regimen could become a key alternative to CAR-T.
Thank you for your attention, and warm greetings from Milan. I hope everyone takes home valuable insights from this year’s EHA Congress!
Professor Martin Dreyling LMU Hospital, Germany
Professor of Medicine and Head of the Lymphoma Program in the Department of Internal Medicine III at LMU Hospital, Munich.
His primary research focuses on the molecular mechanisms of malignant transformation, with particular emphasis on innovative treatment strategies such as B-cell receptor pathway inhibitors and immunotherapy.
Professor Dreyling currently serves as the Coordinator of the European Mantle Cell Lymphoma Network (European MCL Network). He is a former Chair of the German Lymphoma Alliance and has previously served as a member of the Executive Board of the European Hematology Association (EHA).
