Submitting authors must fully review the information on this page to ensure correctness when submitting an abstract for consideration for the 2026 Tandem Meetings | Transplantation and Cellular Meetings of ASTCT® and CIBMTR®.
Abstract Categories are revised every three years. Please pay special attention to the category changes from last year’s meeting to this year’s when submitting, including the addition of a Pediatrics category in the Track Section. Changed categories are clearly marked. If you have any questions about a category, please contact tandemabstracts@astct.org.
Abstract submissions are now open! Please carefully review the information on this page and submit an abstract at the button below.
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Work submitted for presentation should not have been reported previously in an archival scientific publication, either as an article or as an abstract, at the time of submission. Data that has been, or will be, presented at any other meeting before being presented at the 2026 Tandem Meetings of ASTCT and CIBMTR, will not be accepted for presentation.*
Submitting authors should click the dropdown for each abstract category to review the description to ensure submission to the correct category. The audience type for scientific categories is broad, however, submitters should consider that there are higher submission rates for scientific categories with a larger pool of applicants.
Acute and Chronic Leukemia (AML, MDS, MPD ALL, CML) – Basic/Preclinical
This category invites basic and preclinical research focused on the biology, pathogenesis, and therapeutic targeting of acute and chronic leukemias. Submissions may include mechanistic studies, novel models and translational work that deepens our understanding of AML, MDS, MPD, ALL, and CML.
Acute Lymphoid Malignancies/Other Leukemia, Including Relapse – NEW for 2026
This category invites clinical and translational research on acute lymphoid leukemias and other less common leukemia subtypes, with a focus on diagnosis, treatment, relapse, and resistance. Submissions may include studies on novel therapies, risk stratification and strategies to improve long-term outcomes.
Autoimmune Disease, Immune Reconstitution, Primary Immune Deficiencies, Inborn Errors of Metabolism
This category invites Autoimmune disease, immune reconstitution, primary immune deficiencies, inborn errors of metabolism research.
Cell and Gene Therapy – Clinical – NEW for 2026
This category features clinical research evaluating the safety, efficacy, and real-world application of cell and gene therapies across hematologic and immune disorders. Submissions may include clinical trials, outcome studies, and innovations in delivery, monitoring and regulatory considerations.
Conditioning Regimens
This category invites clinical and translational research on conditioning regimens used prior to hematopoietic cell transplantation. Submissions may explore regimen intensity, novel agents, toxicity profiles, patient stratification, and strategies to optimize efficacy and tolerability.
Engineered Immune Cells (CAR-T, NK, TCR): Basic/Preclinical – Antigen Finding, Safety
This category welcomes basic and preclinical research on engineered immune cell therapies, with a focus on antigen discovery, safety profiling, and mechanisms of action. Submissions may include studies on novel targets, off-tumor effects, and strategies to enhance specificity and minimize toxicity.
Engineered Immune Cells – Clinical (Toxicity, Practice, Economics, Correlative, Autoimmunity, Malignant and Non-Malignant Indications) – NEW for 2026
This category invites clinical research on the development, application, and impact of engineered immune cell therapies across malignant and non-malignant (e.g. autoimmune) indications. Submissions may address safety and toxicity, clinical practice and logistics, economic implications, biomarker and correlative studies and immune-related effects.
Graft-versus-Host and Graft-versus-Tumor - Basic/Preclinical
This category invites basic and preclinical research focused on graft-versus-host disease and graft-versus-tumor effects.
Graft Sources, Mobilization, Donor Safety – NEW for 2026
This category invites research focused on hematopoietic stem cell sources, mobilization strategies, and donor safety across allogeneic and autologous transplantation. Submissions may include innovations in graft procurement, comparative outcomes, donor experience and long-term follow-up studies.
GVHD Clinical – Biomarkers, Detection and Clinical Tools – NEW for 2026
This category highlights clinical research focused on graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), emphasizing the development and validation of biomarkers, early detection methods, and clinical assessment tools. Submissions may explore diagnostic innovations, predictive assays and strategies to personalize GVHD management.
GVHD Clinical – Prevention and Treatment – NEW for 2026
This category focuses on clinical studies aimed at preventing and treating graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Submissions may include investigations into prophylactic strategies, therapeutic interventions and approaches that optimize patient outcomes across diverse transplant settings.
Hematopoietic Stem Cell Niche, Biology, Expansion & Marrow Failure Syndromes & Hemoglobinopathies – NEW for 2026
This category features basic, translational, and preclinical research on the biology and regulation of the hematopoietic stem cell niche, strategies for stem cell expansion, and mechanisms underlying marrow failure syndromes and hemoglobinopathies. Submissions may include studies on stem cell development, microenvironmental interactions, gene therapies and disease models that advance understanding and therapeutic potential.
Health Services and Barriers to Access – NEW for 2026
This category invites research that addresses health disparities, systemic barriers, and strategies to promote equity in transplant and cellular therapy care and research. Submissions may focus on inclusive health service delivery, community engagement, and the impact of intersecting identities on access, outcomes, and representation.
HSCT, Gene and Other Cellular Therapies in Countries with Constrained Resources
Reviewers of this scientific category are members of the ASTCT Committee on International Affairs or invited experts who bring extensive knowledge of transplant and cellular therapy practices in countries with constrained resources.
Immunogenetics
This category invites research exploring the genetic and genomic underpinnings of immune function, development, and dysregulation. Submissions may include studies on HLA, immune repertoire diversity, gene editing, or inherited and somatic variants influencing immune-mediated diseases or treatment responses.
Late Effects and Quality of Life – NEW for 2026
This category highlights research on the long-term physical, psychological, and social effects experienced by patients following hematologic treatments or transplantation. Submissions may focus on survivorship, functional outcomes, health-related quality of life, and interventions that support long-term well-being.
Lymphoma – Clinical
This category encompasses original clinical research focused on the diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes of lymphoid malignancies. Submissions may include clinical trials, real-world data, and translational studies with direct relevance to patient care across the spectrum of lymphoma subtypes.
Lymphoma/CLL – Basic/Preclinical
This category features basic and preclinical research focused on the biology, pathogenesis, and therapeutic targeting of lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Submissions may include studies on molecular mechanisms, novel models, and translational approaches that inform future clinical strategies.
Myeloma – Basic/Preclinical
This category invites basic and preclinical research focused on the biology, molecular mechanisms, and therapeutic vulnerabilities of multiple myeloma. Submissions may include studies exploring disease pathogenesis, novel targets, models, and early-stage interventions that inform future clinical development.
Myeloma – Clinical
This category invites original clinical research on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of multiple myeloma and related plasma cell disorders. Submissions may include clinical trials, real-world evidence, biomarkers, treatment sequencing, and studies addressing patient-centered outcomes across disease stages.
Myeloid Neoplasms, Including Relapse – NEW for 2026
This category invites clinical and translational research focused on the diagnosis, treatment, and disease progression of myeloid neoplasms, including acute and chronic forms. Submissions addressing relapse mechanisms, therapeutic resistance, and emerging strategies to improve outcomes are particularly encouraged.
Study Design and Statistics
This category invites submissions that highlight innovative methodologies, statistical approaches, and study designs that enhance the rigor, interpretation, and reproducibility of research in hematology and related fields. Submissions may include trial design frameworks, analytic strategies, modeling techniques, and tools for addressing bias, confounding, and complex data structures.
Toxicity and Supportive Care, Including Aging/Geriatric Populations – NEW for 2026
This category invites research focused on the identification, prevention, and management of treatment-related toxicities and supportive care strategies in hematologic and oncologic settings. Submissions addressing aging-related considerations, geriatric assessments, and interventions tailored to older adults are especially encouraged.
Track Abstract Categories
Submitting authors should click the dropdown for each abstract category to review the description to ensure submission to the correct category. The audience type for track categories is more focused, however, the pool of applicants is smaller and allows the presenting author more opportunity to engage and make connections with session attendees.
Please take note of the category changes from last year’s meeting to this year’s when submitting. These are clearly marked as “NEW.” If you have any questions about a category, please contact tandemabstracts@astct.org.
Advanced Practice Providers (for Advanced Practice Provider Track)
The Advanced Practice Providers (APP) Abstract category represents APP led initiatives (practice, educational, leadership/professional growth), APP led quality improvement, and APP led clinical research.
The APP abstract review team is led by the ASTCT APP Research Subcommittee. that is comprised of active members of research committee team. Reviewers are all active APPs with previous research and practice experience in HCT and cellular therapy.
Infectious Diseases and Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes
This category is composed of abstracts that of infectious complications related to cellular and transplantation therapies. Submissions will focus on the epidemiology, mechanisms, prevention, diagnosis, and management of infections in transplant recipients.
IT and Informatics for Transplant and Cellular Therapy (CIBMTR)
This category invites abstracts focused on the application of information technology, data science, and informatics to advance transplant and cellular therapy. Submissions should highlight innovations that improve clinical decision-making, operational efficiency, data integration, and patient outcomes through digital tools and systems.
Nursing (Administration, Clinical, Education, Research)
This track invites abstract submissions that highlight the role of nursing in transplantation and cellular therapies. Authors can choose from the following subcategories: Administration, Clinical, Education, and Research.
We welcome abstracts that showcase innovative practices, program development, educational initiatives, quality improvement projects, or original research—especially those that contribute to advancing nursing practice and improving patient outcomes. Submissions should be clearly written, relevant to the nursing community, and include data that connects nursing interventions to patient outcomes. Ideally, they should also offer insights or strategies that can be applied in other institutions.
All abstracts submitted to the nursing track will be reviewed by a panel of experienced transplantation and cellular therapy nurses, along with the nursing track planning team. This peer-review process ensures that each submission is evaluated by professionals with deep expertise and a strong understanding of the field’s evolving priorities and best practices.
Pediatrics (for Pediatric Track) – NEW for 2026
This category invites clinical, translational, and basic research focused on cellular and transplantation therapies in pediatric, adolescent and young adult populations. Submissions should address the unique biological, therapeutic, and psychosocial aspects of hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT), CAR-T, gene therapy, and other cellular interventions in hematological and non-hematological diseases as well as non-malignant diseases.
Quality and Transplant Program Administration (for Administrative Director Track)
This category focuses on management, organization, policy, or economics related to the field of transplant and cellular therapy care and research. Submissions may include software and systems, quality, processes, data management, and topics related to healthcare administration. The review team consists of members of the ASTCT Administrative Directors Special Interest Group. Among their combined credentials are: RN, MBA-HCM, MSN, and BMTCN.
Transplantation Data Management (for Clinical Research Professionals/Data Managers Track)
We invite submissions that showcase innovative and impactful contributions to data management in clinical research settings. Abstracts should highlight original process improvements, novel tools or systems developed to enhance data workflows, or thoughtful evaluations of data practices that offer value across multiple centers. This track seeks to elevate the role of data professionals by sharing strategies that drive efficiency, accuracy, and collaboration in data practices. Submissions should be clearly written, relevant to the data professional community, and demonstrate potential for cross-institutional application.
CIBMTR’s Data Operations Team Leadership reviews all abstracts submitted to the CRP/DM Abstract Track. As experts who work closely with network centers, reviewers apply their deep understanding of center workflows, CIBMTR data collection and systems, and operations to ensure consistent, fair, and expert evaluations.
Transplantation Pharmacology (for Pharmacists Track)
This category invites clinical, pharmacology, pharmacotherapy (e.g., drug stability, pharmacoeconomics, etc.) and practice-based research on any cellular therapy process, conditioning chemotherapy regimen, supportive care, transplant infectious disease, or treatment modifications affecting transplant outcomes that is conducted by a pharmacist researcher.
This track will be reviewed by members of the ASTCT Pharmacy SIG's Research Committee. Reviewers all hold a doctorate and are active members of ASTCT with previous research and practice experience in HCT and cellular therapy.
Submission Instructions
The author indicated as the presenting author during submission is the primary contact for all correspondence regarding the abstract. Please check the presenting author’s email address to ensure it is correct before submitting and instruct them to request tandemabstracts@astct.org be added to their organization’s approved contact list. This is critical for receiving notifications.
The submitting author does not need to be the presenting author, however, the submitting author is responsible for:
- Ensuring that all authors have read the abstract and agreed to be co-authors and obtaining their conflict-of-interest disclosure information.
- Attesting that they have reviewed this Call for Abstracts page in full and agreed to be bound by all rules and requirements as stated.
- Notifying all co-authors of any additions, deletions, and changes to the program, as may be communicated by the Tandem Meetings of ASTCT and CIBMTR.
- Making certain that abstracts are complete and written in clear, concise and grammatically correct English, so that reviewers can focus solely on the scientific merits of the submission.
- The submission of the abstract in accordance with the rules and waives any and all claims against ASTCT/CIBMTR/Tandem Meetings of ASTCT and CIBMTR and any reviewer arising out of or relating to the abstract submission and review process, including but not limited to peer review and the grading of abstracts.
- Acknowledge that ASTCT, CIBMTR and the Tandem Meetings of ASTCT and CIBMTR reserve the right to make minor editorial grammatical/spelling changes if required for clarity of presentation.
Additionally, please review the following abstract content and fee guidelines:
- Do not include author names in the abstract text. Author names entered into the submission form author fields are hidden in the review portal for reviewers.
- Required elements of this system are designated by a red (*). If you fail to enter the required data, you will be prompted to go back and correct the omission before your abstract can be submitted.
- Verify that your abstract is correct by clicking Preview Abstract.
- Submitters will be automatically informed of the unique ID numbers and passwords assigned to their abstracts.
- Character Count: There is a limit of 2500 characters (approximately 300 words) for the body of the abstract. Note that this character count does not include spaces or the title but does include the space allocated to tables. Figures are not included in the character count.
- Multiple Abstracts: There are no restrictions on the number of abstracts you may submit, or the number of abstracts that you may present.
- Attached Figure: You may include up to 3 figures or images with your abstract. All figures and images must have titles. Uploaded images should be 900 pixels in width to ensure they display clearly in the journal supplement. Figures or images must be combined into one digital file for upload. Words in that image or figure are not deducted from the total character count.
- Submission Fee: There is a non-refundable $50 USD submission fee. Abstracts that have not paid the fee will be considered incomplete.
- Only when you are sure that your abstract is complete and in final form, click Submit Abstract.
- Any submitted abstract deemed incomplete within the submission system on October 10, 2025, at 12:00 a.m. will be eliminated without further notification prior to abstracts being distributed to 2026 Tandem Meetings abstract reviewers. Incompletion is defined as:
- Missing required form fields.
- Missing $50 non-refundable abstract submission fee.
How Are Abstracts Reviewed?
At a high level, abstracts are peer reviewed on their scientific merits and according to subject category by members of review teams corresponding to the submission category of a given abstract. Review team members then meet to deliberate and provide recommendations for oral and poster acceptance to the Tandem Meeting Scientific Organizing Committee (SOC) Co-Chairs. Abstracts may be re-categorized into a more appropriate category based on guidance from the Tandem Meetings Co-Chairs.
There will be approximately 14 scientific oral abstract sessions featuring 6 abstract presentations per session. In addition, there will be track specific oral abstract sessions featuring between 3 and 5 abstract presentations per session. Abstracts accepted as Posters will be assigned by topic in the Poster Hall.
Reviewers for Scientific and Track Review Teams are nominated by Review Team Chairs who served in the role within the last three years and members of the Joint Senior Leadership Team (JSLT) of ASTCT® and CIBMTR® and the Tandem Meetings SOC. The SOC Co-Chairs confirm the final review teams, which typically has six reviewers (one Review Team Chair, give Review Team Members).
Review Teams are formulated with the following guidelines:
- Institutional diversity – reviewers should be from various North American and Non-North American Institutions.
- Balance of experiences – review teams will consist of young investigators and senior researchers to provide a well-rounded evaluation of submitted abstracts.
- Area of expertise – reviewers are assigned to teams based on their expertise as it aligns with the abstract categories. Review teams also consider the balance of science (e.g., basic, translational, and clinical).
Review Teams will evaluate abstracts using the following criteria:
Score of 1
Most likely to be a best abstract candidate: The abstract is clear, concise, and well-presented. The content is highly relevant to the cellular and transplantation therapy field. The findings are novel, thought-provoking, and timely. The presentation of this work would significantly impact the cellular and transplantation therapy field and is worthy of being considered for a best abstract placement.
Score of 2-5
Most likely will be considered for an oral presentation: The abstract is well-written and addresses an important question with findings that have the potential to advance knowledge in the field. The methodology is valid. Most if not all of the work is novel but may have minor deficiencies that limit its impact. Overall, the work will impact the cellular and transplantation therapy field and is worthy of oral presentation.
Score of 6-8
Most likely will be considered for a poster presentation. The abstract is well-written, provides interesting findings, and is relevant to the cellular and transplantation therapy field. The methodology is valid but may have limitations.
Score of 9-10
Most likely will be rejected: The abstract is of limited relevance to the intended audience but is either not original or was not studied using valid and appropriate methodology. It may be poorly written, without a clear rationale, well-described methods, or any firm conclusions. Findings are unlikely to impact the field.
Apply for an ASTCT Abstract Travel Grant!
ASTCT Abstract Travel Grants are granted to qualified, in-training or junior faculty ASTCT members who are listed as authors on abstracts accepted for the Tandem Meetings. 25 grants of $1,500 each will be awarded to eligible applicants. This year, the Travel Grant program will be aimed at in-training or junior faculty with demonstrated commitment to the field of blood and marrow transplantation and/or cellular therapy.
Full program details and the grant application are available at this link: ASTCT Travel Grant Application and Program Details
Abstract Travel Grant applications will close on Monday, December 8 at 11:59 p.m. CT. You should apply for a grant before the abstract acceptances/rejections have been issued. The window for grant applications will close on Monday, December 8, very shortly after abstract acceptances have been issued, to allow for timely judging and prompt announcements to awardees.
For questions, contact Liz Stockton at lstockton@astct.org.
Journal Publication & Copyright Policy
All accepted abstracts will be published as a supplement to the February 2026 issue of ASTCT's journal Transplantation and Cellular Therapy and distributed digitally prior to the 2026 Tandem Meetings of ASTCT and CIBMTR. Authors assign copyright of the abstract to ASTCT upon submission, unless one of the authors is a U.S. Federal employee. This means that the identical abstract may not be republished or submitted to another meeting; however, Elsevier may grant permission for reuse of abstract content on behalf of ASTCT. You can request to re-use an abstract at http://www.elsevier.com/authors/permission-request-form.
Withdrawal & Corrections Policy
Requests to edit or withdraw submitted abstracts are strictly the responsibility of the presenting author and must be conducted within the confines of the abstract submission portal.
The deadline for all correction and withdrawal requests is Friday, November 14, 2025. The Tandem Abstracts Team is unable to fulfill any correction requests after this deadline. Requests should be submitted in writing to tandemabstracts@astct.org. We are unable to fulfill requests over the phone. Abstracts that remain in the submission system on November 15, 2025, 12:00 a.m. may be published online and in ASTCT's journal, Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, as submitted. The journal publisher Elsevier’s correction, retraction and removal policy can be found at https://www.elsevier.com/about/policies-and-standards/article-withdrawal.
Technical Support
For help in submitting an abstract online, email tandem@confex.com or click on the "Report a Technical Issue" link in the submission application. For all other questions regarding abstracts, please contact tandemabstracts@astct.org.