The SWOG Cancer Research Network has announced the appointment of Dr. Amrita Krishnan as the new chair of its Barlogie-Salmon Myeloma Committee, a leadership role that places her at the forefront of cooperative group research in multiple myeloma. The announcement was made by Dr. Charles D. Blanke, SWOG Group Chair, and marks the transition of leadership from Dr. Robert Z. Orlowski, who has guided the committee with distinction in recent years.
What Is the Barlogie-Salmon Myeloma Committee?
The Barlogie-Salmon Myeloma Committee is one of SWOG’s most vital disease-specific working groups. Named in honor of Dr. Bart Barlogie and Dr. Steven Salmon, two pioneers in myeloma research and treatment, the committee drives the design and execution of large-scale, practice-changing clinical trials within the National Cancer Institute’s National Clinical Trials Network (NCTN).
Dr. Bart Barlogie
Dr Sydney Salmon
Its mandate extends beyond trial design: the committee also identifies unmet needs in myeloma care, develops innovative strategies for treatment, and nurtures collaboration across institutions. Given the rapid evolution of therapies for multiple myeloma, from immunomodulatory drugs and proteasome inhibitors to CAR-T cell therapy and bispecific antibodies, the committee’s work is instrumental in shaping the next generation of evidence-based standards.
About Dr. Amrita Krishnan
Dr. Amrita Krishnan is a leading authority in hematologic malignancies, with a particular focus on multiple myeloma and stem cell transplantation. She serves as Director of the Judy and Bernard Briskin Multiple Myeloma Center at City of Hope and is a professor in the Department of Hematology & Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation.
Her research has centered on advancing cellular therapy, transplantation strategies, and novel drug development in myeloma. Dr. Krishnan has authored or co-authored numerous peer-reviewed publications, contributed to pivotal clinical trials, and has been recognized for her commitment to mentoring the next generation of investigators in hematology and oncology.
Why This Appointment Matters
The chair of the Barlogie-Salmon Myeloma Committee plays a decisive role in setting research priorities for cooperative group trials in myeloma – studies that are often too large or complex to be undertaken by single institutions. Under Dr. Krishnan’s leadership, the committee is expected to continue addressing key challenges such as optimizing frontline therapy, refining transplant strategies, and integrating emerging immunotherapies into standard care.
Her appointment also reflects the increasing emphasis on diversity in leadership within cooperative oncology groups, ensuring that the field benefits from a wide range of perspectives and expertise.
Next Steps for the Committee
As Dr. Krishnan steps into her new role, she brings both a track record of scientific excellence and a vision for the future of myeloma research. Her leadership of the Barlogie-Salmon Myeloma Committee signals an exciting chapter for SWOG and for patients worldwide who stand to benefit from the breakthroughs that emerge from its work.
You can read more posts covering SWOG Cancer Research Network and Dr. Amrita Krishnan on Oncodaily website.
Written by Sergey Badalyan, MD