The 2025 edition of our “Hereditary Hematologic Malignancies: Not That Rare” medical education webinar series features Dr. Kelly Bolton (Washington University School of Medicine) discussing how inherited (germline) genetic variants influence the development of blood cancers.

Dr. Bolton explains the role of clonal hematopoiesis (CH) as the bridge between inherited and acquired mutations, the importance of germline testing, and emerging strategies for early intervention.

This presentation was held twice in 2025, and each time was followed by an expert panel discussion with different guests:

April 10, 2025

• Dr. Gina Keiffer (Thomas Jefferson University)

• Dr. Abhishek A. Mangaonkar, M.B.B.S. (Mayo Clinic)

October 1, 2025

• Dr. Sravanti Rangaraju (University of Alabama)

• Kelcy Smith-Simmer, MMSc, CGC (University of Wisconsin)

Learning Objectives:

• Explain how clonal hematopoiesis (CH) develops and why some mutations confer higher risk (“fitness”).

• Understand how inherited (germline) variants interact with acquired mutations to shape blood cancer risk.

• Recognize the clinical importance of germline testing for patients with hematologic malignancies and their families.

• Identify current and emerging strategies for monitoring and early intervention in high-risk individuals.