All-encompassing meeting on ALL highly rated by participants

EHA-SWG Scientific Meeting on New Molecular Insights and Innovative Management Approaches for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia | April 12-14, 2018 | Barcelona, Spain

Almost 200 delegates from over 30 countries benefitted from stimulating and excellent discussions about Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) at the EHA-SWG Scientific Meeting on New Molecular Insights and Innovative Management Approaches for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia on April 12-14, 2018 in Barcelona, Spain.

“The meeting was a valuable professional experience for me. Interesting presentations and expert discussions have enriched my professional knowledge in hematology. I liked the fact that this meeting also included pediatric subjects, which makes an important contribution to my training as a young specialist in pediatric hematology. After the meeting, I came back home with more questions on acute lymphoblastic leukemia, because every time there is a place for improvement of diagnosis and oncology treatment". – Dr. Iulia Colesnic from Moldova

This was the second time EHA and the EHA Scientific Working Group on Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia organized a meeting together. This meeting brought updates on the compounds under development and described new biologic subgroups and their respective diagnostic strategies. These developments are a challenge for patient treatment and clinical science.

The main topics discussed were:

  • Molecular basis of ALL
  • Personalized medicine in ALL 
  • Minimal Residual Disease / Methods and application
  • Current standards pediatric / adult ALL
  • Therapy of Ph+ ALL
  • Immunotherapy of ALL
  • Older patients with ALL
  • Challenges in practical management

The program of the EHA-SWG meeting on ALL aimed to bring clinicians and young scientists together with leading experts, to facilitate exchange and expand the networks of national study groups to a European level. This was done through a variety of session types, including lectures, round tables and debates, as well as dedicated workshops and meet-the-experts sessions.

“I would highlight the high level of the scientific discussions and presentations (the highest I have seen so far) driven by faculty of world-renowned experts. The program has covered all aspects in ALL from the biology, diagnostics all through treatment and research.” - Sponsor

In addition, participants were actively involved by submitting abstracts. The best abstracts were then selected for either a pitch or a poster presentation. In total, 27 posters were presented. All abstracts, including those that were not selected for a poster or pitch presentation, were published in an online abstract book, available to all participants of the meeting.

The early-bird workshops were a new element for an SWG scientific meeting. These workshops provided participants with the opportunity to informally discuss key topics within ALL. They received an overall score of 3.92, indicating that they were well-received.

“Overall an excellent meeting. The best aspect was that although it was focused on ALL it covered all ages. This is really rare. In fact, I cannot think of another forum.” - Anthony Moorman, faculty member

The meeting was organized in collaboration with SWG Chair Dr Nicola Gökbuget of the Scientific Working Group on Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia and was co-chaired by the steering committee of this SWG (Prof R Bassan, Prof H Dombret, Prof A Fielding, Prof R Foà, Prof D Hoelzer and Prof JM Ribera).

“The meeting was really stimulating and nice. I enjoyed the excellent speakers, the discussion and lively contributions from pitch presenters.” - Chair

100% of respondents would recommend the meeting to colleagues and 81.8% of respondents would attend again.

EHA would like to thank the chairs, the faculty, the sponsors and the scientific program committee for their invaluable contribution to this excellent meeting.

The meeting was sponsored by: Incyte Biosciences International Sàrl (Premium), Amgen (Europe) GmbH (Premium), Shire (Major-level & Satellite organizer) and Pfizer (Major)

 

 

 

Last Updated on Wednesday 18 July 2018.