Third ‘i4MDS’ consortium general meeting held in The Hague
The International Integrative Innovative Immunology for Myelodysplastic Neoplasms ('i4MDS') consortium held its third general meeting in The Hague from February 7–8, 2025.
Organized by the European Hematology Association—with support from Beckman Coulter and Pfizer—the meeting brought together over 50 participants from across European countries, Canada, and the United States. It provided an invaluable platform for members of the i4MDS consortium to share updates, engage in discussions, and collaborate on advancing research in the myelodysplastic neoplasms/syndromes (MDS) field. In particular, the event highlighted significant progress in understanding the immunology of MDS and the growing potential of multi-center collaboration to enhance the generation of key clinical data.
Data collection and sharing
One of the key points of focus was the sharing and discussion of the preliminary data generated thus far by the consortium. These findings offered valuable insights into the ongoing research efforts, and discussions were held to ensure alignment and the next steps for refining and expanding data generation.
Attendees agreed that there should be a concerted effort to involve more centers in the data collection process. This will help to increase the robustness of the research and provide a broader range of findings to support the development of new therapeutic approaches.
Progress in MDS immunology
Another important update that attendees discussed at the meeting was the progress made in the field of MDS immunology.
As the understanding of immune system involvement in MDS continues to evolve, participants shared the latest research on immune-mediated mechanisms and how this could impact future treatment strategies. This area remains a critical focus for the i4MDS consortium as it holds promise for innovative therapies that can better target the underlying disease processes.
Consortium members were very pleased that immune data from approximately 200 MDS patients, based on the i4MDS panels, was presented as an oral abstract at ASH 2025 in San Diego by Prof Della Porta’s team at Humanitas University.
Legal arrangements and consortium agreement
During the event, attendees also discussed the legal arrangements and consortium agreement.
Participants were told about the various aspects of the ongoing legal framework to ensure smooth collaboration and adherence to research standards. Ensuring that all consortium members are aligned on these terms is essential for facilitating efficient cooperation, sharing data, and pursuing future initiatives within the consortium.
Funding opportunities
Another major theme of the meeting was applying for larger grants to make the i4MDS consortium sustainable.
With the success of preliminary data generation and the growing momentum in MDS research, the i4MDS consortium is now positioning itself to seek additional funding opportunities to expand its efforts. The meeting emphasized the need for strategic collaboration to pursue large-scale grants that will further drive research and the development of new therapeutic options for MDS patients.
Partnerships and collaborations
Collaboration, both within and outside the i4MDS network, was highlighted as a key strategy moving forward.
It was noted that strengthening partnerships with external organizations, universities, and research centers will enhance the consortium's data and knowledge and open the door for innovative cross-disciplinary collaborations. Building these relationships is essential for tackling the complexities of MDS and ensuring that the research efforts continue to move forward in a meaningful and impactful way.
Looking ahead
As part of its plan for the next year, the consortium aims to take the following actions.
- Generate more data. This will facilitate the ultimate clinical implementation of MDS immune monitoring.
- Apply for joint/program grants. This is the consortium's first priority.
- Work on clinical guidelines for MDS.
- Encourage further engagement inside the EHA Specialized Working Group on MDS. Members of the i4MDS consortium will be invited to participate there and work together on further important initiatives.
- Improve education. This is another priority, and the i4MDS consortium will brainstorm how it can be achieved.
Find out more
For the latest information on the consortium's membership, working groups, and publications, visit our i4MDS page.
Back