Madrid, 3 October 2024. - MD Anderson Cancer Center Madrid – Hospiten and the MD Anderson Cancer Center Spain Foundation celebrate the thirteenth edition of Jornadas de Leucemia Aguda (Acute Leukemia Open Days), a forum where the latest developments in the research and approach to this pathology will be presented and discussed. As on previous occasions, the event, held on October 3 and 4 at the MD Anderson Spain Foundation Auditorium, involves the participation of experts from MD Anderson Madrid – Hospiten and its counterpart in Houston (United States), as well as other prestigious national and international centers based in Colombia, Brazil, Italy, Argentina, Chile, Germany, France and Israel.
Over the course of the two days, more than 40 specialists will provide an update on the latest developments in the treatment of myelodysplastic syndromes, myelofibrosis and specific therapies for Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) and Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). “After years of research, we are finally seeing significant advances in our approach to this type of tumor, which we are coming to understand better, as well as the mechanisms and alterations that underlie and promote the onset of leukemia. Knowing what alterations occur in the cells of the disease is enabling the development of new treatment strategies,” says Dr. Adolfo de la Fuente, Head of the Hematology Department at MD Anderson Cancer Center Madrid – Hospiten and coordinator of the conference.
In this context, the specialist underlines that this greater understanding of the pathology is aiding the development of new drugs, among which the FLT3, IDH inhibitors, menin inhibitors and the menin-KMT2A interaction stand out. In addition, Dr. De la Fuente explained that notable advances are also being seen in the ALL field, such as the combined use of monoclonal antibodies with tyrosine kinase inhibitors. “This combination could improve the results so significantly that, in some cases, it may no longer be necessary to resort to allogeneic transplantation in these patients,” he adds.
Clinical trials, key in the management of acute leukemia
This experts´ forum will also address the challenges and complexities that the incorporation of all these new agents may represent for working professionals as they emerge and develop. “Integrating these into daily practice and being able to offer them to patients suffering from these subtypes of diseases is undoubtedly an important challenge,” says the conference coordinator.
In this regard, Dr. De la Fuente went on to stress the impact of clinical trials in the treatment of AML due to their key role in the development of new therapies, the improvement of treatment strategies and the optimization of results: “It is essential to highlight the importance of clinical trials for the approach to this pathology. In addition, continued training and the exchange of knowledge and experiences among professionals are crucial to enable us to provide and implement these new therapeutic options with the lowest possible risk and maximum safety for patients in everyday practice.”
The role of new technologies in diagnostic processes and the design and construction of decision, treatment and management algorithms, the main challenges for the treatment of patients with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) and recent advances in the field of AML diagnosis will be some of the other topics discussed at the various sessions.
As in previous editions, the preparation of the extensive program has been highly successful thanks to the tireless work of the expert Scientific Committee in managing to include so many interesting topics and address all the main developments in the field of leukemia. You can watch the show here.