FLF shines a spotlight on Follicular Lymphoma at upcoming 17-ICML

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We are thrilled to announce that the Follicular Lymphoma Foundation (FLF) will be taking centre stage at the upcoming 17th International Conference on Malignant Lymphoma (ICML) in Lugano, Switzerland, from June 13-17th, 2023.

For those attending 17-ICML (virtually or in person): You can view details about our symposium on the 17-ICML platform – follow this link: ICML – Conference.

I am delighted to chair our satellite symposium at ICML this year. Looking forward to delving into the latest advancements in follicular lymphoma research and discussing potential pathways to a cure!

Dr Mitchell Smith (CMO, FLF)

What is ICML?

The ICML is a prestigious global event that serves as a platform for international experts, researchers, clinicians, and patient advocates to come together and share their knowledge, recent updates, and experiences in the field of lymphoma research and treatment. Located in the scenic city of Lugano, Switzerland, ICML attracts experts and key opinion leaders from across the globe every 2 years. 

FLF satellite symposium – “What will it take to cure Follicular Lymphoma?”

The FLF are delighted to have been invited to host a satellite symposium at the 17-ICML, entitled “What will it take to cure Follicular Lymphoma?”.  

Our distinguished speakers will discuss the latest advancements in follicular lymphoma research and how we might use these advances to develop new approaches to treating and curing FL. This event marks a significant step forward in raising awareness and fostering collaboration amongst the top lymphoma experts across the world. 

Our symposium will bring together renowned specialists, researchers, and academics to explore cutting-edge scientific discoveries and breakthroughs specific to follicular lymphoma and how we can push the boundaries. The symposium has been supported by an independent educational grant from AstraZeneca, with additional sponsorship support from BeiGene, Novartis, and BioInvent International AB. 

Our esteemed chair and panellists include: 

  • Mitchell Smith, MD, PhD: CMO, Follicular Lymphoma Foundation
  • Loretta J. Nastoupil, MD: MD Anderson Cancer Centre, Houston, Texas, US 
  • Jessica Okosun, MD, PhD: Cancer Research UK Barts Centre, London, UK 
  • Marco Ladetto, MD: Università del Piemonte Orientale, Piedmont, IT 
  • Ari M. Melnick, MD: Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, US 
 
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Key topics we will cover at the FLF satellite symposium:

1. Advancements in T-cell engaging therapies

Dr Nastoupil will explore the remarkable progress in CAR-T cell therapy and bispecific antibody treatment. She will address the question around whether T-cell engaging therapies may become curative options in certain sub-groups of follicular lymphoma patients. 

2. Understanding the biology of Common Precursor Cells

Dr Okosun will share her insights into the biology of Common Precursor Cells, believed to be major drivers of follicular lymphoma. She will talk about the latest research in the area, including current barriers to getting rid of these cells and new strategies that may hold promise for a cure.

3. Advances in Minimal Residual Disease (MRD) assays

Dr Ladetto will uncover the significance of MRD tests in monitoring treatment response and assessing long-term impact for patients. He will discuss the cutting-edge technologies that enable us to detect even the tiniest traces of residual disease, allowing for timely interventions and a deeper understanding of the benefits of treatment. 

4. Exploring Epigenetic Mutations as treatment targets

Dr Melnick will deliberate the role of epigenetic mutations in follicular lymphoma, both in drug resistance and as potential targets for developing new treatments. He will shed light on how we may best use epigenetic and other targeted approaches, offering hope for improved treatment outcomes.

5. Panel discussion – “Laying the pathway to cure”

Dr Smith, the FLF’s Chief Medical Officer, will bring together all four expert panellists and guide a stimulating panel discussion on: “Laying the pathway to cure”. This will provide a unique opportunity to gain insights, engage in thought-provoking conversations, and collectively paint a picture for progressing towards future curative approaches in FL. 

The FLF team attending full 17-ICML programme

The 17-ICML conference is unique in that it is focused on lymphoma specifically, and the FLF team will use this opportunity to attend scientific and clinical sessions, to learn from the most prominent lymphoma experts across the globe. We will continue to build relationships, share our latest updates about our programmes of research, and foster potential collaborations, to help us achieve our mission.  

If you plan to attend 17-ICML and would like to meet with us, get in touch: info@theflf.org

Look out for updates

Throughout the 17-ICML conference and the FLF satellite symposium, the FLF team on the ground will share insights, alongside the most interesting scientific and clinical updates from the field. Look out on our website and social media channels for updates.