Day 3: Sunday, 29 September 2024 – Reflections and takeaways from CLL Horizons 2024
As we wrap up CLL Horizons 2024, we reflect on an inspiring and collaborative final day filled with meaningful discussions, insights, and learnings. Sunday, 29th September marked the culmination of three powerful days, with a focus on critical topics in CLL care and advocacy, aiming to empower patients, caregivers, and professionals alike.
To relive the highlights of this engaging Day 3, don’t miss the video summary below.
Treatment Duration: Fixed vs Continuous Approaches
The day began with a highly anticipated debate on treatment duration in CLL. Dr. Talha Munir (UK) and Professor William Wierda (US) discussed the scientific pros and cons of fixed versus continuous treatment. The session highlighted both medical perspectives and patient considerations, followed by a panel discussion chaired by Michael Rynne (Ireland) and Kathryn Huntley (Australia), which compared the goals of physicians and patients when it comes to treatment planning.
Shared Decision-Making in CLL
Next, a session on Shared Decision Making took centre stage, exploring the intricate dynamics between healthcare professionals and patients. Professor Kostas Stamatopoulos (Greece) led two role-play scenarios, illustrating the challenges in communication, health literacy, and patient empowerment. A panel discussion followed, featuring insights from Dr. Christina Karamanidou (Greece), advocates Lorna Warwick (Canada), and Jan Rynne (Ireland), emphasising the importance of shared decision-making for improving patient outcomes.
Clinical Trials and Patient Involvement
The importance of patient involvement in clinical research was addressed in the Medical & Advocacy Session on Clinical Studies and Trials. Dr. Talha Munir (UK) and Johannes Förner (Germany) discussed the evolving role of patients in clinical study development. The panel explored how empowering patients to engage with researchers can help build capacity and foster more patient-centred trials, bringing in perspectives from Professor Norah Akinola (Nigeria) and Felice Bombaci (Italy).
Management and Prevention of Infections in CLL
The session on Management and Prevention of Infections focused on the critical unmet needs and best practices in infection control for CLL patients. Dr. Lydia Scarfo (Italy) delivered an insightful clinical update, followed by discussions on global collaborations, such as the International COVID-19 Blood Cancer Coalition (ICBCC) and the CLL Immune Challenges Taskforce, led by Nick York (UK) and Brian Koffman (US).
Best Poster Award & Closing Remarks
The day concluded with the announcement of the Best Poster Award and heartfelt closing remarks from the CLLAN Steering Committee. As we closed out this year’s event, there was a palpable sense of unity and shared commitment to improving the lives of those affected by CLL.
A Warm Thank You to All
We want to express our deepest gratitude to every speaker, delegate, and supporter who made CLL Horizons 2024 such a success. Your contributions have truly driven the rich discussions and impactful learning we’ve experienced over the past few days. Special thanks to our generous funders, including AstraZeneca, BeiGene, Lilly, ABBVIE, Johnson & Johnson, Takeda, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, and Nurix Therapeutics, whose support made this event possible.
Inspiring Community Engagement
A huge thank you to everyone who actively participated in our WhatsApp chat throughout the conference. Your enthusiasm and sharing of ideas have been inspiring, and it’s been a joy to see the community come together in such a meaningful way. We look forward to continuing these conversations as we move forward.
Accessing Photos, Presentations, and Videos
We’ll be capturing all the highlights and making the event photos, presentation videos, slides, and other materials available on our website in due course. Keep an eye out for an email update—we’ll notify you as soon as these resources are available online.
A Collaborative Day of Learning and Action
As we bring CLL Horizons 2024 to a close, we leave inspired, united in purpose, and equipped with new knowledge to continue making a difference in the lives of CLL patients worldwide. The collaborations and connections formed over the past three days will have a lasting impact, and we look forward to the future with renewed hope and determination.
Thank you all, and we look forward to continuing this journey together!
We would like to thank the following for their event grant support:
