Roundup: ESH 6th International Conference on AML - Advancements in Biology and Treatment

Estoril, Portugal - October 29-31, 2023

The eagerly anticipated 6th International Conference on Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), "Molecular and Translational: Advances in Biology and Treatment," held in Estoril, Portugal, from October 29–31, 2023, proved to be a groundbreaking event at the forefront of AML research and treatment. 

Conference Overview: Biannually, the ESH Conferences on AML have solidified their role as essential scientific and educational platforms, bridging the gap between molecular and biologic developments and how these translate to a clinical setting. The conference showcased rapid progress in novel technological, molecular, and immunologic approaches, providing fresh insights into AML biology and therapeutic perspectives. 

Program Highlights: The cutting-edge program addressed various aspects of AML, including: 

• Molecular and functional features of leukemic stem cells and their interaction with the microenvironment 
• The role of somatic and germ-line mutations, as well as epigenetic alterations in AML biology 
• Genomics of leukemogenesis 
• Advances in molecular diagnostics and developmental therapeutics, with a focus on molecular and immunotherapeutic targeted treatments 
• Special attention to the utility and promise of novel therapeutic agents 

Educational Accreditation: The conference was granted approval for 18 CME-CPD credit points by the European Board for Accreditation in Haematology (EBAH), reinforcing its commitment to providing valuable educational content. 

Key Topics Explored: The conference delved into critical topics, offering a comprehensive understanding of AML, including:

• Preleukemic hematopoiesis and clonal diversity 
• Preleukemic conditions and predisposition 
• Epigenetics 
• MDS/Secondary leukemia 
• Immune targeting 
• Therapeutic targeting 

Learning Objectives Achieved: Participants at ESHAML2023 accomplished a range of learning objectives, such as:

1. Understanding the pathobiology of leukemia and its development, concerning alterations in hematopoietic stem cells, their microenvironment, and altered signal transduction pathways. 
2. Gaining insight into the mechanisms of inherited and preleukemic disorders and genomic instability that predispose to leukemogenesis and disease progression. 
3. Understanding the characterization of a leukemia stem cell and its relationship to disease development and phenotype. 
4. Learning about the pathobiologic importance of epigenetic dysregulation in the development of AML and its clinical impact. 
5. Evaluating the merits and relevance of molecular diagnostics and minimal residual disease assessment in various management decisions. 
6. Gaining insight into novel therapeutics for AML, including knowledge of their mechanisms of action, drug resistance mechanisms, the current developmental status of various targeted drugs, novel antibody-based and cell-transfer-based immunotherapeutic approaches and their potential future clinical applications. 

In summary, ESHAML2023 succeeded in fostering collaboration, sharing knowledge, and advancing the understanding and treatment of AML. The conference left participants inspired and equipped with the latest insights, promising to impact the future of AML research and patient care.