Updated: 14th February 2025
The Follicular Lymphoma Foundation (FLF) was thrilled to participate in the American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting, in December 2024. This is a premier event uniting top experts in hematology from across the globe to share innovative research and medical advances.
ASH 2024 in San Diego, US, offered an essential opportunity for the FLF to further our mission of unlocking a cure for follicular lymphoma. The FLF team built on our activities from previous years, with bold, impactful initiatives:
Our presence at ASH reflects our unwavering dedication to ensuring patients remain central to conversations about follicular lymphoma. By engaging directly with scientists, researchers, other charitable organisations, and life science industry leaders, we work to prioritize follicular lymphoma on the global research agenda. Our aim is to emphasize the urgency of developing more effective, patient-focused treatments while advancing the search for a cure.
Through collaboration and partnerships, the FLF amplifies the voices of those living with follicular lymphoma. We are committed to ensuring their needs not only shape the conversation but also drive innovation in research and treatment.
The ASH program of lectures, seminars and satellite symposiums is always packed full of the latest and most high caliber advances in clinical and scientific research, from investigators across the globe. Follow the link here to read key scientific highlights from our Chief Medical Officer Dr Mitchell Smith and the more in-depth article here.
To gain a deeper understanding of the latest clinical advances, watch our webinar ‘Cutting-Edge Treatments for FL: What’s New and What’s Next’
You told us what’s important to you, and we made sure your insights were at the heart of our participation at ASH 2024. We believe breakthroughs in treatment must be informed by the needs of those affected, and we actively collaborate with leading researchers and clinicians to integrate patient perspectives into the research process.
Ahead of the conference, we gathered patient perspectives through a survey shared in the Living with FL Facebook group (168 responses from 18 countries) on treatment options, preferences, and challenges faced by individuals with follicular lymphoma. We then held a roundtable discussion with a group of the FLF’s Super Supporters to delve deeper into the key findings, representing a diverse range of lived experiences.
Insights revealed that:
Thank you to everyone who participated in the survey; Your insights help shape the future of FL research and care, and we will continue to amplify your voices where it matters most.
The roundtable discussion was sponsored by Genmab US and Abbvie, Inc and Kite-Gilead, and supported by an independent educational Grant from AstraZeneca
Patient insights were integral to shaping our first ever accredited medical education event, ensuring patient perspectives were driving the conversation on FL care and research.
We partnered with the medical education provider Clinical Care Options (CCO) to deliver a satellite symposium, titled “A Game Changer for Follicular Lymphoma: Mastering Use of Precision Therapies as Part of Chemo-Free Treatment Paradigm”. The event was aimed at clinicians who care for patients with relapsed/refractory follicular lymphoma, and who wish to understand more about integrating the newest FL treatments into practice.
We were delighted with the fantastic turnout on the day, reaching a total of almost 400 live healthcare professional learners (201 in-person; 195 virtual), from academic and community settings, and from countries across the globe. The symposium recording is now available on the CCO website as a webcast for professionals, which will further expand the reach of this valuable resource.
If you are interested in learning more about what ‘chemo-free’ treatment options mean for people living with FL, Professor Jessica Okosun discusses whether chemotherapy is still the best choice and shares insights on other cutting-edge therapies here.
This aspect of the program has been supported by educational grants from AstraZeneca; Genmab US, Inc.; and Ipsen Biopharmaceuticals, Inc.
ASH offers a unique platform for the FLF to connect with the global scientific community, identify breakthrough research, and accelerate the development of innovative treatments and cure. During the conference, we convened a workshop, bringing together all of our CURE FL research program investigators across Cycle 1 and the recently awarded Cycle 2, along with our partners Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) and Institute for Follicular Lymphoma Innovation (IFLI), to share insights and advance critical discoveries.
A key takeaway from the workshop was that the idea of moving away from chemotherapy entirely is extremely complex. The FL experts explained that although there are already treatment options that don’t include traditional chemotherapy, the well-tolerated and effective chemo-based treatments continue to be commonly used.
In this closed forum, we shared what we heard from you, the FL community: most patients aren’t focused on avoiding chemotherapy at all costs but are more concerned with reducing side effects and having a treatment plan that preserves their quality of life over the long term. Experts predict that bispecific antibodies, either alone or in combination with other treatment, will likely become a common first-line option in the next 2–3 years based on ongoing clinical trials. Further research in this area is underway, including by Dr Philippe Armand, one of our CURE FL investigators who recently started his clinical study on the use of a novel bispecific antibody as a frontline therapy for FL.
Research is ongoing to better understand the molecular characteristics of FL to tailor treatments to each individual. Additional research is also exploring the use of blood tests to track disease progression, which could help predict how FL will develop. This could reduce uncertainty and anxiety for people affected by FL, while allowing for earlier intervention if the disease returns or changes before symptoms appear.
Find out more about the FLF’s CURE FL research grants program here.
This aspect of the program has been sponsored by Genmab US and Abbvie, Inc and Kite-Gilead, and supported by an independent educational Grant from AstraZeneca
Throughout the ASH conference, the FLF team remained focused on ensuring that follicular lymphoma received the attention it deserves. The insights and partnerships gained during the conference will play a crucial role in shaping the future of research, bringing us closer to achieving our ultimate goal: a cure for follicular lymphoma.
Through in-depth discussions, we aimed to strengthen existing partnerships and forge new collaborations that support our scientific and patient programmes. These efforts are vital for accelerating new treatments, advancing the search for a cure and improving outcomes for people living with FL.
Help us drive life-changing research for follicular lymphoma patients. Your donation directly supports our efforts to advance innovative treatments and bring us closer to a cure.
