Since the advent of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) has increasingly been perceived as a well-controlled and highly treatable disease. As a result, less attention is often paid to ongoing advances and emerging data in this field. However, CML management frequently requires long-term, often life-long therapy, making the informed optimization of quality of life and treatment strategies a central consideration.

Despite the availability of clinical guidelines, important questions remain—particularly regarding optimal therapy sequencing and clear criteria for treatment discontinuation. The Hematology Academy 2026 - CML aims to refocus attention on this evolving disease through a concise yet comprehensive update, highlighting the latest developments in basic, translational, and clinical research to support evidence-based clinical decisions.

In alignment with the ESH-iCMLf 28th Annual John Goldman Conference on Chronic Myeloid Leukemia: Biology and Therapy, this initiative seeks to foster scientific exchange and support the next generation of hematologists. As part of this program, two aspiring physicians will be awarded travel grants to attend the ESH-iCMLf 2026 meeting, taking place from 2. to 4. October 2026 in Gothenburg, Sweden, and will subsequently bring back their key learnings to Switzerland to present and discuss them during this dedicated post-congress event.

Date: 30. October 2026

Time: 12:00 – 16:00

Place: SITEM Insel

Registration

Credits will be requested

2 Travel Awards for Hematologists or medical Oncologists - Apply now!

2 Travel Awards for Hematologists or medical Oncologists - Apply now!

We grant 2 travel awards to attend the ESH-iCMLf 28th Annual John Goldman Conference on Chronic Myeloid Leukemia: Biology and Therapy, taking place from 2. to 4. October 2026 in Gothenburg, Sweden

What can you expect from the award?

  • Mentorship

  • Travel, accommodation and registration fees*

*while adhering to 33% co-payment rule as outlined in Swiss Ordinance VITH

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You must fulfill at least 2 of the following criteria:

  • Have a Hematology or Medical Oncology FMH title

  • Be an experienced speaker involved in previous events

  • Have published research on CML

  • Have been an investigator on clinical trials on CML

  • Have treated a significant number of patients with CML

  • Have been involved in local/international guidelines

  • Are a board member of a medical society

Apply by July 8th

Send your CV, motivation letter & letter of recommendation to gabriela.fosado_wyhooge@novartis.com. The steering committee will nominate the winners among the applications and select according to the criteria listed above.

The program is aimed at physicians caring for hematology patients, typically at senior/attending physician level but also open to early-career consultants. It particularly targets clinicians who are keen to deepen their expertise in CML and who value the opportunity to disseminate newly acquired knowledge and extend their professional network

Registration

Steering Committee

Prof. Dr. med. Gabriela Baerlocher

Hirslandenspital Zürich

Dr. med. Thomas Lehmann

HOCH, Kantonsspital St.Gallen

Prof. Dr. med. Sara Christina Meyer, PhD

Inselspital, Bern

Program:

Please note that this program was designed in the absence of the final ESH-iCMLf program. Topics may therefore still be subject to change.

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Networking lunch

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Opening

Prof. Dr. med. Sara Christina Meyer, PhD
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Introduction to speaker 1 and topics

Prof. Dr. med. Gabriela Baerlocher
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Speaker 1: Optimizing long-term disease control and TFR strategies

Tranlational: Biological determinants of deep remission and TFR success (topics may include:)

  • Residual disease biology (LSCs, immune control)

  • Predictors of deep molecular response (MR4+, MR5)

  • Mechanisms behind TFR failure & re-attempt success

Clinical: TFR in clinical practice: patient selection, monitoring, and re-attempt strategies (topics may include:)

  • QoL aspects of TFR vs long term therapies

  • Novel insights on criteria for TFR eligibility

  • Monitoring strategies and management of relapse

  • Evidence & positioning of TFR re-attempts

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Podium discussion and Q&A guided

Prof. Dr. med. Gabriela Baerlocher
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Break

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Introduction Speaker 2

Dr. med. Thomas Lehmann
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Speaker 2: Managing resistance and shaping treatment strategies

Translational: Mechanisms of resistance: BCR::ABL1 mutations and beyond (topics may include:)

  • BCR::ABL1 mutation landscape

  • Role of ACAs / AGAs / clonal evolution

  • Emerging targets (e.g., microenvironment, signaling pathways)

Clinical: Therapeutic strategies: sequencing and novel options to manage resistance and QoL (topics may include:)

  • Current 1L selection and sequencing strategies considering Safety/tolerability vs efficacy trade-offs

  • Management of mutation-driven resistance (including combination approaches)

  • Positioning of new agents/mechanisms

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Podium discussion and Q&A guided

Dr. med. Thomas Lehmann
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Conclusion, Outlook and Closing

Prof. Dr. med. Sara Christina Meyer, PhD

Location

Swiss Institute for Translational and Entrepreneurial Medicine

Freiburgstrasse 3, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
3010 Bern

Felix Frey Auditorium E0.211

This continuing education program was organized in collaboration with Novartis.

We would also like to thank our sponsors.