News

The Australasian Leukaemia & Lymphoma Group (ALLG) May Scientific Meeting brought together leading blood cancer clinicians, researchers and trial teams from across Australia and New Zealand for a dynamic exchange of ideas, data, and discovery. The meeting underscored the collective commitment of ALLG Members advancing clinical trials that improve outcomes and quality of life for people affected by blood cancers.

The Scientific Meeting is a cornerstone for collaboration, where expertise is shared and new directions and discoveries in clinical trial research are shaped.

Advancing Clinical Trials & Research Excellence

A key feature of the program was the plenary presentations, where members showcased updates across a broad portfolio of ALLG clinical trials. These sessions highlighted ongoing progress and emerging research concepts aimed at improving treatment approaches for patients.

Researchers also discussed novel therapeutic strategies and trial innovations, sparking valuable discussions on how to accelerate research into clinical practice. The collaborative nature of these sessions reinforces the strength of our network and our shared goal of Better treatments…Better lives.

Guest speakers included

Professor Paolo Ghia, is a Professor of Medical Oncology at the Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele and Deputy Chairman of the Division of Experimental Oncology, at IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele in Milano, Italy, where he is also Head of the Laboratory of B-Cell Neoplasia and Director of the Strategic Research Program on CLL. Prof Ghia delivered a presentation on  “European insights into CLL,” drawing on extensive international experience in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia.

ALLG Member Professor Maher Gandhi, CEO of the Translational Research Institute and lead of the Blood Cancer Research group at TRI-based Mater Research and is internationally recognised for significant contributions to the understanding of the role of immune evasion in the tumour microenvironment of patients with lymphoma, presented on “Health and Medical Research in Australia – Reflections for a CEO”.

Dr Prithviraj Bose, Professor and co-leader of the section of myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) within the Department of Leukemia at the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, TX, spoke on anaemia in myelofibrosis.

Together these speakers provided attendees with valuable scientific insights, highlighting contemporary issues shaping haematology research globally.

Supporting the Next Generation

At the 2025 May Scientific Meeting, the New Investigators Workshop delivered an engaging and practical program designed to support early career researchers and clinicians new to clinical trials within the ALLG network.

Through presentations, breakout discussions and interactive activities, attendees explored the clinical trial landscape including key roles in trial delivery, research governance, budgeting and trial management. The session also examined how to identify gaps, evaluate different research approaches and build strong stakeholder relationships across the clinical trial sector.

With a strong focus on sustainability, funding pathways, and career development, the workshop highlighted ALLG’s commitment to supporting and empowering the next generation of clinical trial researchers.

Launch of the 2025 Research Report

The May Scientific Meeting is the annual launch of the ALLG 2025 Research Report. The Report showcases a comprehensive overview of the Members’ research achievements, clinical trial milestones, and patient impact over the past year.

The 2025 Research Report reflects the dedication of the group – investigators, site teams, coordinators and patients who contribute to advancing blood cancer research globally. It captures the momentum of ongoing trials and the progress made in accelerating treatments.

Living Our Values Award

ALLG’s Living Our Values Award recognises and rewards excellence and acknowledges the significant contributions employees make to ALLG. This award was presented to Jenny Collins, Project Manager of the National Blood Cancer Registry, for her outstanding contributions to the ALLG through the day to day application of the ALLG Core Values – quality, integrity and collaboration, innovation and respect.

Congratulations to Jenny Collins on this well-deserved recognition and for being a constant role model to all of us on how living our values shapes the success of ALLG.

Next Steps in Innovation

The May 2025 Scientific Meeting highlighted the strength and momentum of ALLG’s research community. Through shared knowledge, recognition of excellence, and ongoing collaboration, the meeting reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to advancing innovative treatments that make a real impact to patients.

As we look to the future, the focus remains clear – building strong partnerships and high-quality research to deliver Better treatments…Better lives for people impacted by blood cancer.