The inaugural iCMLf Forum: Saudi Arabia - Progress and Practice in CML brought together 43 physicians from across the Kingdom and beyond for a full day of evidence-based updates, debate, and clinical discussion in Riyadh. As our first iCMLf Forum delivered outside the United States, this meeting on November 1st 2025 marked an important milestone in strengthening global collaboration around CML management.

Led by Professors Jorge Cortes, Tim Hughes and Giuseppe Saglio, alongside an exceptional Saudi faculty including Professor Naeem Chaudhri, Dr Mohammed Almakadi, Dr Marwan Shaheen and Dr Binyam Usman, the Forum explored the latest science shaping CML management in 2025.

The program covered updated ELN recommendations, advances in first-line TKI strategies, long-term therapy considerations, treatment-free remission, and future directions in biomarkers, combination therapies and ASXL1 mutations. Sessions were practical, forward-looking, and firmly grounded in real-world clinical challenges across diverse treatment settings.

Professor Ayman Alhejazi expertly moderated two lively debates on STAMP inhibitors vs established TKIs as first-line therapy, and Dose de-escalation vs direct discontinuation when approaching treatment-free remission.

The meeting was exceptionally well received. Participants described the day as “directly applicable to clinical practice,” with 100% rating the content as relevant to the patients they see, and an overall meeting score of 4.75 out of 5. The discussions on dose optimisation, third-line therapy, treatment-free remission and first-line TKI selection stood out as particularly valuable, reflecting the practical challenges clinicians are navigating in daily practice. Many attendees also noted how the two debates - on asciminib in the frontline setting and whether to de-escalate before attempting TFR - helped sharpen their thinking on areas where the field is actively evolving.

Reflecting on the day, Professor Giuseppe Saglio commented:

“It was a privilege to join colleagues in Riyadh for such an open exchange of ideas. The enthusiasm and dedication of physicians here reaffirm that improving CML outcomes is not just a scientific goal, it’s a global, human commitment.”

This Forum is part of the iCMLf’s broader commitment to expanding access to expert education and strengthening international clinical networks. By bringing together regional experience and global expertise, the meeting supports a shared goal - ensuring that every person living with CML can benefit from the latest evidence, best practice, and continuous innovation in care.

We extend our sincere thanks to Novartis for supporting this educational meeting. Their partnership plays an important role in enabling high-quality exchanges that advance CML practice across the region.