The iCMLf brings global expertise to Ecuador in collaboration with the Sociedad Ecuatoriana de Hematología

On February 27^th, the iCMLf convened a one-day forum at the Hospital de Especialidades Eugenio Espejo in Quito, Ecuador, bringing together leading CML experts from across the globe. Held in collaboration with the Sociedad Ecuatoriana de Hematología, the iCMLf Forum CML Without Borders: A Dialogue from the Andes drew international and Ecuadorian clinicians, laboratory specialists, and researchers together with a shared focus on advancing the treatment of CML in Ecuador and across Latin America.

Opening remarks were delivered by Dra María del Carmen Trujillo, Head of Hematology at the hospital and the day reflected a genuine commitment to scientific exchange and a conviction that geographic distance should not determine the quality of a patient's care.

An International Faculty of CML Experts

The forum was chaired by Dr Teodoro Chisesi, from Ecuador along with Professor Jorge Cortes, Chairman of the iCMLf and Director of the Georgia Cancer Center, USA. The international faculty included Professor Philippe Rousselot (France), Professor Giuseppe Saglio (Italy), Professor Katia Pagnano (Brazil), and Dr Vamsi Kota (USA), representing broad expertise across first-line therapy, resistance mechanisms, blast crisis management, molecular monitoring, and emerging CML treatments.

For many attendees, the opportunity to engage directly with these specialists in their own country was of considerable professional value, enabling the kind of frank, context-specific dialogue that is rarely possible at large international congresses.

A Program of Scientific Exchange

The program was structured across two major blocks, addressing both laboratory science and clinical practice.

The morning Laboratory Block was designed for laboratory technicians and hematologists from the major hospitals. Dra Katia Pagnano provided an overview of essential diagnostic tests in CML, followed by Dr Cortes on mutation testing and interpretation. Dra Gabriela Jaramillo presented her team's experience with BCR::ABL1 PCR monitoring at Hospital de Especialidades Eugenio Espejo, offering local context to international standards. Dr David Garrido closed the session with a presentation on ASXL1 mutations and their clinical impact in CML patients.

A guided visit to the Molecular Laboratory provided attendees with a practical view of local diagnostic capacity.

The afternoon Clinical Block addressed CML management in 2026. Professor Cortes reviewed first-line therapy options, followed by Professor Saglio on blast crisis management. Professor Rousselot surveyed emerging developments in CML treatment, prompting discussion about the evolving therapeutic landscape. The afternoon concluded with a presentation from Dr Yuberth Pico on the progress of the Ecuadorian National CML Working Group and a clinical discussion moderated by Dr Vamsi Kota, which facilitated open exchange between international visitors and Ecuadorian clinicians.

Looking Ahead: Foundations for Ongoing Collaboration

The Quito forum was an illustration of the strength and depth of CML expertise that exists in Ecuador. The development of a national CML collaborative network reflects the commitment and coordination of colleagues who are driving real improvements for their patients, and the iCMLf is delighted to be part of that conversation.

The case discussions that opened the day, led by Dr David Garrido, Dra Matilde Sinche, and Dra Paulina Vásconez, offered a clear picture of the challenges facing Ecuadorian patients and set a practical agenda: supporting training, improving access to molecular diagnostics, and enabling participation in clinical trials.

With the Sociedad Ecuatoriana de Hematología and the National CML Working Group as partners, the iCMLf looks forward to working alongside colleagues in Ecuador and across the Andean region through shared educational programs, joint research initiatives, and the broader collaboration that underpins all of our work.

With Thanks to Novartis

The iCMLf gratefully acknowledges the support of Novartis in making this forum possible. Their sponsorship enabled the full scope of the day's program, including the Novartis Symposium on first-line CML therapy delivered by Professor Cortes, which formed a central part of the clinical afternoon. The iCMLf thanks Novartis for their continued commitment to supporting education and collaboration in CML care.