Hematological cancer, or blood cancer, occurs when an uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells overtakes the development of normal blood cells, interfering with the regular functions of those cells. Hematologic cancers are classified into three categories: leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma, some of the most common forms of cancer worldwide.
The Division of Hematologic Malignancies within Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center’s Department of Medicine includes nationally and internationally recognized leaders in their fields, physicians who are central players in advancing clinical research and establishing the best standard of care for patients. The OMI is thrilled to have had experts from MSKCC lead this year’s OMI MEX MSKCC Seminar in Oncology: Hematologic Malignancies, which took place in Mexico City, Mexico from October 9 to 11, 2023.
Dr. Sergio A. Giralt, Bone Marrow Transplant Specialist and Cellular Therapist, Deputy Division Head of the Division of Hematologic Malignancies, Melvin Berlin Family Chair in Multiple Myeloma, and Chief Medical Officer of MSK Direct, was the course director for the week. Dr. Raajit K. Rampal and Dr. Gilles Salles completed the MSKCC faculty, while Dr. Alvaro Aguayo González served as the local Mexican faculty member, contributing greatly to conversation and input about the local healthcare system in Mexico.
The faculty created an intriguing schedule for the 23 fellows from Mexico. 12 didactic lectures were presented, which focused on topics such as Updates in CML and Systemic Mastocytosis, Advances in Follicular Lymphoma Management, Advances in Diffuse Large B-Cell Management, Update on Upfront Therapy for Myeloma, Transplant for Older Patients with Myeloid Leukemias, What Can Be Done to Reduce Relapse and Toxicity after Transplant, and more. Additionally, two afternoon sessions were dedicated to fellows’ case presentations, in which fellows could receive feedback and new ideas for their challenging patient scenarios. Both lectures and cases brought exciting and rewarding discussions between faculty and fellows, which allowed for great networking and guidance opportunities.
Sergio A. Giralt, MD
Course Director
The OMI MEX Oncology: Hematologic Malignancies seminar was an extraordinary, well organized meeting. The fellows were engaged, inquisitive, and had wonderful questions. The cases were well presented and highlighted the challenges they have in their daily practices. More importantly, the fellows not only left with up-to-date knowledge, but also with the desire to develop strategies that could improve local outcomes with available resources.
