The European LeukemiaNet: achievements and perspectives

Abstract

The only way to cure leukemia is by cooperative research. To optimize research, the European Leukemia Net integrates 105 national leukemia trial groups and networks, 105 interdisciplinary partner groups and about 1,000 leukemia specialists from 175 institutions. They care for tens of thousands of leukemia patients in 33 countries across Europe. Their ultimate goal is to cure leukemia. Since its inception in 2002, the European Leukemia Net has steadily expanded and has unified leukemia research across Europe. The European Leukemia Net grew from two major roots: 1) the German Competence Network on Acute and Chronic Leukemias; and 2) the collaboration of European Investigators on Chronic Myeloid Leukemia. The European Leukemia Net has improved leukemia research and management across Europe. Its concept has led to funding by the European Commission as a network of excellence. Other sources (European Science Foundation; European Leukemia Net-Foundation) will take over when the support of the European Commission ends

The European Hematology Association Roadmap for European Hematology Research: a consensus document

“…The European research groups, under the umbrella of the European Hematology Association (EHA) and the European LeukemiaNet (ELN), 129 and in collaboration with international investigators, have been instrumental in providing fundamental information to the scientific community by publishing recommendations and guidelines for clinical and laboratory practice of all the malignant myeloid diseases discussed here. [130][131][132][133] Nevertheless, major challenges remain, as outlined in the following subsections.…”

A novel approach for BCR‐ABL1 standardization to improve International Scale estimation

“…The IS estimation approach proposed by this study, applies for detectable disease and not for samples with an undetectable amount of BCR‐ABL1 , which is encountered in a minority of cases . The EUTOS group recently developed laboratory recommendations for scoring molecular responses, both for detectable and undetectable disease .…”

Advancing a field by building consortia: The example of the European LeukemiaNet

“…For sustainability, an ELN foundation was established in 2009 and support was solicited from the European Science Foundation from 2010 through 2015. An initial report on the ELN was published in 2011 …”