Overview
Celebrating its 30th year, the Acute Leukemia Forum (ALF) continues its tradition of being a premier event for hematology and oncology professionals. This milestone conference brings together leading experts to share groundbreaking research and clinical advances that shape the treatment and management of acute leukemia and myelodysplastic syndromes. As we look ahead to 2026, ALF will focus on addressing the evolving educational needs of those involved in the care of patients with these challenging malignancies.
Join us as we commemorate three decades of progress and collaboration! We look forward to you joining our community of healing at the 30th Acute Leukemia Forum, April 2026, in La Jolla, California.
2025 Recap
Meet the Chairs
Daniel A. Pollyea, MD, MS
Professor of Medicine Clinical Director of Leukemia Services Associate Chief of Clinical Affairs Robert H. Allen MD Chair in Hematology Research Division of Hematology University of Colorado School of Medicine Aurora, Colorado
Eytan M. Stein, MD
Chief, Leukemia Service Director Program for Drug Development in Leukemia Associate Attending Physician Department of Medicine Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center New York, New York
Hetty E. Carraway, MD, MBA
Professor of Medicine
Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine
Case Western Reserve University
Director, Leukemia Program
Vice Chair Strategy and Enterprise Development
Taussig Cancer Institute
Cleveland Clinic
Cleveland, Ohio
Agenda
Please note all sessions listed in Pacfic Time. Agenda subject to change.
7:00 am
Registration
7:15 am — 8:15 am
Breakfast & Non-CME/CE Bonus Presentation
8:25 am — 8:35 am
Conference Welcome
8:35 am — 8:40 am
Session I: Advances in Myelodysplastic Syndromes and Precursor States
Session Introduction
8:40 am — 9:00 am
Controlling the Control: The Problem With Azacitidine Control Arms in MDS
9:00 am — 9:10 am
Audience Q&A and Panel Discussion
9:10 am — 9:30 am
When Should AZA/VEN Be Used in MDS? Insights from the VERONA Study
9:30 am — 9:40 am
Audience Q&A and Panel Discussion
9:40 am — 10:00 am
Should CCUS and High Risk CH Be Treated As Early MDS
10:00 am — 10:10 am
Audience Q&A and Panel Discussion
10:10 am — 10:30 am
Management of VEXAS and Myeloid Disorders: From Guidelines to Treatment Response Assessment
10:30 am — 10:40 am
Audience Q&A and Panel Discussion
10:40 am — 11:10 am
Exhibit and Poster Hall Opens
11:10 am — 11:50 am
Stump the Experts
11:50 am — 11:55 am
Session II: Pre-Clinical Translational Research
Session Introduction
11:55 am — 12:15 pm
Enhanced Clonal Fitness and Resistance to Inflammation: Translational Implications
12:15 pm — 12:25 pm
Audience Q&A and Panel Discussion
12:25 pm — 12:45 pm
Nicotinamide: A Metabolic Opportunity for MDS?
12:45 pm — 12:55 pm
Audience Q&A and Panel Discussion
12:55 pm — 1:15 pm
What Can T-Cell Biology Teach Us About Myleoid Malignancies
1:15 pm — 1:25 pm
Audience Q&A and Panel Discussion
1:25 pm — 2:25 pm
Lunch & Non-CME/CE Bonus Presentation
2:25 pm — 2:40 pm
Refreshments: Visit Exhibit and Poster Hall
2:40 pm — 2:45 pm
Session III: Novel Strategies in ALL
Session Introduction
2:45 pm — 3:05 pm
Newly Diagnosed Philadelphia Positive Acute Lymphablastic Leukemia Without a Transplant
3:05 pm — 3:15 pm
Audience Q&A and Panel Discussion
3:15 pm — 3:35 pm
Can CAR-T Cells Repalce Allergenic Stem Cell Transplant for High-Risk Acute Lymphablastic Leukemia
3:35 pm — 3:45 pm
Audience Q&A and Panel Discussion
3:45 pm — 4:00 pm
Break: Visit Exhibit and Poster Hall
4:00 pm — 4:05 pm
Session IV: Multidisciplinary Care
Session Introduction
4:05 pm — 4:25 pm
Reflections on My AML Journey - A Coach's Insights
4:25 pm — 4:35 pm
Audience Q&A and Panel Discussion
4:35 pm — 4:55 pm
The Singularity: How Can AI Be Used in the AML Field?
4:55 pm — 5:05 pm
Audience Q&A and Panel Discussion
5:05 pm — 5:25 pm
Management of Infections in Patients With Leukemia Pre and/or Post BMT
5:25 pm — 5:35 pm
Audience Q&A and Panel Discussion
5:35 pm — 6:35 pm
Welcome Reception or Non-CME/CE Bonus Presentation
6:35 pm
Day One Adjourns
7:00 am
Registration
7:30 am — 8:30 am
Breakfast & Non-CME/CE Bonus Presentation
8:30 am — 8:45 am
Break: Visit Exhibit and Poster Hall
8:45 am — 8:50 am
Session V: Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Session Introduction
8:50 am — 9:10 am
Taking on TP53: What New Approaches to TP53+ AML Should Be Pursued?
9:10 am — 9:20 am
Audience Q&A and Panel Discussion
9:20 am — 9:40 am
Lessons Learned From Exploring Mutational Profiles for Diverse Patients
9:40 am — 9:50 am
Audience Q&A and Panel Discussion
9:50 am — 10:10 am
Dog Days of AML: What Canine AML Can Teach Us About Our AML Patients
10:10 am — 10:20 am
Audience Q&A and Panel Discussion
10:20 am — 10:50 am
Break: Visit Exhibit and Poster Hall
10:50 am — 11:50 am
Independent CME Symposium
11:50 am — 12:00 pm
Session VI: Ernest Beutler Memorial Lecture
Introduction of the Ernest Beutler Memorial Lecture
12:00 pm — 12:50 pm
Ernest Beutler Memorial Lecture
12:50 pm — 1:00 pm
Audience Q&A and Panel Discussion
1:00 pm — 2:00 pm
Lunch & Non-CME/CE Bonus Presentation
2:00 pm — 2:15 pm
Refreshments: Visit Exhibit and Poster Hall
2:15 pm — 2:20 pm
Session VII: Bone Marrow Transplant
Session Introduction
2:20 pm — 2:40 pm
ORCA T
2:40 pm — 2:50 pm
Audience Q&A and Panel Discussion
2:50 pm — 3:10 pm
What is the Best Way to Use MRD Information in AML in the Pre and Post BMT Setting
3:10 pm — 3:20 pm
Audience Q&A and Panel Discussion
3:20 pm — 3:40 pm
When Should We Use Maintenance Therapies for AML Post BMT?
3:40 pm — 3:50 pm
Audience Q&A and Panel Discussion
3:50 pm — 4:00 pm
Closing Remarks
4:00 pm
Conference Adjourns
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