Advancing CLL Management

What is this course about?

Due to significant technological advances in diagnosis, prognostication and therapies over the past decade, we have witnessed a transformation of the clinical outcome of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia in high-income countries. However, there is still an increasing need for translating these advances to the rest of the world.

This short course gives an overview of the background knowledge and practical skills needed to identify local practical solutions to potentially improve clinical and research practice in low-middle income countries.

The problem-oriented online course will be delivered, in the form of pre-recorded lectures. For each module, these lectures will be followed by a live masterclass that will further enhance the nature of the learning experience by providing concrete examples, interactions and advice from experienced clinicians and researchers.

Upon completing the course, trainees will be provided with a certificate of attendance from the University of Oxford and accredited Continuing Education (CE) credits from the iwCLL.

Who is the COurse for?

The course is open to haematologists/oncologists who treat patients with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia (CLL) and researchers, oncology nurses, pharmacists, and other clinicians and researchers interested in the biology, diagnosis, and treatment of CLL. 

To make an application you should reside in an ODA country and must have the support of your employer. 

COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES

• Acquire a working knowledge of the technologies and analytical tools used in CLL research and diagnosis
• Describe the current state of research in CLL microenvironment, genomics and epigenomics
• Critically discuss the challenges involved in establishing a registry or clinical database
• Deliver safe and effective management of patients with CLL in an exemplary multi-disciplinary tumour board environment
• Appraise the requirements for clinical trial units
• Incorporate patient engagement in their practice.

course structure and dates

This is a five-module course, each addressing specific needs and delivering learning outcomes. The course will be conducted entirely in a virtual format, featuring pre-recorded lectures of approximately 45 minutes each. Each lecture will consist of a 30-minute presentation, followed by 10 minutes of discussion focused on selected MCQ questions. The lectures will aim to provide participants with essential background and problem-oriented knowledge necessary for identifying local practical solutions that can enhance both clinical and research practices. For each module, the pre-recorded lectures will be followed by live masterclasses and workshops that will further enhance the practice-changing nature of the learning experience by providing concrete examples and interactions with and advice from experienced clinicians and researchers.

The course will be open to Haematologists/oncologists who treat patients with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) and researchers, oncology nurses, pharmacists, and other clinicians and researchers interested in the biology, diagnosis, and treatment of CLL. Upon completing the course, trainees will be provided with certificates accredited Continuing Education (CE) credits from the Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS) and/or the University of Oxford. 

The modules are:

1. Diagnosis: technologies, analytical tools, interpretation - Module Leader: Paolo Ghia (8th to the 19th of April)

2. Overview of current basic research - Module Leaders: Anna Schuh and Inaki Martin (22nd of April to the 3rd of May)

3. Clinical management - Module Leader: Carol Moreno  (6th to the 17th of May)

4. Drug development and clinic trials - Module Leader: John Byrd (20th to the 31st of May)

5. The role of patient engagement in achieving sustainability of CLL services - Module Leader: Alina Gerrie (3rd to the 14th of June)

How to apply - Application deadline 1st April 2024

Up to 15 students will be able to attend each course. Selection will be competitive and preference will be given to students practising in LLICs or LMICs according to the ODA list.

Successful students should demonstrate from their application that they are in a position to strengthen capacity of CLL clinical services and research capacity in their home institution.

They need to demonstrate an employment contract for at least three years, along with strong and sustained support by their home institution that allows them to leverage the award by multiplying its impact on the outcome of CLL patients in the region.

The deadline for applications is 12.00pm (noon) GMT on 1st April 2024.

To make an application please complete and submit the Microsoft Form here.