Who this course is for?
This course is for all haematologists/oncologists, nurses and pharmacists looking after patients with CLL and researchers interested in the biology of CLL practicing in LMICs according to the ODA list.
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 leukemia in high-income countries. However, there is still an increasing need for translating these advances to the rest of the world.
The course will give an overview of the background knowledge and practical skills needed to identify local solutions to potentially improve clinical and research practice in low-middle income countries.
Learning objectives
In this course you will:
- Develop an understanding of CLL diagnosis, including immunophenotyping, key genomic markers (e.g. TP53, IGHV) and measurable residual disease (MRD).
- Explore current research in CLL biology, including genomic and epigenetic heterogeneity, micro-environmental interactions and B-cell receptor signalling.
- Examine clinical management strategies for CLL across active surveillance, frontline, relapsed and refractory settings, alongside emerging therapies.
- Gain insight into principles of drug development and clinical trials, including ethical and regulatory frameworks, trial unit organisation, and interpretation of safety and efficacy data.
- Understand the role of patient engagement, advocacy and public involvement in strengthening CLL care and research globally, with attention to equity and access in low- and middle-income countries.
Learning outcomes
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
- 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.
How to use this course
This is a five-module course, conducted entirely in a virtual format, featuring pre-recorded lectures of approximately 30 minutes, essential reading lists for enhanced self-learning and selected MCQ questions or short essay questions each addressing specific needs and delivering learning outcomes. The course aims to provide participants with essential background and problem-oriented knowledge necessary for identifying local practical solutions that can enhance both clinical and research practices.
Each module will end with a live masterclass led by a senior CLL clinician-scientist which will further enhance the practice-changing nature of the learning experience by providing concrete examples and interactions with advice from experienced clinicians and researchers.
Learners are required to complete modules sequentially in order to progress.
Upon completing the course, learners will receive a certificate of attendance from the iwCLL.
Certificates and assessment
To complete the course, learners must:
- Watch all lectures
- Achieve the required pass mark of 70% on each quiz