On October 16, 2024, an important meeting took place between key representatives of the Polish hematology community, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), and the Alliance for Innovation Foundation (AFI), strengthening ongoing collaboration on the adaptation of NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines®). This partnership is now expanded to include hematology, with the initiation of a pilot project focused on the “Adaptation of NCCN Guidelines for Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.” The meeting, held at the Institute of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine (IHT), gathered top experts from Poland and the United States to discuss progress and future steps in preparing updated and locally tailored cancer treatment guidelines.
This meeting represents another step in Poland’s ongoing efforts to align its national cancer treatment guidelines with global standards while considering the specific needs of the country’s healthcare system. The workshop was focused on preparing for the adaptation process of NCCN Guidelines in the area of hematological cancers, with the first phase being the adaptation of guidelines for Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.
Professor Ewa Lech-Marańda, Director of the Institute of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine and leader of Poland’s efforts in adapting guidelines for hematology, emphasized the importance of this collaboration for the Polish healthcare system:
“As a community, we are proud of the progress Poland has made in adapting NCCN Guidelines to our healthcare system. After signing the cooperation agreement in 2023 between the Institute of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine, NCCN, and AFI, we are now launching the pilot program for adapting NCCN Guidelines in hematological cancers, specifically Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Close cooperation with NCCN will enable us to tailor these guidelines to the Polish healthcare context, ensuring they have a significant local impact and ultimately improving treatment outcomes for Polish patients. I look forward to this partnership in hematology and to adapting the first guidelines for Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.”
Both Polish and American participants stressed the value of international partnerships in improving cancer treatment outcomes, sharing knowledge, and raising healthcare standards.
Discussions covered also plans to extend the adaptation process to other key hematological cancers.
“NCCN is committed to collaborating with international partners to tailor our guidelines to the needs of specific countries. Our cooperation with Poland is a model that demonstrates how best practices from around the world can be adapted to local contexts. I am impressed by the dedication and expertise of the Polish medical community. NCCN is excited to see how we can make evidence-based, consensus-driven recommendations together for locally relevant, effective and equitable cancer care worldwide.”- emphasized the importance of global partnerships in advancing cancer care Dr. Wui-Jin Koh, Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer of NCCN
During the panel discussion, leading Polish hematologists emphasized the importance of tailoring these guidelines to local clinical practices and healthcare needs. Success stories from previous adaptation efforts in oncology were also presented, showcasing how the guidelines have already improved cancer treatment outcomes in Poland.
Beata Biel, Executive Director of the Alliance for Innovation Foundation, pointed out the significance of such meetings for the success of the adaptation process:
“This meeting represents another key step on our path to improving cancer treatment in Poland. Through collaboration with experts from both the U.S. and Poland, we are building a framework that will help us adapt international guidelines to Polish realities. The progress we have made so far is remarkable, and I look forward to continued collaboration with our partners from NCCN and IHT.”
To ensure the highest standards in the adaptation process of NCCN Guidelines in hematology, a Steering Committee was established. This committee consists of distinguished Polish experts who are official project partners and bring extensive knowledge and experience in hematology.
Steering Committee members include:
- Prof. Ewa Lech-Marańda, Chair of the Steering Committee, Director of the Institute of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine (IHT), and National Consultant in Hematology
- Prof. Krzysztof Giannopoulos, President of the Polish Society of Hematologists and Transfusion Medicine (PTHiT)
- Prof. Sebastian Giebel, President of the Polish Adult Leukemia Group (PALG)
- Prof. Jan Zaucha, President of the Polish Lymphoma Research Group (PLRG)
The Steering Committee will oversee the adaptation process to ensure that the developed guidelines meet the highest standards of clinical care while being tailored to European and Polish organizational conditions. The committee’s role will be crucial in future adaptations of guidelines for other hematological cancers.
The Institute of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine (IHT) is a leading research and treatment center in hematology and transfusion medicine in Poland. As the only facility of its kind in the country, IHT focuses on raising standards in diagnosing and treating blood diseases, including cancers. Under the leadership of Prof. Ewa Lech-Marańda, the Institute plays a key role in innovative clinical and scientific research in hematology and is leading the process of adapting NCCN Guidelines in hematological cancers in Poland. Collaboration with NCCN and other international partners highlights the Institute’s commitment and role in advancing hematology and improving patient outcomes.
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About NCCN
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network® (NCCN®) is a not-for-profit alliance of leading cancer centers devoted to patient care, research, and education. NCCN is dedicated to improving and facilitating quality, effective, equitable, and accessible cancer care so all patients can live better lives. Visit NCCN.org for more information on the NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines®) and other initiatives.
About Alliance for Innovation (AFI)
The Alliance for Innovation Foundation is a Polish-American non-profit organization dedicated to supporting innovation and collaboration in healthcare. AFI plays a central role in coordinating the adaptation of NCCN Guidelines for Poland, fostering partnerships aimed at improving the quality of cancer care for patients in the region.