Poland and NCCN intensify collaboration to adapt hematology guidelines

The meeting represents another step in Poland's ongoing efforts to adapt national guidelines for the treatment of cancer patients to global standards, while taking into account the local needs of the health care system. The workshop focused on preparation for the process of adapting the NCCN guidelines in the area of hematological malignancies, the first stage of which will be the adaptation of the guidelines for Hodgkin's lymphoma.

As a community, we are proud of the progress Poland has made in adapting the NCCN guidelines to the Polish health care system. Following the signing of the 2023 cooperation agreement between the Institute of Hematology and Transfusiology and the NCCN and AFI, we are today launching a pilot program on adapting the NCCN guidelines in hematological malignancies, specifically Hodgkin's lymphoma. Close cooperation with the NCCN will allow us to adapt these guidelines to the Polish healthcare environment in the field of hematology, so that they will have a significant impact in our local context, resulting in improved treatment outcomes for Polish patients. I look forward to starting cooperation in the field of hematology and adapting the first guidelines on Hodgkin's lymphoma, " says ProfessorEwa Lech-Marańda, director of the Institute of Hematology and Transfusiology.

Both Polish and American participants emphasized the value of international partnerships in improving cancer outcomes, sharing knowledge and raising standards of care. Discussions also focused on a plan to expand the adaptation process to other key hematologic cancers.

Dr. Wui-Jin Koh, vice president and medical director of the NCCN, stressed the importance of global partnerships in the development of cancer treatment: "NCCN is committed to working with international partners to tailor our guidelines to the needs of individual countries. The collaboration with Poland stands out as a model that demonstrates how global best practices can be adapted to local contexts. I am impressed by the commitment and knowledge of the Polish medical community. I am pleased that together we are setting the standard for effective and equitable oncology care around the world."

During the panel discussion, leading Polish hematologists stressed the importance of adapting these guidelines to local clinical practices and healthcare needs.

Examples of successes from adaptation efforts to date in the field of oncology were also presented, highlighting how the guidelines have already improved cancer outcomes in Poland.

Beata Biel, Executive Director of the Alliance for Innovation Foundation, noted the importance of such meetings to the success of the adaptation process: "This meeting represents another key step on our path to improving cancer treatment in Poland. By working with experts from both the US and Poland, we are building a framework that will help us adapt international guidelines to Polish realities. The progress we have made so far has been remarkable, and I look forward to continuing to work with our partners at the NCCN and IHT."

To ensure the highest standards in the process of adapting the NCCN guidelines in hematology, a Steering Committee was established. This Committee is composed of distinguished experts who are official partners of the project and bring extensive knowledge and experience in the field of hematology.
The Committee consists of:

• Prof. Ewa Lech-Marańda - chairwoman of the Steering Committee, director of the Institute of Hematology and Transfusiology (IHT), national consultant in hematology
• Prof. Krzysztof Giannopoulos, president of the Polish Society of Hematologists and Transfusionists (PTHiT)
• Prof. Sebastian Giebel, president of the Polish Adult Leukemia Treatment Group (PALG).
• Prof. Jan Zaucha, president of the Polish Lymphoma Research Group (PLRG)

The Steering Committee will oversee the guideline adaptation process to ensure that the guidelines developed meet the highest standards of clinical care while being adapted to the European and Polish organizational context. The role of the Steering Committee will be crucial in future guideline adaptations for other hematologic cancers.

Source: IHIT