Reflections from ESMO 2025 in Berlin

The Global MPN Scientific Foundation was represented at the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) 2025 Congress in Berlin, where Peter Löffelhardt, Founder and CEO of the Foundation, attended as part of the global oncology community.

ESMO is recognized as one of the most influential spaces in international cancer research and medical collaboration, bringing together specialists, researchers, patient advocates and the healthcare industry to share advances and perspectives for the future of cancer care.

During the Congress, Peter connected with multiple stakeholders interested in Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPNs) and emphasized the Foundation’s mission of promoting awareness, advancing collaboration between the 3P’s (Patients, Physicians and Pharma), and improving quality of life for people living with MPNs.

We are pleased to share Peter’s personal reflections on his participation in Berlin.

Insights from Berlin

This year I attended ESMO 2025 in Berlin. I normally do not go to ESMO events, as they are increasingly focused on solid cancers and leaving out hematology. This could be seen in the few KOLs (Key Opinion Leaders) in hematology present and the limited number of related presentations.

I had meetings with two pharmaceutical companies and very interesting conversations. Pharma is now increasingly understanding how important patient information is becoming.

It is a huge event. Over 40,000 specialists traveled to Berlin and honestly, it was quite difficult to find the booths where the meetings were scheduled.

I met many friends and colleagues from industry and patient advocacy, and we had time to discuss our current challenges in the MPN world. One of the most important goals of these events is to exchange information, concerns and experiences.

One of the pharma companies organized an informal presentation one evening on Artificial Intelligence (AI). Two specialists explained how they expect AI could help make patients’ lives easier. They also shared the work being done in Brussels to legislate AI in Europe in order to protect people, which is reassuring.

However, one sentence strongly resonated with me:

“It is not possible to legislate AI fast enough. AI develops quicker than legislation.”

This is absolutely true.

In general, it was great to be in Berlin and to meet so many friends and colleagues.

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