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Symposium CAYAs 2026 | Young & Rare: Shaping the Future Together

Updated: 1 day ago

CAYAs Symposium – Children and Young Adults

On February 28th, 2026, the Global MPN Scientific Foundation (GMPNSF) will host the CAYAs International Symposium 2026, an online event dedicated to children and young adults living with Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPNs), in collaboration with Odd Blood Club and MPN España.


Taking place on Rare Disease Day, this symposium aims to create a global, safe and meaningful space where patients, families and healthcare professionals come together to discuss the real challenges of living with MPNs at a young age.



CAYAs Symposium – Children and Young Adults - MPNs - Global MPN Scientific Foundation


Content guide



Event details



A patient-centered symposium

The CAYAs Symposium is built around a unique format: each hour will focus on one key topic, introduced and discussed through the experiences of three patients, together with expert medical perspectives.

This structure ensures that patient voices remain at the center, while medical expertise helps contextualize, guide and support the conversation.



Faculty & moderation

The symposium will feature an international faculty of MPN experts:

  • Prof. Haifa Al-Ali, Hematologist and Oncologist at the University Hospital of Halle, Germany.

  • Dr. Natalia Curto, Hematologist at Guy's and St. Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust in London

  • Dr. Marta Sobas, MD, PhD at the Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland

  • Dr. Nicole Kucine, Associate Professor of Clinical Pediatrics at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York


Moderation:

  • Peter Löffelhardt, Founder & CEO, Global MPN Scientific Foundation



Key topics

  • Twenty Years vs. Sixty Years of Treatment: Are current MPN therapies fit for the future?

  • Family planning and pregnancy: Navigating decisions, risks and support systems

  • Menstruation, contraceptive pills and hormonal support: Addressing often overlooked but essential aspects of care

  • Combination of treatments: Understanding the impact of complex therapies as a consequence of long-term MPN treatment




Building the future together

The Young & Rare: CAYAs International Symposium reflects GMPNSF’s commitment to addressing not only medical outcomes, but also quality of life, long-term planning and emotional wellbeing for young people living with MPNs.


By connecting patients, caregivers and specialists across borders, we continue to strengthen One Global MPN Family.


💚 Support our mission.

Your donation helps us create and sustain safe, inclusive spaces like this symposium for MPN patients worldwide.

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