I-BFM SG

• History
• Aims and Objectives

I-BFM SG - The International BFM Study Group

Leukemias and lymphomas represent around fifty percent of malignancies occurring in children and adolescents. Studies in leukemias - particularly acute lymphoblastic leukemia - in these age groups have been a model for clinical and basic research beyond pediatric hemato-oncology since decades. As a result of sustained and well-organized research largely based on cooperative group efforts since the early 1960s, childhood and adolescent leukemias and lymphomas can now be successfully treated in almost 80% of patients. In the most common type of leukemia - acute lymphoblastic leukemia - cure rates with modern treatment protocols meanwhile exceed 80%. Despite this overall success, there are still subgroups of leukemia with a dismal prognosis.

The International BFM Study Group (I-BFM SG) is dedicated to promote both research and clinical care for children and adolescents with leukemia and lymphoma. A growing number of participating national study groups from meanwhile more than 30 countries world-wide collaborates in committees and associated working groups addressing important aspects of clinical and basic research in the field of leukemia and lymphoma occurring during childhood and adolescence. The results are shared and discussed in meetings on a regular basis, guaranteeing fast and systematic transition of research findings to clinical care.

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From October 22 - 24, 2015, the Fifth International Symposium on Childhood, Adolescent and Young Adult NHL will take place in Varese, Italy.

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From May 8 - 10, 2015, the 26th Annual Meeting of the I-BFM Study Group will take place in Budapest.

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Consensus recommendations for diagnostic approaches to leukemias were developed within the I-BFM Committee for Biology and Diagnosis and are available here:

Common guidelines for diagnostic approaches to leukemias

For more information on the work of the committee see here.

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