PROGRESS: PATIENT AND PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION

Due to the rapid advancement and tremendous progress made in the study of lymphoma, the Lymphoma Research Foundation (LRF) offers a wide range of educational programs and publications for people with lymphoma and their loved ones. The programs feature expert speaking faculty and provide information about every lymphoma subtype, treatment options, supportive care as well as long-term survivorship. Programs for healthcare professionals create a unique opportunity for learning and collaboration.

Patient Education

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, there was no interruption in LRF’s commitment to providing up-to-date patient education for people with lymphoma and their loved ones, in 2022. While in-person events were postponed, the Foundation used digital platforms to deliver virtual education programs around the country, including Virtual Ask the Doctor About Lymphoma programs, Lymphoma Workshops, and the North American Educational Forum on Lymphoma. Each program also addressed ongoing concerns regarding COVID-19 that were top of mind for patients. These programs all feature specialized plenary and breakout sessions and may be viewed as archived programs on the LRF website.

In addition, LRF debuted a new suite of materials and programming in Spanish language. Cancer is the leading cause of death among Hispanics/Latinos, who represent the largest racial/ethnic minority group in the United States. The new materials included print, digital, and live programs, combining LRF’s lymphoma/chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) expertise, cultural awareness, and expertly translated materials. In addition, the Foundation launched a new Spanish-language version of its website to include comprehensive information on clinical trials (lymphoma.org/es). The new publications are accessible on the new website as well as lymphoma.org and are available to order free of charge via the LRF Helpline. The live education programs were led by bilingual lymphoma experts and featured interactive components to help meet the specific needs of attendees, a hallmark of all LRF education programs.

Professional Education

Throughout the year, the Lymphoma Rounds program provided a forum for practicing physicians from academic and community medical centers to meet on a regular basis and address issues specific to the diagnosis and treatment of their lymphoma patients. Physicians network, share best practices, and learn the latest information on new therapies and advances in the management of lymphoma through interactive case studies presented by lymphoma experts. In 2022, 19 Lymphoma Rounds programs were held, and 66 institutions presented a total of 63 case presentations through the series.