Reflections after IHEM 2026
From May 7th to 9th, the International Hematology Expert Meeting (IHEM®) 2026 took place in Sitges, Spain, bringing together leading international experts, hematologists, and researchers focused on myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs).
The event, originally initiated by Prof. Heinz Gisslinger, is one of the most recognized scientific meetings in the MPN field and focuses on new research, emerging therapies, and the future of patient care.
Representing the Global MPN Scientific Foundation (GMPNSF) and the patient community, Peter Löffelhardt attended the congress as Founder & CEO of GMPNSF and as an MPN patient advocate.
Peter’s perspective from IHEM 2026
According to Peter, IHEM was a highly scientific meeting with the presence of important international experts such as Prof. Heinz Gisslinger, Prof. Haifa Al-Ali, Prof. Marta Sobas, and many other specialists from Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and other countries.
Around 400 hematologists and professionals attended this year’s edition.
While many sessions were deeply technical and mainly directed to healthcare professionals, Peter highlighted one very important message:
“Many threads are moving everywhere to find solutions mainly for the symptoms and side effects we are suffering today.”
The congress explored new therapeutic approaches and ongoing research aimed at improving both treatment options and quality of life for people living with MPNs.
Peter shared that he left the meeting with a very positive feeling about the future of MPN research:
“I left there with a very good feeling and a very good idea for the future. In a few years we will have very good results.”
At GMPNSF, we will continue working to bring research, scientific updates, and global conversations closer to the patient community.
Because connecting science, community, and hope is also part of moving forward in MPNs. 🌍