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From December 6 to 9, 2025, leading experts gathered at the 67th annual meeting and exposition of the American Society of Hematology (ASH) in Orlando, Florida. Numerous MLL MVZ scientists presented current research results in one workshop, three lectures, and 14 posters on innovative topics in hematological diagnostics.

For MLL MVZ, 2025 was a year when many developments from previous years finally bore fruit. Demand for diagnostics and care is increasing. Digitalization, automation, and artificial intelligence (AI) are bringing lasting changes to work methods. At the same time, pressure is growing on a healthcare system with increasingly scarce resources that must not compromise patient welfare. For us, this year was primarily about setting a clear course for the future in terms of our laboratory infrastructure, offerings, and research.

On November 28 and 29, the MLL MVZ hosted a continuing medical education event titled "The Diagnostic View Into the Microscope: Hematology in the Context of Clinical Practice, Diagnostics, and Therapy." Participants gained practical insights into cytomorphology, immunophenotyping, cytogenetic, and molecular genetics. They also had the opportunity to examine samples of peripheral blood and bone marrow under a microscope.

The first MLL MVZ Innovation Summit took place on November 10 and 11, 2025. Experts from industry and research exchanged ideas on the latest developments in NGS and omics technologies. The focus was on advances in sequencing methods, single-cell methods, long-read methods, and the analysis of epigenetic markers and proteomics.

On October 28, 2025, MLL MVZ held a DKMS registration drive for employees. Many colleagues took the opportunity to register as potential stem cell donors—a strong sign of our shared commitment in the fight against blood cancer.

From March 24 to 26, the annual MLL Academy on "State of the art diagnostics in hematological malignancies" took place at the MLL in Munich. The event brought together nine international participants from Germany, Turkey, Canada, USA, Ukraine and the Netherlands. A varied program with theoretical and practical content as well as interactive discussions on the diagnosis of leukemia and lymphoma awaited them.

New Horizons in Leukemia Research: Focus on Selected Papers
A new study involving over 1,000 patients shows that knowing the size of the genetic clone—meaning the proportion of diseased cells in the bone marrow—is important when it comes to myelodysplastic neoplasms. The size of the genetic clone has often been overlooked. However, it provides important information about disease progression, response to therapy, and overall survival. The study's results show that the risk of progression increases significantly at a clone size of 25 percent, regardless of established risk models.

Starting in July 2025, the MLL will offer UGT1A1 genotyping. This test will identify clinically relevant variants of this gene (28 and 6) to improve risk assessment for irinotecan or nilotinib therapy and diagnose Gilbert syndrome. This is a decisive step for personalized medicine and adapting therapy for drug-induced toxicity.

Congenital anemias are difficult to diagnose, especially when family history is unclear or laboratory values are ambiguous. In the new Genomnetzwerk Hämatologie study, "WGS in Hereditary Anemias," MLL uses whole genome sequencing (WGS) to help patients with suspected genetic anemia more quickly and effectively. Learn which criteria apply for study participation and how to register patients.

New Horizons in Leukemia Research: Focus on Selected Papers
In their study, Potter et al. investigated the potential benefits of monitoring measurable residual disease (MRD) sequentially in adults with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The researchers aimed to determine whether adjusting therapy based on MRD results could improve patients' chances of survival. The results suggest that MRD monitoring may be especially beneficial for certain genetic subgroups.

To further support our ambitions and aspirations in these areas, two new departments were created at MLL in early 2025: "Research" and "Innovation". These teams are dedicated to the development of innovative diagnostic methods and applied hematology research to accelerate the translation of discoveries into practice.

New Horizons in Leukemia Research: Focus on Selected Papers
A recent study by Xie et al, published in Blood, presents a model to predict the progression of clonal cytopenia of undetermined significance (CCUS) to myeloid neoplasia (MN). The researchers developed the Clonal Cytopenia Risk Score (CCRS), which is based on three key factors. MLL Managing Director Prof. Dr. med. Torsten Haferlach commented on the study in Blood.

The MLL MVZ has modernised its sample reception and pre-analytical processes in 2025 with an innovative automation solution developed in close collaboration with Roche, Hamilton and Sysmex. Specially configured Microlab STAR M liquid handling systems will automatically process whole blood and bone marrow samples, including homogenisation, aliquoting, cell counting, preparation and staining of blood smears, automatic microscopy with AI support and sample archiving. The result is maximum precision, efficiency and consistent quality.

The healthcare system is undergoing profound transformation: digitalization, artificial intelligence and new care structures are changing how we diagnose, treat and conduct research. Yet between great opportunities and practical hurdles, what is needed now are clear strategies, reliable data spaces and strong cooperation. At MLL MVZ, we would like to give you an overview of the key developments currently shaping medicine – and how we can jointly shape the future of patient care.

Digitalization and artificial intelligence offer enormous opportunities for modern precision medicine, whether in cancer diagnostics or digital patient care. However, Germany's healthcare system is falling short of its potential. At MLL and MLL MVZ, we demonstrate what is needed now: clear decisions, bold pilot projects, and a new mindset for responsible healthcare tomorrow.

Chromosome analysis is an essential part of the diagnostics of malignant hematological diseases. It plays an important role in confirming the diagnostics, classification, prognosis assessment and therapy planning. The method is considered time-consuming and demanding, both laboratory-wise and in terms of evaluation and reporting. In addition to the continuous expansion of the automation of laboratory processes, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in chromosome analysis in particular enables a significant reduction in the reporting time as well as a more objective and sensitive assessment of chromosomal changes.

We take artificial intelligence (AI) for granted these days and often use it in our everyday lives without noticing. But what does this mean for diagnostics – today and in the future? At MLL, artificial intelligence is used in various areas of diagnostics and is constantly being further developed. This not only saves time but will also facilitate the training of new staff in the future and expand opportunities for global collaboration. The aim is to provide patients with easier access to precise and rapid diagnoses and thus access to the best possible therapy.

The Munich Leukemia Laboratory and the newly founded Institute of AI for Health (AIH) of the Helmholtz Center of Munich have agreed on comprehensive collaboration for research and development. The primary goal is the implementation of machine learning and artificial intelligence in various areas of leukemia diagnostics.

This past year stands as a testament to our unwavering commitment. We've refined our diagnostic techniques and embraced cutting-edge technologies, all with the goal of unlocking deeper insights into blood diseases. Our belief remains firm: advancing medicine goes beyond merely assembling diverse expertise—it requires an insatiable thirst for knowledge. This report celebrates our journey toward that goal!

This year was marked by various challenges, including war, natural disasters, and inflation, yet we managed to make significant strides in research. Our research report reflects the tireless dedication and innovative spirit of MLL's team as we continue to push the boundaries of knowledge in the field of hematology.

Those who know us know that we always look ahead, push boundaries, and rarely stand still. We have reviewed the last scientific year and summarized our research highlights in the new Research Report 2022. Feel free to get caught up in our own passion and immerse yourself in our research with us. In 2022, we were once again energized, curious, and enthusiastic about advancing the best possible leukemia diagnostics for our patients. To further facilitate reading and to better convey our data, we have included various graphical representations and summaries and we hope you enjoy the content.

In AML and ALL the application of WHO classification and ELN guidelines requires a plethora of methods to determine the diagnostic and prognostic subgroup. Especially in ALL, many different subtypes have been described, which makes accurate diagnosis a challenge. However, in recent years, whole genome and whole transcriptome sequencing have emerged as comprehensive high-throughput techniques that allow for an accurate genetic characterization. This identification of patients’ genetic fingerprint is key to a precise diagnosis and the design of personalised cancer treatments.

Even though the last two years have been dominated by the pandemic, we have kept science firmly in our mind. Providing the best possible care for our oncology patients remains our heartfelt mission. After another scientifically successful year, we would like to take the opportunity to summarize our findings of 2021. To further facilitate reading and to better convey our data, we have included various graphical representations and summaries and we hope you enjoy the content.

Visualization of genomic and transcriptomic data is essential to easily exploring those large datasets for interpretation and hypothesis generation and can further help to uncover hidden patterns and trends. With the ongoing development of sequencing and computer technologies, it has become feasible for scientists and clinicians to reliably collect large amounts of high-quality sequence information from DNA and RNA molecules. The analysis and interpretation of such datasets are now routine aspects of many research projects in biology and medicine, creating a need for new tools and methods to also visualize the data and the findings.

At our continuing education event, 'From the Clinic to the Microscope: Integrated Diagnostics in Haematology', taking place on 13 and 14 March 2026, we aim to explore the impact of clinical practice and diagnostics on treatment decisions. You will find all the programme and registration information here.

The next MLL MVZ Academy will take place from March 23 to March 25, 2026. This three-day workshop on "State-of-the-art diagnostics in hematologic malignancies" offers participants a mix of theoretical and practical content, along with group discussions on the diagnosis of leukemia and lymphoma. Registration is open until February 1, 2026.