News

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.

The MLL MVZ reflects on a year filled with milestones: innovations in diagnostics, groundbreaking research, sustainable initiatives, and the expansion of international collaborations defined 2024. We continue to set standards in the service of patients. In our annual review, we present key facts and figures, new methods for diagnostics and personalized patient care, award-winning projects, the nationwide sample transport service, and other highlights from the year.

Every day, we are in close contact with colleagues, who are sending their patients sample to our laboratory. While much of this communication takes place by phone, we are also seeing a steady increase in written inquiries via e-mail. However, since standard e-mail is not suitable for exchanging sensitive patient data, and as part of our effort to replace outdated analog methods like faxing, we have introduced KIM-Mail as an additional option to the MLL portal for diagnostic reports.

An accurate and rapid diagnosis of leukemia and other hematological neoplasms is crucial for the best possible treatment of affected patients. In cooperation with our service partner Gold Key Services (GKS), we have established the nationwide sample transport service of the MLL Munich Leukemia Laboratory. Thanks to this service, samples can be delivered safely and reliably overnight to our laboratory in Munich. This also ensures that the test material arrives in optimal condition - for even more accurate diagnoses in the shortest possible time.

In a company like MLL Munich Leukemia Laboratory, which is dedicated to the diagnosis, treatment and research of leukemia and lymphoma, responsible human resources management is of paramount importance: the Human Resources department ensures that highly qualified employees are not only recruited but also continuously developed to the highest standards. This is essential to achieve the best possible results for the satisfaction of our donors and the benefit of our patients.

[Press release] Recognition at the German SME Summit - Ranga Yogeshwar honors MLL Munich Leukemia Laboratory for innovative achievements.

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.

In addition to established standard tests, there are a number of diagnostic methods that are rarely requested but can still provide valuable information. These include genetic analyses of hereditary diseases, tests to determine resistance to targeted therapies, and specialized immunophenotyping techniques. This article presents some of these testing options, with the goal of maximizing the diagnostic options available to clients.

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.

Even before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, we saw how strongly digitalization is shaping our private and professional lives and will continue to do so in the future. This also applies to innovations for daily work in the paperless Munich Leukemia Laboratory (MLL), such as the complete digitalization of all medical findings in a constantly improving digital infrastructure. However, AI will mark a new era for medical diagnostic services as well.

Whether a search engine or digital assistant is involved, artificial intelligence (AI) has long been a part of our day-to-day work. There are success stories in imaging-based diagnostics thanks to AI as well. Preliminary studies, for example, indicate that the classification of medical findings using AI is equivalent to traditional methods.

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.

In our training event “The diagnostic look under the microscope - Hematology in the context of clinical, diagnostic and therapeutic aspects”, we would like to examine the influence of clinical and diagnostic aspects on treatment decisions together with you. Here you will find all information about the program and registration.