Since 1981 Lugano has been a reference point for the scientific community engaged in the study of biology, diagnosis and treatment of malignant lymphomas. Triennially first and biennial since 2011, the International Conference on Malignant Lymphoma (ICML) brings together doctors, researchers, biologists and representatives of pharmaceutical companies from all five continents. The appointment organized by the committee that revolves around Professor Franco Cavalli - founder and promoter of the event - is a great one in terms of scientific prestige and economic impact. From a scientific point of view, during a week the congress brings together the world's top experts, who choose this "stage" to present the results of their studies; as for the city of Lugano and the whole canton, from a tourism and hotel point of view, , the five congress days mean full hotels and restaurants, with an estimated 400-500 francs per person per day, inducing a total income of between 10 and 13 million francs.
ICML
From 18 to 22 June 2021 we will celebrate - albeit in virtual mode - the 40th anniversary of ICML.
For the scientific community involved in the study and treatment of lymphoid neoplasms, this is an event not to be missed. Since 1981, top experts from all over the world have met in Lugano to advance research, increase the chances of treatment and improve the patients' quality of life.
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The 2021 edition which, due to the pandemic situation, will take place in a totally virtual mode, will be a special occasion to celebrate: actually, 40 years have passed since the first congress, which entirely took place in the Palazzo dei Congressi's rooms in 1981 and was attended by 550 doctors approximately. During the following 15 editions, the congress has grown and changed, in order to accommodate around 4000 doctors and researchers from eighty countries: Consequently, year after year, external offices, one tensile structure in Parco Ciani, the Villa Ciani and the Ex Asilo, the Cinema Corso and the USI campus, have been added to the Palazzo dei Congressi. The scientific topics for this special edition will be defined only few months before the congress, according to the results of the proposed international studies and whose value will be assessed by the committee with the help of a hundred specialists from all over the world. About thirty world renowned experts have already been invited to deal with topics of sure interest. Among these, Prof. Michael Hallek from Cologne will hold the most prestigious presentation, the Kaplan Lecture, named after one of the founders of modern lymphoma therapy, and who had a special relationship with the City of Lugano. Prof. Hallek will present the evolution, the state of the art and the most recent data about Chronic Lymphatic Leukemia, a topic dealt with by him over the course of about 40 years of his career.
A sophisticated virtual platform, combined with a TV studio set up at the Palazzo dei Congressi, will allow participants to follow the various sessions, intervene on the diverse scientific themes and develop, albeit remotely, their own network both during and after the congress days.
ICML facts and figures
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4'000
Medical professionals
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120
Staff
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55
Hours of lectures
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1981
First edition
