On 15 November, MPE member organisation AF3M, the French Association of Myeloma Patients, held its 20th National Myeloma Day across 28 cities in France, including La Réunion Island. This remarkable milestone event brought together patients and carers for information and discussion, organised in collaboration with AF3M’s longstanding partner IFM, the French-speaking Myeloma Intergroup, whose research is recognised worldwide. The event also extended to Belgium with Mymu, Martinique Island with A4M, and French-speaking Switzerland with Myelome Patients Suisse.

The day was an outstanding success, gathering more than 2,700 patients and carers alongside 200 haematologists, psychotherapists, specialist nurses and other healthcare professionals. Over 200 volunteers actively prepared the event, welcomed participants and facilitated round-table discussions. Among attendees, 48% were newcomers, with 200 joining the community and becoming members.

This 20th edition marks a significant milestone in the collaboration between AF3M and IFM, which launched the first National Myeloma Day in 2006 before AF3M took over organisation in 2010.

The event featured two parts: the first focused on medical aspects, covering myeloma basics, diagnosis, treatments for patients eligible and ineligible for autologous stem cell transplant, relapse management, and innovations in research. This year, Professor Philippe Moreau highlighted that “immunotherapy is a revolution”.

The second part addressed living with myeloma, with topics selected based on feedback from the previous year. This year focused on the impact of myeloma on physical, psychological and social quality of life, with the key message: “Getting medical treatment is essential, and living in good conditions with myeloma is just as important for patients and carers”.

This 20th National Myeloma Day was a tremendous achievement, providing thousands of patients and carers, including hundreds of newcomers, with the latest information on treatments and guidance for living well with myeloma. Congratulations to AF3M and all partners for this exceptional event.