On Sunday, 27 October 2024, ITP Australia and New Zealand proudly hosted the first-ever ITP Breakfast Meeting at the Rydges South Bank in Brisbane.

Against the picturesque backdrop of the Brisbane skyline and river, the breakfast provided an energising start to Blood 2024, the annual haematology conference for Australia and New Zealand. Designed as a pre-conference session, the breakfast aimed to foster learning and engagement among healthcare professionals focused on advancing the treatment and care of Immune Thrombocytopenia patients.

In the weeks leading up to the event, invitations were sent out, and with the support of our dedicated medical advisors, registrations quickly surged. As we prepared to open the doors, we were thrilled to see that we had secured 64 registrations from three countries: Australia, New Zealand, and Hong Kong. This impressive turnout underscored the enthusiasm within the medical community to discuss ITP, exchange insights, and develop more effective approaches to managing this complex condition.

For ITP Australia and New Zealand, this strong response highlighted the importance of gathering specialists to collaborate and share expertise in a relaxed yet professional setting.

Danielle Boyle, Founder and CEO of ITP Australia and New Zealand, served as the MC for the event, welcoming attendees and introducing the morning’s programme. The agenda was packed with thought-provoking presentations from our esteemed Medical Advisors, who shared the latest advancements and best practices in ITP management.

Dr. Philip Choi opened the session with a presentation on “How to Start and Finish ITP Treatments,” followed by insights into “When to Consider Rituximab,” providing clarity on treatment timelines and considerations for this key therapeutic option.

Dr Robert Bird then took the stage to discuss “Combination Therapies for Patients Responding Sub-optimally to TPO-RAs,” offering strategies for managing cases where a response to TPO receptor agonists is less than ideal. 

Next, Dr. John Casey delved into “Looking Beyond the Platelet Count,” highlighting the importance of addressing patient quality of life and not solely focusing on numerical targets. 

Dr. Chee Wee Tan presented on “Splenectomy: Is It Still an Option?” covering evolving perspectives on this traditional treatment approach. To conclude the session, Dr. Danny Hsu provided an “ITP Clinical Trials Update,” showcasing emerging research and potential therapies in the pipeline.

This event wouldn’t have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors: Platinum Sponsor Sanofi, Gold Sponsor Novartis, and Silver Sponsor Sobi.

Their commitment to advancing haematology and ITP treatment through initiatives like collaborating with patient organisations highlights the importance of working together to make patients the priority.

The feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, with participants praising the event’s content and structure. 

Attendees noted the value of having dedicated time to explore ITP, specifically the challenges and innovations, in greater detail. 

Many discussed the breakfast meeting throughout the course of Blood 2024 and expressed the need for this event to become an annual feature ahead of the Blood Meeting.

This inaugural meeting marks the beginning of an exciting annual tradition. We look forward to continuing the ITP Breakfast Meeting at Blood 2025 in Perth, Western Australia, bringing together healthcare professionals from across the region to advance ITP knowledge, improve patient outcomes, and strengthen the community dedicated to this rare condition.