The Blood 2024 conference, the annual haematology meeting for Australia and New Zealand, provided an exciting platform for ITP Australia and New Zealand to shine a spotlight on Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP).
With an array of events, an interactive exhibition stand, and educational sessions, we aimed to enhance awareness, foster connections, and educate both healthcare professionals and patients about ITP.
Launch of the First ITP Breakfast Meeting
One of our standout contributions to Blood 2024 was the debut of the ITP Breakfast Meeting, which catered specifically to healthcare professionals interested in advancing their understanding of ITP. This session provided a unique opportunity for specialists to gain fresh insights into ITP treatment, diagnosis, and patient management strategies. Through discussions, healthcare providers were able to dive deeper into the complexities of ITP, sharing ideas and exploring new approaches to improve patient care. This meeting was an ideal starting point for those who wanted to gain a comprehensive view of ITP before navigating the main conference sessions.
Engaging with Our Circus-Themed Stand
Our ITP exhibition stand was the highlight of Blood 2024. In a bustling exhibition hall filled with clinical and industry-focused stands, our circus/carnival-themed booth truly stood out, drawing delegates in with a playful, vibrant setup complete with laughing clowns, colourful banners, and eye-catching show bags. This theme wasn’t just for fun; it served as a creative and engaging way to educate healthcare professionals about ITP and gather valuable feedback on treatment preferences from more than 200 attendees.
The ITP Circus was designed to be both interactive and informative. Each visitor to our stand had the chance to learn about the work we’re doing, from our range of resources
to upcoming events and educational materials. The showbags provided a unique way to distribute information, containing not only fun giveaways but also essential resources on ITP treatment options, services, and support initiatives. The response from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, with many finding the circus theme a refreshing change and an accessible introduction to ITP-related resources.
Adding to the excitement, two stilt walkers made a surprise appearance, roaming the exhibition hall and directing even more traffic our way. The energy and enthusiasm surrounding our stand was palpable, and our volunteers — Stassi, Steven, and Patricia — along with our “ringmaster” Danielle in her top hat and tails, did an incredible job creating a welcoming environment for delegates. Their hard work and dedication truly made our stand a standout feature of Blood 2024.
Spotlight on ITP Research and Innovation
In addition to the activities at our stand, Blood 2024 featured a number of remarkable presentations focusing on ITP, each contributing to a broader understanding of this complex condition.
One of the most notable moments was our Medical Advisor and Director, Dr. Robert Bird, receiving the prestigious Barry Firkin Oration for his outstanding contributions to haematology and ITP research. His dedication has paved the way for advancements in treatment options and better patient care.
Dr. Rick Kapur presented on the immune functions of platelets and explored the ongoing role of IVIg in ITP treatment. This presentation raised important discussions among healthcare providers on how these functions impact treatment efficacy and patient outcomes.
Nurse Practitioner Rebecca Dring from the Royal Melbourne Hospital shared findings on adult ITP patients who discontinued or switched TPO-RAs (thrombopoietin receptor agonists), offering insights from her hospital’s experiences and the factors influencing treatment decisions.
Several innovative research projects from the Australian National University were also featured. PhD candidate Sidra Ali presented during the THANZ Presidential Symposium, discussing new targets and therapies for ITP that have the potential to move from “bench to bedside,” offering hope for future advancements. Another PhD candidate, Vijay Bhoopalan, showcased his research on platelets and endothelial cells, exploring their roles in ITP’s pathophysiology and identifying potential therapeutic angles for future interventions.
Looking Forward
Overall, Blood 2024 was a resounding success, underscoring our commitment to raising awareness of ITP and fostering stronger connections within both the patient and healthcare communities. Our participation highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts and the vital role that education and research play in improving ITP patient outcomes. With every conversation, presentation, and interaction, we are one step closer to ensuring that ITP is better understood and that patients feel supported and informed.
Blood 2024 was not just an opportunity to present our work but a celebration of the ongoing progress within the haematology community, especially in the field of ITP. We look forward to continuing this momentum, knowing that together, we can achieve even greater things in the years to come.
Image Source of Barry Firkin Oration: THANZ.org.au