Partnership Designed to Enhance & Improve Clinical Trial Navigation Experience for Patients with Rare Blood Cancers
WASHINGTON & CHICAGO, July 15, 2025 — The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) has been named the exclusive clinical trial search partner of the MPN Research Foundation to help patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs), a group of rare blood cancers, more easily identify novel treatments offered through trials. Referrals through MPN Research Foundation’s website will help patients by connecting them to free, expert support provided by LLS Clinical Trial Support Center (CTSC) Nurse Navigators.
MPN Research Foundation and LLS aim to streamline the often challenging clinical trial navigation process through their partnership, providing patients and caregivers with information and access to novel treatments that could potentially result in better outcomes. MPN Research Foundation’s clinical trial finder will connect them with free, one-on-one support from LLS’s CTSC Nurse Navigators who will help patients identify appropriate trials, overcome barriers to participation, and make informed decisions about their care.
“Our partnership with the MPN Research Foundation allows us to extend these vital services to a specific community of blood cancer patients who often face limited treatment options and unique challenges in accessing clinical trials,” said Leah Szumita, MS, RN, ACNS-BC, Senior Director of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Clinical Trial Support Center. “Together, we are working to empower patients with the knowledge and support they need to pursue potentially life-changing therapies.”
MPNs, which include polycythemia vera (PV), essential thrombocythemia (ET), and myelofibrosis (MF), often lead to significant morbidity and have limited treatment options. Searching for options, such as those offered through clinical trials, can be daunting and time consuming for patients dealing with their diagnosis.
“MPN patients frequently express a desire to participate in clinical trials but struggle with where to start,” said Sara Douglas, MSN, RN, OCN, Director of Patient Engagement for MPN Research Foundation. “By partnering with LLS, we’re removing a significant barrier to access and giving patients real-time guidance that could make a meaningful difference in their treatment journey.”
This collaboration underscores both organizations’ unwavering dedication to innovation, patient-centered care, and the acceleration of novel therapies.
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About The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society® (LLS) is the global leader and innovator in creating a world without blood cancer. The LLS mission: Cure blood cancer and improve the quality of life of all patients and their families. LLS is focused on accelerating research, providing free support and services, and advocating for policies to ensure access to quality, affordable care. For more than 75 years, LLS has been helping blood cancer patients live longer, better lives.
To learn more, visit www.LLS.org. Patients can contact the Information Resource Center at (800) 955-4572, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET. Connect with us on Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok.
About MPN Research Foundation
The mission of MPN Research Foundation is to stimulate original research in pursuit of new treatments — and eventually a cure — for myeloproliferative neoplasms, including the blood cancers essential thrombocythemia, polycythemia vera, and myelofibrosis. www.mpnresearchfoundation.org. Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.
Media Contact: Melissa Valentino [email protected]