Moderator: Prof Nicholas Otieno Abinya

Speakers & Topics:

• Dr Samson Mutanda: Practical Approaches in Clinical Case‑Driven Exploration
• Prof Shahin Sayed: Histopathology & Low‑Grade Lymphomas
• Dr Matilda Ongondi: CT Treatment Algorithm – A Practical Approach

Dr. Samson Mutanda – presented case-based exploration of CLL management in Kenyan settings.
– Key clinical points:
• CLL is heterogeneous and often indolent; many patients start with watchful waiting.
• Symptomatic cytopenias and disease progression warrant treatment.
• Therapy included bendamustine, rituximab, venetoclax, and novel agents like ibrutinib.
– Highlighted diagnostic limitations due to access to FISH, molecular testing, and cost of targeted therapies.
– Underscored importance of tailored care, especially in young patients and those with co-morbidities.

Dr. Matilda Ongondi – Provided a clinical introduction to indolent lymphomas, which are slow-growing B-cell neoplasms such as CLL/SLL, follicular lymphoma, and MZL.
– Emphasized the necessity for clinical vigilance and long-term monitoring.
– Stressed the need for diagnostic precision, the role of immunophenotyping, and the heterogeneity of clinical presentations.
– Highlighted treatment considerations: watchful waiting, targeted therapy, and challenges in resource-limited settings.

Prof. Shahin Sayed – Reviewed WHO-HEM5 classification of indolent lymphomas, emphasizing pathology-driven subtypes.
– Covered key immunophenotypic markers: CD5, CD23, LEF1, BCL2, Cyclin D1, etc.
– Presented rare pediatric and adolescent cases, illustrating diagnostic complexity and variability.
– Detailed histologic signs of aggressive transformation (e.g. high Ki-67, prolymphocytic features).
– Outlined molecular diagnostics: del(11q, 13q, 17p), TP53 mutations, IGHV SHM – all important for prognosis and treatment.
– Discussed evolving terminology: classic FL, follicular lymphoma with uncommon features (uFL), and follicular large cell lymphoma.