Honoured to Support the 2026 ANZTCT Annual Scientific Meeting

Levelling the Playing Field: ANZTCT ASM 2026 Brings the Transplant Community Together

Arrow was proud to once again partner with the Australia and New Zealand Transplant and Cellular Therapies (ANZTCT) Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM), held this year at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in Melbourne.

Now in its fourth year, the ASM continues to grow in size and impact, bringing together more than 400 clinicians, nurses, researchers, allied health professionals, laboratory staff, clinical trial coordinators and data managers from across Australia and New Zealand.

The theme for this year’s meeting, “Leveling the Playing Field,” was a fitting reflection of both the venue and the conference’s strong focus on ensuring equitable access to care for all patients. Throughout the program, speakers challenged delegates to consider how barriers can be reduced, access improved, and every patient given the opportunity to achieve the best possible outcomes.

Supporting Education and Strengthening the Transplant Workforce

A highlight of the ASM was supporting the attendance of four healthcare professionals through Arrow’s scholarship program. The recipients represented a range of disciplines, including nursing, clinical research, allied health and data management, reflecting the multidisciplinary nature of transplant and cellular therapy care.

These scholarships enabled recipients to participate in the full ASM program, as well as specialist workshops held in the lead-up to the conference. These sessions provided valuable opportunities for professional development, networking and knowledge sharing, helping to ensure healthcare professionals across Australia and New Zealand can access the latest research and best practice approaches.You can read more about our nurse travel scholarship recipients here.

We were also delighted to provide an update on Arrow’s activities and achievements over the past year including new patient resources and expanded support programs. It was a valuable opportunity to share the impact being achieved through our patient support programs, education and research programs. The healthcare professionals in attendance play a critical role in the successful delivery of many of Arrow’s programs, and it was a privilege to share the impact being achieved together.

The conference also provided a wonderful opportunity to connect with many of our valued sponsors and supporters, including Jazz Pharmaceuticals and Therakos, who were also in attendance. These conversations are an important part of building partnerships that help advance education, research and support for transplant patients and healthcare professionals.

Innovation, Research and Improved Patient Outcomes

The ASM delivered a diverse and thought-provoking scientific program covering innovative treatments, new approaches to existing therapies, clinical trial outcomes, emerging research and international perspectives.

Delegates heard from leading experts from Australia and overseas on the latest developments in stem cell transplantation and CAR-T cell therapy, with discussions focused on improving patient outcomes, reducing treatment-related complications and translating research discoveries into clinical practice.

Sessions also explored the growing importance of data registries and the emerging role of artificial intelligence in research and healthcare delivery. There were valuable updates on the Australian Stem Cell Donor Registry, along with the opportunity to hear directly from a stem cell donor, providing a unique perspective on the generosity that makes transplantation possible.

Importantly, the conference recognised and celebrated the remarkable individuals whose dedication continues to advance the transplant and cellular therapy field, acknowledging the many contributions that have shaped patient care and outcomes.

Stories, Learning and Shared Purpose

As always, some of the most powerful moments of the conference came from hearing directly from patients and families.

Arrow was proud to coordinate transplant recipient Chantelle Asciak to share her experience of CAR-T cell therapy. Chantelle spoke candidly about her fight for survival, the challenges she faced throughout treatment and recovery, and the unwavering support of her family.

Her story served as a powerful reminder of why continued investment in research, education and patient support is so important. It reinforced that behind every clinical trial, treatment protocol and research paper is a person navigating one of the most challenging experiences of their life.

Equity, Inclusion and Caring for the Whole Person

The theme of “Levelling the Playing Field” resonated throughout the week, particularly in discussions around equity and inclusion. Delegates discussed the challenges faced by underrepresented patient groups and explored ways clinicians can better identify barriers to care and advocate for equitable access to treatment and support services. There was also recognition of the vital role carers play throughout the transplant journey, reinforcing the importance of supporting not only patients but also those who care for them.

A particularly meaningful element of the conference was an Aboriginal artwork featured throughout the event, symbolising the importance of connection and collaboration. The artwork reflected the many people and systems that work together to support patients, including clinicians, nurses, allied health professionals, laboratories, researchers, registries and donor networks. It served as a powerful reminder that achieving the best outcomes requires everyone working together as part of a much larger whole.

Kicking Off Paint the Town Red 2026 with the ANZTCT Community

The week concluded with one of the most anticipated events of the ASM the Paint the Town Red Dinner on Thursday night. This annual celebration brought delegates together for an evening of connection, fun and fundraising in support of Arrow’s Patient Support Program.

With dinner, dancing, trivia, prizes and plenty of red, the energy in the room was incredible. The enthusiasm of the ANZTCT community once again set the tone for the month ahead, officially launching our 2026 Paint the Town Red campaign.

Thanks to the generosity of everyone who attended, almost $4,000 was raised that will directly support patients and families navigating bone marrow and stem cell transplant.

If you’re interested in helping us raise awareness about blood cancer this September, Paint the Town Red is your opportunity. You can learn more about how to get involved here.

Looking Ahead

It was an honour to partner with ANZTCT for the 2026 ASM, and we extend our heartfelt thanks to the organising committee, presenters, scholarship recipients and every delegate who contributed to such a meaningful week.

Our partnership with ANZTCT remains one of our most valued collaborations, a partnership that has been built on shared purpose, mutual respect and a commitment to improving outcomes for transplant and cellular therapy patients. As the ASM continues to grow, so too does our collective ability to level the playing field for patients, carers and healthcare teams across Australia and New Zealand.

We are already looking forward to the 2027 ASM and to continuing this important work together.