14 June 2024
hATTR Amyloidosis: From Bench to Bedside
hATTR is increasingly recognized given the heightened awareness for the disease, driven by the availability of effective treatment options. In fact, hATTR is a model genetic disease, since several groundbreaking treatment modalities became available in recent years, such as siRNA and antisense oligonucleotides. Also, the disease is unique due to its great phenotypic heterogeneity, involving diverse organs, such as the peripheral and central nervous system, the heart, the eyes, the kidneys etc.
The summer school “hATTR Amyloidosis: from bench to bedside” aims to expose participants to the challenges of early detecting hATTR, given the importance of early initiation of disease modifying therapies. Also, it will highlight the interdisciplinary approach needed for the management of this multifaceted disease, as employed in the health care ecosystem of Heraklion, Crete. This ecosystem has evolved due to the increased prevalence of disease on the island. Finally, this summer school aims to expose participants to the cutting-edge treatment modalities available to patients in Crete and elsewhere.
The structure of the program entails both clinical practice and hands-on laboratory experience and lectures by distinguished scientists running in parallel. A total of 16 participants will be practicing in groups in the Departments of the University Hospital of Heraklion and the Venizelio Hospital involved in this summer school (Neurology, Cardiology, Gastroenterology, Hematology, Nuclear Medicine, Ophthalmology, Pathology, Renal Medicine) and the Laboratories of the University of Crete, Medical School (Neurogenetics / Neurodegenerative Disorders, Pathology). At the same time, the group will attend courses by experts in the field at 12-3pm.
The educational program described above will be joined by a social program, including a welcome dinner at a traditional Cretan restaurant and an educational excursion to Spinalonga, where participants will be introduced to the medical history of the island by a skilled guide.
Course leader
Ioannis Zaganas, Associate Professor of Neurology, Neurology Department, University Hospital of Heraklion, Crete
Target group
In training or early career physicians (neurologists, cardiologists etc), medical students
Course aim
The trainees are expected to acquire knowledge, based on an interdisciplinary approach, on the management of hATTR.
Learning objectives:
At the end of this summer schools, participants should be able to:
1) Understand the pathophysiology of TTR-related pathophysiology.
2) Identify clinical signs of possible TTR amyloidosis.
3) Formulate a diagnostic plan for patients with possible TTR amyloidosis.
4) Know the treatments available to patients with hATTR
Fee info
EUR 300: Includes welcome dinner but does not include travel, accommodation, and an optional excursion with lunch.