The Erdheim-Chester Disease Global Alliance (ECDGA) welcomes medical professionals from around the world to the 2025 Annual Medical Symposium on Erdheim-Chester Disease, held in the heart of Barcelona at Bellvitge University Hospital. This annual gathering is the only international event exclusively focused on the science, diagnosis, and treatment of ECD—a rare histiocytic neoplasm with systemic, inflammatory, and clonal characteristics. As you prepare for your arrival, here is what to expect from the experience, the venue, and the community you’ll be joining.
Host Site: Bellvitge University Hospital, Barcelona
The Symposium will take place at Bellvitge University Hospital, a designated ECD Care Center and a leading institution for research and clinical care in rare diseases. The venue is located in Barcelona’s Hospitalet de Llobregat district and is easily accessible by Metro. For those staying at the Renaissance Barcelona Fira Hotel, the hospital is just a 10-minute ride away.
Attendees should plan to arrive at the hospital’s Main Building, Street Level Auditorium, where the full day of programming will be hosted. Volunteers and staff will be on-site to assist with wayfinding and registration.
Schedule Overview
The Medical Symposium takes place on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, and will run from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. A light breakfast, lunch, and all-day refreshments will be provided. Attendees are invited to participate in a full day of scientific programming that includes expert talks, case studies, and collaborative discussions with international peers.
Key agenda highlights include:
- CAR-T-Cell Immunotherapies and the Barcelona Model – A keynote by Dr. Manel Juan that explores the expansion of CAR-T-cell therapies beyond hematological malignancies, with implications for histiocytosis and immunologic targeting in rare diseases.
- ECD in Complex Clinical Contexts – Dr. Jerome Razanamahery will present on diagnostic and therapeutic challenges when ECD coexists with other systemic diseases, a topic increasingly relevant in real-world practice.
- Sessions on diagnostic protocols, imaging interpretation, molecular profiling, treatment guidelines, and the latest in translational research, including MAPK pathway targets and immunotherapy trials.
The full agenda provides a balance of bench-to-bedside perspectives, featuring both basic science research and applied clinical strategies.
Who Should Attend
This event is designed for physicians, clinical researchers, pathologists, radiologists, oncologists, neurologists, and rare disease specialists involved in diagnosing or treating histiocytic disorders. If your practice includes rare cancers, inflammatory diseases, or complex immunologic disorders, this meeting offers one of the most targeted and relevant environments for continuing education and professional collaboration.
Attendees typically include:
- Physicians from established ECD Care Centers across Europe, North America, and Asia
- Members of the ECDGA Medical Advisory Board
- Early-career researchers and fellows pursuing rare disease specialization
- Representatives from institutions actively engaged in translational research and clinical trials
The Value of In-Person Exchange
The ECD Medical Symposium is more than a lecture series—it is a platform for cross-disciplinary exchange and international collaboration. In past years, this meeting has seeded new research partnerships, clarified diagnostic frameworks, and helped standardize care protocols across institutions. Presentations are designed to encourage dialogue, and ample time is built into the schedule for questions and networking.
With ECD’s evolving classification as a clonal myeloid neoplasm driven by MAPK pathway mutations, ongoing dialogue between disciplines is essential. By convening annually, this symposium enables the ECD research and clinical community to stay aligned, informed, and inspired.
Travel and Lodging
Most medical attendees will be staying at the Renaissance Barcelona Fira Hotel, where ECDGA staff and volunteers will be available to assist. Post-event dinners and informal gatherings often take place here, providing further opportunities to connect with colleagues and collaborators.
For those unfamiliar with the area, Barcelona offers world-class hospitality, accessible public transportation, and an atmosphere of cultural richness that makes it an ideal setting for professional exchange.
A Global Commitment to Rare Disease Advancement
Since 2009, ECDGA has worked to unite the global medical community around the mission to improve outcomes for individuals with Erdheim-Chester Disease. Through events like this one, and with the support of leading institutions and care centers, that mission continues to grow.
We look forward to welcoming you in Barcelona for a day of shared insight, rigorous science, and renewed momentum in the fight against Erdheim-Chester Disease.