The VHL Research Forum is a biennial gathering dedicated to accelerating progress in the understanding and treatment of Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease.

Inspired by the Forbeck model, this intimate event will alternate with the International VHL Medical Symposium, creating a rhythm of continuous engagement across the clinical and research communities. Over this 2 day event, 12 experts, nominated by the Research Council, will come together for focused exchange on critical knowledge gaps and emerging topics in VHL research and patient care. Through five interactive scientific sessions, the Forum will spark in-depth dialogue, foster collaboration, and cultivate innovative ideas that drive the VHL field forward.

Research Forum Schedule

Friday 11/7/2025 – Event Welcome

4:00 PM – 6:00 PM Arrival and Check In
6:00 – 7:30 PM Welcome Reception
with local patients, family members & Levine Cancer Institute staff
7:30 – 7:45 PM Forum Welcome and Introduction
led by Executive Director Janet Thompson & Research Council Co-Chair
Ruhee Dere
7:45 PM – On Free Time/Dinner (on your own)
Explore local shops/restaurants on your own or with fellow attendees (cost
not included) and enjoy the beautiful amenities and grounds of The Ballantyne

Saturday 11/8/2025 – Research & Clinical Discussions

7:30 AM – 8:30 AM Breakfast
served at The Lodge at Ballantyne

8:30 – 9:30 AM Introducing Your Area of Expertise
each attendee will be given 5 minutes to present (3 slides max., no data)

9:30 – 10:30 AM Session #1 (Moderator*: J. Brugarolas)

TOPICS:
Animal models of VHL
Discussion Leaders**: I. Frew, J. Brugarolas, L. Perelli
Cell culture models for 3p loss and biallelic VHL inactivation
Discussion Leaders**: R. Dere, I. Frew
10:30 – 10:45 AM Break
10:45 – 12:15 PM Session #2 (Moderator*: S. Turajlic)

TOPICS:
Tumor microenvironment
Discussion Leaders**: I. Frew, X. Lu
Immune evasion and response to checkpoint inhibitors
Discussion Leaders**: X. Lu, S. Turajlic
12:15 – 1:30 PM Lunch
served at The Lodge at Ballantyne
1:30 – 3:00 PM Session #3 (Moderator*: M. Koh)

TOPICS:
Molecular pathways beyond HIF signaling
Discussion Leaders**: M. Koh, R. Dere
Defining biomarkers for VHL
Discussion Leaders**: J. Brugarolas, S. Turajlic
3:00 – 3:30 PM Break
3:30 – 5:30 PM Session #4 (Moderator*: R. Srinivasan)

TOPICS:
Belzutifan resistance
Discussion Leaders**: O. Iliopoulos, E. Jonasch
HIF inhibitors in the pipeline
Discussion Leaders**: E. Jonasch, S. Turajlic
Therapeutic combinations
Discussion Leaders**: E. Jonasch, R. Srinivasan, A. Tirosh

5:30 – 6:30 PM Free Time
6:30 – 7:30 PM Session #5 (Moderator*: A. Tirosh)

TOPICS:
Hereditary versus sporadic VHL disease
Discussion Leaders**: R. Srinivasan, O. Iliopoulos
VHL in non-kidney tissues
Discussion Leaders**: O. Iliopoulos, A. Matynia, A. Tirosh

7:30 PM – on Group Dinner
served at Gallery Restaurant at The Ballantyne

Sunday 11/9/2025 – Key Takeaways
7:30 AM – 8:30 AM Breakfast
8:30 – 9:30 AM Knowledge Gaps and Takeaways
discussion of research and clinical gaps identified in Saturday’s sessions
9:30 – 10:00 AM Break
10:00 – 12:00 PM Next Steps and Deliverables
discussion of actionable next steps and collaborative plans
12:00 – 1:00 PM Box Lunch and Check Out

Travel Reimbursements

Travel costs will be reimbursed up to $600 for domestic travel and $1200 for international travel. This reimbursement is limited to economy flights and airport transit only. Click the button below to download the reimbursement form. Completed forms can be submitted to [email protected]