Editor’s Note: The 66th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Hematology (ASH) successfully concluded in San Diego, USA, from December 7–10, 2024. As the largest and most comprehensive international academic conference in the field of hematology, it attracts global experts and scholars each year to discuss and exchange views on the latest research advancements. During this year’s ASH meeting, the Chinese American Hematologist and Oncologist Network (CAHON) successfully held its Winter Symposium. Hematology frontier invited Dr. JingZhou Hou, CAHON President and a professor at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, to share insights on CAHON’s founding mission, highlights from this Winter Symposium, and details of his three research studies (including one oral presentation and two posters) presented at ASH.

Hematology frontier: As the President of CAHON, could you introduce the organization, its founding purpose, development journey, and future plans?

Dr. JingZhou Hou: CAHON was established 20 years ago, primarily composed of Chinese American hematology and oncology specialists practicing in the U.S., many of whom are first-generation immigrants from China. In recent years, we have seen more second-generation Chinese American doctors joining the organization. Currently, CAHON has over 300 members, approximately 70% of whom hold dual MD and PhD degrees. Our members are actively involved in key sectors such as academia, industry, and government.

CAHON has two primary goals. The first is to provide a platform for members to engage in academic and professional exchanges. Each year, we host various academic events, including receptions and scholarly activities during the ASH and ASCO annual meetings, the CAHON Annual Meeting held every October in New York, and the Community Oncology Forum, which focuses on practical case discussions. These events not only promote networking and individual academic growth but also facilitate the exchange of ideas on challenging cases, ultimately improving patient care.

The second goal is to create an international exchange platform. We collaborate with international academic organizations, including associations in Europe, as well as U.S.-based groups like ASH, ASCO, AACR, and SITC. CAHON also values exchanges with Chinese counterparts, including the Chinese Society of Clinical Oncology (CSCO) and the Chinese Society of Hematology. We have co-hosted high-level immuno-oncology forums with Chinese regulatory authorities, such as the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA). Through these collaborations, we aim to build a bridge for international academic exchange.

Hematology frontier: The CAHON Winter Symposium at ASH was a success. Could you share the key highlights of this symposium?

Dr. JingZhou Hou: During the ASH and ASCO annual meetings, we always host an academic reception. These gatherings align with our two main goals: providing a platform for members to exchange research findings and facilitating collaboration with other organizations.

For example, this year’s symposium featured a keynote address by Dr. Robert Negrin, Director of the Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation Division at Stanford University and Vice President of ASH. Dr. Negrin shared his 25-year journey in research on graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and graft-versus-leukemia (GVL) effects. His work spans from early animal models to clinical research, yielding impressive results. Currently, his team is conducting a Phase III clinical trial, and the data appears highly promising—potentially marking a significant advancement in the field of bone marrow transplantation.

The symposium also welcomed Dr. Brian G.M. Durie, co-founder of the International Myeloma Foundation (IMF). Dr. Durie has extensively contributed to multiple myeloma research in China and Asia, including helping establish the Asian Myeloma Network (AMN). He remains deeply involved in various initiatives across the region.

Hematology frontier: At ASH, you presented an oral report on the first-in-human results of a novel CD19/CD3 T-cell engager (TCE) for relapsed/refractory follicular lymphoma (FL). Could you elaborate on this study and your views on the future application of this therapy in FL?

Dr. JingZhou Hou: This study focuses on bispecific antibody therapy for lymphoma, specifically T-cell engagers that activate T cells to target tumors. These antibodies have two functional ends: one binds to CD3 to activate T cells, while the other targets tumor antigens like CD19 or CD20. Several products of this type have already entered the market, with new candidates continuously emerging.

My presentation covered AZD0486, a novel CD19×CD3 bispecific T-cell engager. This Phase I study enrolled patients with relapsed/refractory FL who had undergone at least three prior lines of treatment, including CAR-T therapy. Most participants represented high-risk populations. Results showed an impressive 85% complete response rate and a 95% overall response rate, demonstrating remarkable efficacy in this challenging patient group.

Further research on this bispecific antibody is underway, including Phase II and III global trials, with China among the participating regions. Notably, a Phase III trial is being planned to evaluate AZD0486 as a first-line therapy for FL. Based on the Phase I results, this drug shows great promise as an effective treatment with relatively mild side effects. We hope this work will offer new options for lymphoma patients.

Hematology frontier: At ASH, you also presented two posters on BTK inhibitors for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)/small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL). Could you highlight the key findings of these studies?

Dr. JingZhou Hou: Over the past decade, the field of CLL has achieved significant progress. Chemotherapy is no longer the standard for first- or second-line treatment, which now primarily involves targeted therapies. Two main classes of targeted therapies are used: BTK inhibitors and BCL-2 inhibitors.

BTK inhibitors include first-generation drugs like ibrutinib and newer agents such as acalabrutinib, zanubrutinib, and orelabrutinib. While these therapies are highly effective, they require continuous use. Our studies focused on comparing the side effects of different BTK inhibitors. We conducted real-world observational studies using patient data from multiple U.S. states.

Side effects can be divided into two categories: those related to the therapeutic target (common across all BTK inhibitors) and those linked to structural design (off-target effects). For instance, some BTK inhibitors carry a higher risk of hypertension, while others pose a lower risk. These real-world studies, which involved longer treatment durations and more complex patient profiles, provide valuable insights into the practical use of these drugs.

About the Expert

Dr. JingZhou Hou, MD, PhD, is the President of CAHON and a clinical hematologist/oncologist at the Mario Lemieux Center for Blood Cancers, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center. A specialist in hematologic malignancies, cell therapy, and bone marrow transplantation, Dr. Hou earned his medical degree from Henan Medical University, a master’s degree from Shanghai Medical College, and a PhD in Molecular and Cellular Biology from Tulane University.

Dr. Hou’s clinical and research focus includes immunotherapy and targeted therapy for hematologic cancers. He has been involved in numerous pioneering clinical trials that contributed to FDA approvals for drugs like venetoclax, ibrutinib, and polatuzumab. He frequently lectures on lymphoma and AML at regional, national, and international conferences and has received multiple awards, including the Leo Criep, MD, Excellence in Patient Care Award from UPMC Hillman Cancer Center.

A founding member of CAHON, Dr. Hou has served in various leadership roles, including Academic Committee Chair, CAHON President (2014–2016), and Chair of the Board (2024–2026).