Editor’s Note: In the sweltering summer, we gather in Ice City. The “8th Annual Hematology Conference” organized by the Chinese Society of Clinical Oncology (CSCO), the CSCO Leukemia Expert Committee, and the CSCO Lymphoma Expert Committee, and hosted by the Harbin Institute of Hematology and Oncology and Peking University Cancer Hospital, was grandly held in Harbin from July 26 to 28, 2024. Renowned experts and scholars from both domestic and international arenas came together to present and discuss research in leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma, as well as address hot topics in clinical practice. On the first day of the conference, we were honored to interview Dr. Jun Ma, the conference chairman and director of the Harbin Institute of Hematology and Oncology, to share the highlights and core concepts of this year’s event. Bringing Together Global Experts to Discuss the Latest Advances in Hematologic Oncology
Dr. Jun Ma: As one of the largest national gatherings for hematologic and lymphatic diseases, this conference has attracted numerous experts, including specialists in hematology and researchers in translational medicine. We have also had the privilege of hosting international experts such as Professor Owen O’Connor, Chairman of the International T-Cell Lymphoma Consortium and a researcher at the University of Virginia Cancer Center; Professor Davide Rossi, a leading expert in liquid biopsy from the Bellinzona Cancer Institute in Switzerland; as well as scholars from Japan, Singapore, and other countries.
The conference featured a rich array of content and highlights, including one main session and 18 sub-sessions, with a focus on four major malignant diseases: leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), which occupied 90% of the agenda. A total of 38 topics were covered, with over 400 experts giving lectures or chairing sessions. Additionally, there were specialized sessions on translational medicine, drug regulation, medical management, and doctor-patient interactions.
Aligning with International Trends and Communicating Two Key Core Concepts
Dr. Jun Ma: This conference is closely aligned with international frontiers, incorporating the latest findings from the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting, the European Hematology Association (EHA) Annual Meeting, and the International Lymphoma Alliance meeting in San Diego. At the same time, it showcases recent advancements in the treatment of hematologic and lymphatic diseases within China. Over 1,300 academic papers were included in the conference, divided into 64 topics for detailed presentations, with special invitations extended to academicians and scientists to share their research in translational medicine.
It is clear that without innovation and international exchanges, we would not have the advancements we see today in the treatment of hematologic and lymphatic diseases. Moving forward, we must continue to focus on innovation, communication, and collaboration, forming a close alliance among the medical field, patients, and healthcare administration. The goal of this three-day conference is to benefit Chinese patients with hematologic and lymphatic diseases, keep pace with international trends, and uphold the two core concepts of “patient-centered care” and “innovation-driven transformation.” We aim to enhance patients’ quality of life, extend survival times, and achieve higher clinical cure rates.
Dr. Jun Ma
- Chief Physician, Doctoral Supervisor
- Director, Harbin Institute of Hematology and Oncology
- Chairman of the Supervisory Board, Chinese Society of Clinical Oncology (CSCO)
- Vice Chairman, Asian Clinical Oncology Society
- Chairman, CSCO Leukemia Expert Committee
- Head of the Lymphoma Specialty Construction Project Expert Group, National Health Commission Capacity Building and Continuing Education Center
- Editor-in-Chief, Journal of Leukemia and Lymphoma
- Former Chairman, Chinese Society of Clinical Oncology (CSCO)
- Former Vice Chairman, Hematology Division, Chinese Medical Association
