Xinghai Forum: Professors Pengfei Qiu and Hao Wang Share Research Progress on ctDNA Monitoring in Breast Cancer

Xinghai Forum: Professors Pengfei Qiu and Hao Wang Share Research Progress on ctDNA Monitoring in Breast Cancer

Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) testing allows for continuous dynamic monitoring of tumor genetic variations without relying on tissue samples. This liquid biopsy technology has been widely used in clinical breast cancer research for prognosis and treatment evaluation, but there are still no standards for ctDNA testing, including population selection, testing frequency, and testing methods. At the recent 5th Comprehensive Cancer Treatment Academic Conference of the Dalian Xinghai Medical Forum, Oncology Frontier invited Professor Pengfei Qiu from Shandong Cancer Hospital, and Professor Hao Wang fro
the CHANGEABLE Phase II Study: Niraparib + HX008 for Safe and Effective Treatment of Germline BRCA1/2 Mutated MBC Patients

the CHANGEABLE Phase II Study: Niraparib + HX008 for Safe and Effective Treatment of Germline BRCA1/2 Mutated MBC Patients

In recent years, the rapid development of immunotherapy and targeted therapy has continuously updated the treatment strategies for metastatic breast cancer (MBC) patients. PARP inhibitors and immune checkpoint inhibitors, developed based on the concept of synthetic lethality, have become important treatment options for HER2- MBC patients, yet there remains a significant unmet need for treatment. Recently, at the ASCO 2024 conference, a collaborative team led by Professors Zhen Hu , Jian Zhang, and Yun Liu from Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center shared the results of the Phase II CHANGEABLE study. This study revealed new hope for the combination of the PARP inhibitor niraparib and the PD-1 monoclonal antibody HX008 in MBC patients with germline DDR gene mutations. At ASCO 2024, Oncology Frontier interviewed Professor Jian Zhang to discuss the background, results, and significance of this study. The key insights are summarized below:
EHA International Perspective | Professor John Gribben Awarded the José Carreras Prize, Shares Key Factors Advancing Hematology

EHA International Perspective | Professor John Gribben Awarded the José Carreras Prize, Shares Key Factors Advancing Hematology

At the recently held 29th Annual Congress of the European Hematology Association (EHA), Professor John Gribben, former chairman of EHA and head of the Hematological Center at Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, was awarded the José Carreras Prize for his outstanding contributions in the field of immunology research. "Oncology Frontier-Hematology Frontier" specially invited Professor John Gribben to share his research findings and his feelings about the award. In addition, Professor John Gribben also discussed the significance of patient-centered treatment in the field of hematology and emphasized the importance of global cooperation and inclusive clinical trials to advance the field and provide the best care for patients worldwide.
EHA International Perspective | Professor Jean-Pierre Bourquin: Advances in Drug Resistance Research for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL)

EHA International Perspective | Professor Jean-Pierre Bourquin: Advances in Drug Resistance Research for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL)

Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL), as an aggressive form of blood cancer, poses a serious threat to patients' lives. Despite significant progress in treatment in recent years, drug resistance remains a major obstacle to improving patient survival rates and quality of life. At the recently held 29th Annual Congress of the European Hematology Association (EHA 2024), the research findings of Professor Jean-Pierre Bourquin from the Universitätsspital Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland , were particularly significant. The research has not only made important contributions to understanding the complex biological mechanisms of ALL but also achieved breakthrough progress in the study of drug resistance. "Oncology Frontier - Hematology Frontier" specially invited Professor Bourquin to share the core theme of precision hematology and his key findings in the research of ALL drug resistance at the venue.
Xinghai Forum: Professors Yang Zhang and Kejing Zhang Discuss CDK4/6 Inhibitors in Adjuvant Therapy for HR+ Breast Cancer

Xinghai Forum: Professors Yang Zhang and Kejing Zhang Discuss CDK4/6 Inhibitors in Adjuvant Therapy for HR+ Breast Cancer

Cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 (CDK4/6) inhibitors have brought transformative breakthroughs to the clinical treatment of hormone receptor-positive (HR+), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HER2-) breast cancer patients. The combination of CDK4/6 inhibitors and endocrine therapy has become the standard regimen for HR+/HER2- locally advanced and metastatic breast cancer. In the adjuvant treatment phase for early-stage breast cancer, CDK4/6 inhibitors have also shown positive results and have been approved for indications. The 2024 ASCO conference presented multiple advancements in the adjuvant treatment of HR+/HER2- early-stage breast cancer with CDK4/6 inhibitors. At the recent 5th Comprehensive Cancer Treatment Academic Conference of the Xinghai Medical Forum, Oncology Frontier invited Professor Yang Zhang from The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Professor Kejing Zhang from Xiangya Hospital of Central South University to elaborate on and discuss the research progress of CDK4/6 inhibitors in adjuvant therapy for HR+ early-stage breast cancer.
Professor Peng Hu: Active Antiviral Treatment Significantly Improves Prognosis for Patients with Indeterminate Chronic Hepatitis B

Professor Peng Hu: Active Antiviral Treatment Significantly Improves Prognosis for Patients with Indeterminate Chronic Hepatitis B

According to the World Health Organization, there are currently about 257 million chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients worldwide, with approximately 70 million HBV (hepatitis B virus) carriers in China, making it one of the countries with a high prevalence of chronic HBV infection. Due to factors such as viral characteristics, immune status, and environmental influences, domestic and international guidelines typically classify the natural history of chronic HBV infection into four phases: immune tolerance, immune active, immune control, and reactivation. Identifying these phases is crucial for predicting patient prognosis and guiding intervention strategies. However, recent studies have shown that a considerable number of chronic HBV infection patients cannot be categorized into any of these four phases based on existing guidelines or natural history criteria, leaving them in an indeterminate phase or gray zone, which is not covered by international and domestic clinical guidelines. Recently, at the 17th National Clinical Conference on Liver Diseases in 2024, Professor Peng Hu presented a report titled "Related Research on Indeterminate Phase of Chronic Hepatitis B." Hepatology Digest conducted an interview with Professor Peng Hu regarding CHB's indeterminate phase. Here is the summarized interview for our readers.
Exosome miRNAs Profiling in Serum and Prognostic Evaluation in Patients with Multiple Myeloma

Exosome miRNAs Profiling in Serum and Prognostic Evaluation in Patients with Multiple Myeloma

In the rapidly advancing fields of hematology and oncology, understanding the intricate mechanisms of diseases like multiple myeloma (MM) is crucial for developing innovative treatment strategies. One such area of significant interest is the role of exosomal microRNAs (exo-miRNAs) in the tumor microenvironment and their potential as biomarkers for disease prognosis. The recent study led by Professor Lugui Qiu from the Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, alongside their esteemed colleagues, offers groundbreaking insights into this domain.
Heterogeneity analysis of the CEBPAdm AML based on bZIP region mutations

Heterogeneity analysis of the CEBPAdm AML based on bZIP region mutations

In the evolving landscape of hematology, a recent study led by Professor Jianxiang Wang from the Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, investigated the heterogeneity of double-mutated CEBPA (CEBPAdm) acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Analyzing 2211 newly diagnosed AML patients, the study found that 10.8% had CEBPAdm, with 94.14% exhibiting bZIP region mutations (CEBPAdmbZIP) and 5.86% without (CEBPAdmnonbZIP). The research revealed significant differences in GATA2 mutation incidence (30.29% in CEBPAdmbZIP vs. 0% in CEBPAdmnonbZIP) and shorter overall survival for patients with CEBPAdmnonbZIP. These findings highlight the necessity of considering CEBPAdm with and without bZIP mutations as distinct entities, guiding more precise treatment approaches.
Immune Checkpoint Expression Patterns on T Cell Subsets in Light-Chain Amyloidosis: VISTA, PD-1, and TIGIT as Potential Therapeutic Targets

Immune Checkpoint Expression Patterns on T Cell Subsets in Light-Chain Amyloidosis: VISTA, PD-1, and TIGIT as Potential Therapeutic Targets

In the dynamic field of hematology and oncology, innovative treatments for systemic amyloid light chain (AL) amyloidosis are essential. Recent research, led by Professor Yangqiu Li from the Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, explores immune checkpoint expression patterns in AL amyloidosis. This study investigates VISTA+, PD-1+, Tim-3+, and TIGIT+ T cells in newly diagnosed patients, highlighting the immunosuppressive environment of the disease. The findings reveal the potential of targeting VISTA, PD-1, and TIGIT to reverse T-cell exhaustion, offering new therapeutic avenues.
Optimizing Antibiotic Dosage in Obese and Underweight Patients: Insights from Professor Wenxiang Huang ‘s Presentation at ESCMID Global 2024

Optimizing Antibiotic Dosage in Obese and Underweight Patients: Insights from Professor Wenxiang Huang ‘s Presentation at ESCMID Global 2024

From April 27th to 30th, 2024, the 34th European Congress of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ESCMID Global 2024) took place in Barcelona, Spain, known as the "Pearl of the Iberian Peninsula." ESCMID Global, formerly known as ECCMID, stands as one of the most influential international conferences in the field of infectious diseases. Often, clinical trials of antibiotics exclude special populations such as obese or underweight individuals, resulting in limited evidence for their treatment strategies. At this conference, several studies and advancements regarding antibiotic management and prescription, including interventions, monitoring, influences, decision support/predictive tools, and behavioral aspects, were reported. Below is a summary of the insights shared by Professor Wenxiang Huang  from the Department of Geriatrics at The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University.