Hematology Frontier

The 2025 European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Congress is set to take place in Berlin, bringing together the latest advances and cutting-edge research in oncology. In hematology, several highly anticipated research directions are attracting attention, ranging from investigations into the mechanisms of CAR-T cell resistance and potential strategies to overcome this challenge, to innovative dual-target therapies that may offer more precise and effective treatment options. Other highlights include MRD-guided treatment discontinuation in multiple myeloma, which may help improve long-term survival and quality of life, as well as single-cell profiling studies providing new insights into the pathogenesis of hematologic malignancies. Together, these studies reflect the continued advancement of hematologic oncology and the emergence of new opportunities for more precise diagnosis and treatment.

How has PD-1 blockade transformed the treatment of Hodgkin lymphoma? Can biomarkers such as CD30 and 9p24.1 amplification further refine precision therapy? And what lessons can HL teach us about the future of T-cell lymphoma? At EHA 2026, Dr. Zhihui Li of Beijing Gaobo BoRen Hospital joined Prof. Stephen Ansell of Mayo Clinic for an in-depth conversation on the latest advances in tumor immunobiology, precision immunotherapy, transplant de-escalation, and next-generation treatment strategies.

Crossing borders, exchanging insights, and exploring the frontiers of hematology. During the 2026 Congress of the European Hematology Association (EHA), Oncology Frontier – Hematology Frontier invited Dr. Zhihui Li, Director of Beijing Gaobo BoRen Hospital, and Prof. Stephen Ansell of Mayo Clinic for an in-depth discussion on the tumor immune microenvironment and precision treatment of Hodgkin lymphoma (HL).

Extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma (ENKTCL) is a rare, highly aggressive lymphoid malignancy closely associated with Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) infection. Patients with advanced-stage or relapsed/refractory (R/R) disease continue to face poor outcomes, making effective treatment a longstanding clinical challenge. Recently, Director Zhihui Li and colleagues from Beijing GoBroad Boren Hospital published a study in Blood Advances entitled "HSCT May Improve Survival in Advanced Extranodal NK/T-Cell Lymphoma: A Single-Center Retrospective Study."

Chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) is a highly heterogeneous myeloid malignancy in which early identification of high-risk patients is critical for timely referral to allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). Recently, a collaborative team led by Professor Zheng Ge of Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, and Professor Shuqian Xu of Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, published a study in Blood Cancer Journal entitled "BLAST demonstrates higher prognostic accuracy for survival than CPSS in Chinese patients with chronic myelomonocytic leukemia."

From July 10–12, 2026, the 10th Hematologic Malignancies Congress of the Chinese Society of Clinical Oncology (CSCO) was held in Harbin, China. Over the past decade, the meeting has grown into one of China's premier academic forums for hematologic oncology. This year's congress not only celebrated ten years of scientific achievement but also marked an important milestone for future innovation.

From July 3–4, 2026, the 2026 Best of Clinical Oncology (BOC) Academic Conference & Best of CSCO 2026 China was held in Hohhot, Inner Mongolia. This year's meeting marked the transformation of the former "BOA/BOC" conference into BOC, reflecting a significant shift in academic focus—from primarily introducing and interpreting international advances to highlighting China's own original oncology research.

Bridging expertise across continents to explore the future of cellular therapy, Oncology Frontier – Hematology Frontier hosted an in-depth conversation during the 2026 European Hematology Association (EHA) Congress featuring Director Zhihui Li of Beijing GoBroad Boren Hospital and Professor Yi Lin of the Mayo Clinic. Centered on the theme "CAR-T Manufacturing: Scientific Advances and Technological Innovation," the discussion examined key developments shaping the next generation of CAR-T therapy, including rapid manufacturing platforms, in vivo CAR-T technologies, novel CAR molecular designs, and the emerging issue of secondary malignancies. Together, the two experts outlined a compelling vision for improving CAR-T manufacturing, enhancing safety, and accelerating clinical translation.

As the Nordic summer welcomed the global hematology community, the 2026 European Hematology Association (EHA 2026) Congress was held in Stockholm, Sweden, from June 11–14. During this year's meeting, the pediatric hematology team from the Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS), led by Professor Xiaofan Zhu, presented five cutting-edge studies, including one oral presentation and four poster presentations.

At the 2026 European Hematology Association (EHA) Congress, Chinese investigators once again showcased their contributions to lymphoma research. Professor Haiwen Huang and colleagues from The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University presented two studies in the poster session. One employed Mendelian randomization to systematically investigate the causal relationship between genetically predicted viral infections and the risk of lymphoma across multiple subtypes. The other reported results from a Phase III multicenter trial evaluating a liposomal mitoxantrone hydrochloride-based CMOP±R regimen as first-line therapy for non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL).