Hematology Frontier

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.

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.

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.

Patients with TP53-mutated myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) generally have poor prognoses and face significant treatment challenges. To improve the survival outcomes of these patients, Professor Jimin Shi's team at The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine conducted an in-depth investigation into the treatment options for TP53-mutated MDS patients before transplantation. At the recent 29th European Hematology Association (EHA) Annual Meeting, they presented the results of their study (P1367), which compared cytoreductive and non-cytoreductive therapies. To provide a comprehensive understanding of the findings and their implications, "Oncology Frontier - Hematology Frontier" invited Professor Jimin Shi to share insights from this research

Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is a common autoimmune bleeding disorder characterized by a low platelet count. At the recently held 29th European Hematology Association (EHA) Annual Meeting, significant advancements were made in the field of ITP. "Oncology Frontier - Hematology Frontier" invited Professor Linhua Yang from the Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University to select and detail some of the most impactful studies. This issue presents two studies: one on clonal hematopoiesis in ITP and its clinical significance, and the other on the safety and efficacy of avatrombopag for treating chronic ITP in children, with the aim of deepening understanding of ITP and providing new insights for future treatment strategies.

Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH) is a rare and complex blood disorder with limited conventional treatment options, resulting in low survival rates and poor quality of life for patients. Innovative drugs and treatments are urgently needed to improve hemolysis control, reduce the risk of complications, and enhance survival rates and quality of life for these patients. At the 2024 European Hematology Association (EHA) Annual Meeting held in Madrid, Spain, Professor Bing Han from Peking Union Medical College Hospital presented exciting research results. The dual-functional C5 antibody/H factor fusion protein KP104 showed long-term efficacy in previously untreated PNH patients (S187). "Oncology Frontier - Hematology Frontier" conducted an interview with Professor Han to discuss this research and her insights on further optimizing PNH management.

CAR-T cell therapy is rapidly advancing in the field of hematologic malignancies, including significant progress in the treatment of T-cell lymphomas. However, challenges such as relapse, off-target effects, and viral infections still need to be addressed to further optimize the effectiveness of CAR-T cell therapy. At the recent 2024 European Hematology Association (EHA) Annual Meeting, the research team led by Professor Jing Pan from Beijing GoBroad Boren Hospital presented notable findings on these issues, which were selected for oral presentations. "Oncology Frontier - Hematology Frontier" conducted an on-site interview with Professor Jing Pan to discuss and interpret these studies, providing valuable guidance and practical recommendations for CAR-T therapy in clinical T-cell lymphoma treatment.

Pediatric Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS) are rare hematologic disorders, with advanced MDS being particularly concerning. At the 29th Annual Meeting of the European Hematology Association (EHA 2024), Professor Xiaofan Zhu's team from the Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences presented multiple studies, including two key studies on pediatric MDS. These studies delve into crucial issues and provide significant academic references to optimize the diagnosis and treatment of pediatric MDS. In this issue of "Oncology Frontier - Hematology Frontier," we report the results of these studies and feature an exclusive detailed interpretation by Professor Xiaofan Zhu.

Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is a medium- or small-B-cell lymphoma originating from the mantle zone of lymph node follicles, accounting for about 4.6% of B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHL). The median age of onset for MCL is 65 years, with a higher incidence in males, with a male-to-female ratio of approximately 2-4:1. MCL can be categorized into classical MCL, non-nodal leukemic MCL, and in situ mantle cell neoplasia (ISMCN). MCL is characterized by the aggressiveness of aggressive lymphomas and the incurability of indolent lymphomas, leading to a generally poor prognosis. From June 13-16, 2024, the 29th Annual Meeting of the European Hematology Association (EHA) was held in Madrid, Spain. A study by Professor Qingqing Cai's team from Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center was selected for poster presentation (P1148), offering a new "reduced chemotherapy" treatment strategy for newly diagnosed MCL patients. This article provides a detailed overview of the study for our readers.

The 29th Annual Meeting of the European Hematology Association (EHA) was grandly held from June 13-16, 2024, in Madrid, Spain. As the largest international conference in the field of hematology in Europe, it attracts experts and scholars from around the world each year to share and discuss innovative concepts and the latest scientific and clinical research results in hematology. At this year's conference, Professor Xiaohui Zhang's team from Peking University People's Hospital performed outstandingly, with four studies selected for oral presentation, and one study awarded the YoungEHA Best Abstract Award, making it one of the four global award-winning studies of the year and the only one from China to receive this honor. This achievement not only highlights the team's exceptional strength but also showcases the potential and capabilities of Chinese researchers. "Oncology Frontier - Hematology Frontier" specially invited Professor Xiaohui Zhang and his team members for a roundtable discussion to share their research findings, covering non-invasive diagnostic techniques, mechanisms of CAR-T cell therapy toxicity in relapsed/refractory T-cell leukemia, prognosis models for mixed phenotype acute leukemia (MPAL), and innovative clinical research in immune thrombocytopenia (ITP).