Hematology Frontier

Editor's Note: If antimicrobial drugs are the "express train" to cure, then antimicrobial susceptibility testing information is the "map" for accurate navigation. For a long time, China's antimicrobial "map" has…

Colorectal cancer ranks as the second most prevalent malignancy in China and represents the most common type of gastrointestinal cancer. In recent years, there has been a rapid increase in both incidence and mortality rates. With continuous innovations in relevant diagnostic and therapeutic technologies such as immunotherapy and radiotherapy, the efficacy of treatments for patients has improved significantly, while the toxic side effects have been greatly reduced. Professor Zhang Zhen from Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center provides insights into recent research advances in the field of colorectal cancer and updates on the 2024 Chinese Society of Clinical Oncology (CSCO) guidelines.

To further explore the advances in clinical and pathological diagnosis, treatment, and translational medicine research in lymphoma, the "2024 Nanjing Lymphoma Forum" was held in Nanjing from May 11-12, 2024. At the forum, Professor Tongyu Lin from Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center and Sichuan Cancer Hospital delivered an academic report titled "Progress in Lymphoma Diagnosis and Treatment – A Comprehensive Overview." He shared the latest advancements in lymphoma treatment, including immune checkpoint inhibitors, personalized cancer vaccines, immune cell recruiting drugs represented by T cell-engaging bispecific antibodies, and cellular immunotherapy. He emphasized the importance of individualized and precise treatment, multidisciplinary collaboration, and the need for different treatments for different diseases. During the forum, "Oncology Frontier - Hematology Frontier" had the privilege of interviewing Professor Tongyu Lin, who provided an in-depth discussion on breakthroughs in lymphoma diagnosis and treatment, the principles and concepts of precision treatment, and the development of diagnostic and therapeutic teams.

As the population continues to age, the incidence of hematologic malignancies in the elderly has been rising, presenting new challenges for clinical treatment. From April 14 to 17, 2024, the 50th European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT) Annual Meeting was held in Glasgow, UK. The conference focused on the latest advancements in stem cell transplantation and cellular therapies, pushing forward improved clinical outcomes for patients with blood diseases. "Oncology Frontier - Hematology Frontier" invited Professor Peiyan Kong from The Second Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University (Xinqiao Hospital) to share her insights on the challenges in diagnosing and treating hematologic malignancies in elderly patients, the selection of transplant donors, and the prevention of infections and GVHD post-transplant.

From April 14 to 17, 2024, the 50th European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT) Annual Meeting was grandly held in Glasgow, UK, a city renowned for its historical significance. This year marks the 50th anniversary of EBMT, and the event gathered leading figures in the field of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and over 6,000 hematology experts from around the world. The attendees reviewed the remarkable achievements in the fields of hematology and bone marrow transplantation over the past 50 years and explored forward-looking patient management strategies. At the conference, chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy, a highlight of this meeting, showcased a series of breakthroughs in the treatment of multiple myeloma and lymphoma, attracting significant attention. This issue features a special invitation to Professor Jun Ma from the Harbin Institute of Hematological Oncology to provide an insightful interpretation of five major research studies in the field of CAR-T cell therapy. Here, we present a compilation of these insights for our readers.

Patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) are susceptible to infections due to impaired humoral and cellular immunity. Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitors (BTKi) are crucial in CLL treatment. Recent studies have shown an increased incidence of invasive fungal diseases (IFDs) (0.5% to 12.1%) in patients receiving BTKi treatment, particularly central nervous system infections. From April 14th to 17th, 2024, the 50th Annual Meeting of the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT2024) was held in Glasgow, UK. At the meeting, a retrospective study from KU Leuven in Belgium showed that the incidence of IFDs in CLL patients receiving BTKi treatment was 4.6%, and IFDs mainly occurred in the presence of concurrent risk factors. The researchers stated that the study data did not support routine use of antifungal prophylaxis in CLL patients receiving BTKi treatment. “Oncology Frontier - Hematology Frontier” invited Professor Yang Liang from Sun Yat-sen University Affiliated Cancer Hospital to provide insightful commentary on this study.

In January 2023, a study led by Professor Jianxiang Wang from Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College was published…

In January 2023, Professor Jianmin Wang from Department of Hematology, Shanghai Changhai Hospital published a commentary on Blood Science. The title of the study is "Big stride in gene therapy for hemophilia B in China". This article reviewed the development of treatment of hemophilia B (HB) in China, and the translational potential of gene therapy in HB.

In January 2023, a  study led by Professor Bing Liu from Fifth Medical Center, Medical Innovation Research Department, Chinese PLA General Hospital was published in the international academic journal ——Blood Science . The title of the study is "Hematopoietic stem cell heterogeneity in non-human primates revealed by five-lineage output bias analysis". This study elucidates the intricate dynamics of HSC diversity and lineage output bias in NHPs, providing insights valuable for both basic research and clinical applications

In January 2023, a  study led by Professor Xiao Jun Huang from Peking University People's Hospital was published in the international academic journal ——Blood Science . The title of the study is "Machine learning algorithm as a prognostic tool for Epstein-Barr virus reactivation after haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation". This study elucidates the machine learning algorithm-based model for predicting EBV reactivation after haploidentical HSCT demonstrates not only promising results but also a transformative potential for personalized post-transplant care.