Hematology Frontier

On October 19, 2024, the 8th Asian Myeloma Network (AMN) Summit was held in Seoul, South Korea. At this event, the International Myeloma Foundation (IMF) hosted the AMN Awards Ceremony. Prof. Wenming Chen from Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, received the AMN Distinguished Achievement Award, recognizing his significant contributions to the field of multiple myeloma (MM) and China’s progress in this field. Following the ceremony, Hematology Frontier had the privilege of interviewing Professor Chen. He shared his thoughts on this award, the development of the AMN, and his insights and outlook on the current and future treatment landscape for MM.

The 66th American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting will be held from December 7-10, 2024, in San Diego, USA. As the world’s largest and most comprehensive international academic conference in hematology, ASH attracts thousands of experts and scholars from around the globe each year, who come to share cutting-edge developments and breakthrough clinical data. At this year’s conference, Prof. Xiaohui Zhang’s team from the Department of Hematology, Peking University People’s Hospital, and the Institute of Hematology, Peking University, will showcase an impressive total of 11 studies, including three selected for oral presentations, underscoring China’s outstanding achievements in hematology research. This preview highlights these three oral presentations, inviting readers to follow the presentation schedules and learn more about the fascinating details and stories behind these impactful studies.

The latest 2024 NCCN guidelines for Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) have been published, presenting significant revisions compared to the 2023, Version 6 update. The new edition brings substantial updates in areas such as intensive induction therapy for AML, post-induction follow-up and reinduction therapy, consolidation, and maintenance treatments.

The 9th International Forum on Stem Cells (IFSC) in 2024 focuses on basic stem cell research, regenerative medicine, cell therapy, and the application of clinical research guidelines, gathering experts and scholars from around the world to discuss the latest frontiers in scientific discoveries and technological advancements. During the conference, "Hematology Frontier" specially invited Dr. Daniel G.Tenen, Director of the Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, to share the potential and future trends in the field of cancer treatment.

The 9th International Forum on Stem Cells (IFSC) in 2024 focuses on basic stem cell research, regenerative medicine, cell therapy, and the application of clinical research guidelines, gathering experts and scholars from around the world to discuss the latest frontiers of scientific discoveries and technological advancements. During the conference, "Hematology Frontier" specially invited Dr. Simón Méndez-Ferrer from the Cambridge Stem Cell Institute to share key pathways for improving the treatment of myeloid malignant tumors from the perspective of microenvironmental regulation.

The 9th International Forum on Stem Cells (IFSC) in 2024 focused on basic stem cell research, regenerative medicine, cell therapy, and the application of clinical research guidelines, gathering experts and scholars from around the world to discuss the latest frontiers of scientific discoveries and technological advancements. During the conference, "Hematology Frontier" specially invited Dr. Rafael Bejar from UC San Diego Health to share his exploration in the field of clonal hematopoiesis, from biological phenomena to clinical challenges.

Febrile neutropenia is a significant concern among immunocompromised patients due to the high infection-related mortality if left untreated. At the recent 4th Shanghai Symposium on Clinical Application of Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Dr. Jie Xu of Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, discussed new empirical treatment approaches. This article consolidates the key points from her presentation.

From October 18 to 20, 2024, the 2024 Jiangsu Hematology Physicians Association Academic Conference was held in Taizhou, Jiangsu Province, focusing on the standardized diagnosis and treatment of hematologic diseases. Organized by the Jiangsu Hematology Physicians Association and hosted by the Affiliated Taizhou People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University and The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (Jiangsu Provincial People’s Hospital), the conference provided a high-level academic exchange platform. Hematology Frontier invited Dr. Jianyong Li, Chairman of the conference and a distinguished expert from Jiangsu Provincial People’s Hospital, to share his insights on the event’s key highlights and discuss the current and future directions of hematology in China.

CAR-T therapy and bispecific antibodies, two innovative immunotherapies, have shown significant efficacy in patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM). But how do these two therapies compare in clinical practice? Minimal Residual Disease (MRD) detection is an important tool for evaluating treatment response and prognosis in multiple myeloma (MM), but its application in clinical settings is still limited. How can MRD use be further promoted? At the recent European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Congress 2024, two pivotal studies delved into these questions, sparking widespread attention. This article features insights from Dr. Zhen Cai of The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine on these studies.

Aplastic Anemia (AA), a type of bone marrow failure syndrome, is challenging to treat. While hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) may offer a cure, it is hindered by donor availability and high risk. Medical treatments provide symptom relief but with limited efficacy and potential for relapse. At the recent 18th Annual Chinese Society of Hematology Conference, Dr. Rong Fu from Tianjin Medical University General Hospital presented valuable insights into immunosuppressive therapy (IST) for AA. Following the conference, Hematology Frontier invited Professor Fu to discuss China’s AA prevalence, diagnostic and treatment advancements, current IST options, and future management strategies.