Hematology Frontier

Currently, the field of pediatric leukemia treatment faces numerous challenges, particularly in predicting relapse risk and developing treatment strategies for relapsed and refractory patients. At the upcoming 29th European Hematology Association (2024 EHA) Annual Meeting, several studies from Professor Xiaofan Zhu’s team from the Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences have been selected. Two studies on pediatric leukemia delve into these critical issues, providing important academic references for further optimizing pediatric leukemia diagnosis and treatment. To better understand these latest research advances, this issue of "Oncology Frontier - Hematology Frontier" features a detailed interpretation by Professor Xiaofan Zhu.

The Phase II multicenter clinical trial (CHESS chemo-less, NCT04624958) aims to explore the efficacy and safety of zanubrutinib combined with rituximab followed by a short course of cytarabine-based chemotherapy, then maintained with zanubrutinib in newly diagnosed mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) patients. The 2024 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting was grandly held in Chicago from May 31 to June 4. The study results of "Zanubrutinib Combined with Rituximab Followed by Short Course R-DHAOx Therapy in MCL Patients: Phase II CHESS Clinical Trial" were presented as a poster. Hematology Frontier invited the first author of the study, Professor Qingqing Cai from Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, to interpret the study and share insights into the progress in MCL diagnosis and treatment.

The 29th Annual Meeting of the European Hematology Association (EHA 2024) will be grandly held in Madrid, Spain, from June 13 to 16, 2024! As an international event in the field of hematology, EHA 2024 gathers top hematology experts worldwide to share and discuss the latest research findings in hematology. This issue features a research report from Director Shuangyou Liu’s team at Beijing Gaobo Boren Hospital, detailing the five-year follow-up results of CD19 and CD22 CAR-T combined therapy for relapsed acute B-lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) post-allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

Numerous studies have confirmed the clinical value of postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy for early-stage breast cancer patients. However, the cardiotoxicity and hematologic adverse reactions associated with high-dose chemotherapy remain significant clinical challenges. Recently, the ESMO BC 2024 conference released the 10-year follow-up results of the PANTHER trial, an important study on the treatment of high-risk early breast cancer. This study revealed the efficacy differences between dose-dense tailored adjuvant chemotherapy and standard adjuvant chemotherapy, providing in-depth insights into the response of key subgroups. Oncology Frontier invited Professor Wenyan Chen from Nanchang People's Hospital to elaborate on the background, findings, clinical significance, and implications of this research.

Studies have found that metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC) patients with homologous recombination repair (HRR) gene mutations progress to metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) more quickly, significantly affecting overall survival. Previous research has shown that the combination of olaparib with abiraterone and prednisone significantly improves survival in mCRPC patients. At this year's ASCO Annual Meeting, a study from Professor Hongqian Guo's team at Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital analyzed this combined treatment strategy for mHSPC patients with HRR mutations for the first time. "Oncology Frontier" invited Professor Junlong Zhuang from Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital to share the findings on-site.

Richter's transformation (RT), a complication of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), poses significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. At the "2024 Nanjing Lymphoma Forum," Professor Lei Fan from Jiangsu Provincial People's Hospital delivered an academic report titled "Research Progress in Richter's Transformation," covering the latest advancements in its definition, characteristics, molecular mechanisms, and treatment progress. Hematology Frontier had the privilege of interviewing Professor Fan, discussing the significance of the Nanjing Lymphoma Forum and his outlook on the diagnosis and treatment of Richter's transformation.

The 2024 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting was grandly held in Chicago from May 31 to June 4. At this conference, Chinese researchers presented the first results of the Phase I study of SHR-A1912 in patients with B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (B-NHL) on the international stage, including preliminary key data from the dose-escalation (D-ESC) and dose-expansion (D-EXP) phases. To promote the standardization of lymphoma diagnosis and treatment in China, Hematology Frontier invited the principal investigator of this study, Professor Zengjun Li from Shandong Cancer Hospital, to deeply analyze the study’s highlights and discuss future trends in the field of lymphoma treatment.

The 2024 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting took place in Chicago, USA, from May 31 to June 4. The ASCO Annual Meeting gathers oncology experts, doctors, and researchers from around the world to share the latest research findings, discuss cutting-edge diagnostic and therapeutic techniques, and advance the field of oncology. A study by Professor Jianxiang Wang and Professor Ying Wang's team from the Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, was selected for an oral presentation (Abstract 6505) at the conference. The study explores the therapeutic application of the CD3×CD19 bispecific antibody CN201 in relapsed/refractory adult acute B-cell lymphoblastic leukemia (R/R B-ALL), showing promising treatment prospects. "Oncology Frontier - Hematology Frontier" invited Professor Ying Wang for an interview to discuss this study and the treatment of R/R B-ALL.

As summer begins, the sun shines warmly and everything thrives. In this vibrant season, two major international events in the pharmaceutical world—the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO 2024) and the European Hematology Association (EHA 2024) annual meetings—are about to take place. These meetings are not only platforms for showcasing global pharmaceutical innovations but also important venues for domestic and international oncology and hematology experts to exchange ideas and spark insights. On the eve of these events, Oncology Frontier - Hematology Frontier invited Professor Jun Zhu from Peking University Cancer Hospital to discuss "Chinese Original Drugs on the International Stage: Opportunities and Challenges." Under Professor Zhu's guidance, we will review the achievements of Chinese anticancer drugs in lymphoma treatment, examine the gaps with international standards, and look ahead to future developments. Through continuous learning, innovation, and international cooperation, Chinese anticancer drug research and development (R&D) will reach new heights, bringing hope to cancer patients and contributing to the dream of a Healthy China with Chinese wisdom and strength.

With the continuous advancement of immunotherapy technologies, CD7 CAR-T cell therapy is emerging as a new option for treating leukemia and lymphoma, showing significant potential. Recent clinical studies have revealed multiple new developments in CD7 CAR-T cell therapy. However, challenges remain, such as improving safety, reducing side effects, and optimizing treatment protocols to enhance long-term efficacy. At the recent "2024 Nanjing Lymphoma Forum," Professor Yongxian Hu from The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine delivered an excellent report titled "New Advances in CD7 CAR-T Cell Therapy." Following the forum, Hematology Frontier invited Professor Hu for an interview to further discuss this topic.