From June 22 to June 26, 2024, the 32nd International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH 2024) Congress was held in Bangkok, Thailand. As the most influential international event in the field of thrombosis and hemostasis, the ISTH Congress attracts thousands of top experts and scholars from around the world with its profound academic impact and rich content. At this grand event, "Oncology Frontier - Hematology Frontier" had the honor of interviewing Academician Heyu Ni of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences, who also serves as the chairman of the Joint ISTH Conference of Global Chinese Thrombosis and Hemostasis. In the interview, Academician Ni shared his extensive academic background and unique insights, offering us valuable academic reflections and insights. Here is the interview in text form for our readers.A Gathering of Minds in Thrombosis and Hemostasis: Global Elites Creating a Bright Future
Academician Heyu Ni: The ISTH annual meeting, known for its exceptional professionalism and cutting-edge content, has become a focal point for experts and scholars in the field of thrombosis and hemostasis worldwide. In the grand context of ISTH 2024, the Fourth Global Chinese Thrombosis and Hemostasis Conference, held jointly with the ISTH Congress, successfully concluded. This conference attracted over 170 top experts from countries including Germany, Japan, Australia, the United States, and Canada to discuss the latest research developments in thrombosis and hemostasis. The conference was not just an academic event but also a profound exchange and collaboration across borders. The exchange of ideas between international experts and top domestic scholars has significantly advanced research in the field and notably narrowed the research gap between developed and developing countries. This deep academic exchange has been highly praised by international peers and is crucial for enhancing the development of domestic researchers in medical research and technology.
Currently, China’s population aged 60 and above has exceeded 280 million, and the pressure on the medical system in an aging society is becoming increasingly evident. Thrombotic diseases, especially those leading to strokes and heart attacks, are the leading causes of death worldwide, making related research of paramount importance for national development and public welfare. Globally, the incidence of heart attacks and strokes varies, but thrombotic diseases are undeniably one of the primary causes of death in all countries. Statistics show that in China, a patient suffers a stroke every six seconds, with 87% to 90% being thrombotic strokes, a situation that has garnered widespread attention.
Given this, governments and research institutions worldwide should place high importance on the research and prevention of thrombotic diseases. Continuous investment in basic research and translational medicine is crucial for the effective prevention and treatment of these diseases. With the robust development of China’s economy, national investment in basic research and translational medicine has been increasing, leading to significant advancements in domestic research levels. In the field of thrombotic disease research, China’s progress not only demonstrates its technological prowess but also has a profound global impact.
Additionally, this conference particularly focused on the close relationship between platelets and tumors. Research shows that tumors rely on platelets during metastasis, and thrombotic diseases are the second leading cause of death in cancer patients. This finding further underscores the importance of thrombosis and hemostasis research and opens new directions for future research.
The Chinese scientific and medical communities have deeply recognized the importance of basic research, understanding that without solid basic research, the development of translational medicine would be like water without a source. Therefore, we strongly advocate for young researchers to actively engage in basic research to achieve outstanding positions in global scientific competition. We also call for increased financial support and policy incentives in China for research in thrombosis and hemostasis to encourage young people to participate in this field. By strengthening basic research, we will be better equipped to address the challenges posed by an aging population and contribute more significantly to the growth of China’s pharmaceutical industry. With the joint efforts of researchers worldwide, we believe we can uncover more of the complexities of thrombotic diseases and make outstanding contributions to human health.
Academician Ni’s Highlights at ISTH 2024
OC 51.2 – Anti-GPIbα antibodies in FNAIT are associated with recurrent miscarriages
Antibodies against GPIbα in fetal and neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (FNAIT) are linked to recurrent miscarriages
June 25, 09:45 – 10:00 ICT
PB0353 – Novel GPIb-independent platelet aggregation induced by botrocetin: Implications for diagnosis and antithrombotic therapy
New GPIb-independent platelet aggregation induced by botrocetin: Implications for diagnosis and antithrombotic therapy
June 23, 13:45 – 14:45 ICT
PB0808 – The L33P polymorphism of integrin β3 PSI domain displays enhanced thiol isomerase activity and upregulates the coagulation cascade
The L33P polymorphism of the integrin β3 PSI domain shows increased thiol isomerase activity and upregulates the coagulation cascade
June 24, 13:45 – 14:45 ICT
PB1097 – Salvianolic Acid B Inhibits Thrombosis and Directly Blocks the Thrombin Catalytic Site
Salvianolic Acid B inhibits thrombosis and directly blocks the thrombin catalytic site
June 25, 13:45 – 14:45 ICT
Expert Profile
Academician Heyu Ni
Academician of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences
Professor of Medicine, Physiology, Laboratory Medicine, and Pathobiology at the University of Toronto
Senior Scientist at the Canadian Blood Services
Director of the Hematology, Cancer, and Immune Disorders Research Center at St. Michael’s Hospital affiliated with the University of Toronto
Founder of the cardiovascular and hematological innovative biopharmaceutical company CCOA Therapeutics
Professor Ni has published over 160 academic papers, including 26 in Blood, 8 in Nature series, and 5 in J Clin Invest, with over 11,700 citations and an h-index of 63. He and his team have made significant contributions in thrombosis and hemostasis, particularly in adhesion molecules, platelet biology, immunology, pathophysiology, in vivo microscopy, and the development of blood products and antithrombotic drugs. He has received numerous international awards, including several teaching awards from the University of Toronto, the Armand Keating Award for Hematology in 2018, the Keenan Legacy Award for Outstanding Contributions in 2019, the Canadian Professional Achievement Award in 2019, was elected Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences in 2020, and received the CIHR/CSATVB Cardiovascular and Hematological Science Award in 2021 and the Richard Hegele Technology and Innovation Achievement Award from the University of Toronto in 2022. He has served as the chairman of the Joint ISTH Conference of Global Chinese Thrombosis and Hemostasis for the first (2015), second (2017), third (2019), and fourth (2024) conferences.
