Editor's Note: The 32nd International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH 2024) Congress was held in Bangkok, Thailand, from June 22 to June 26, 2024. As the most influential 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. During this prestigious event, Oncology Frontier-Hematology Frontier had the honor of interviewing Academician Heyu Ni from the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences, who also served as the Chair of the Joint ISTH Congress and Global Chinese Thrombosis and Hemostasis Conference. In this interview, Academician Ni shared his extensive academic experience and unique insights, providing us with valuable academic reflections and perspectives. We have organized this interview into an article for our readers.

Gathering of Elite Minds in Thrombosis and Hemostasis: A Bright Future Ahead

Academician Heyu Ni: The annual meeting of the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis has become the focal point for experts and scholars in the field of thrombosis and hemostasis worldwide due to its exceptional professionalism and cutting-edge nature. Against the grand backdrop of ISTH 2024, the 4th Global Chinese Thrombosis and Hemostasis Conference held jointly with the ISTH Congress was a resounding success. This conference attracted over 170 top experts from Germany, Japan, Australia, the United States, Canada, and other countries to discuss the latest research trends in thrombosis and hemostasis. This event was not only an academic feast but also a profound cross-border exchange and cooperation. The intellectual exchange and collision of ideas between international experts and top domestic scholars have significantly advanced the depth of research in thrombosis and hemostasis and substantially narrowed the research gap between developed and developing countries in this field. This deep academic exchange has been highly praised by international peers and is of paramount importance for the development of domestic researchers in medical research and scientific prowess.

With China’s population over 60 years old surpassing 280 million, the pressure on the healthcare system in the context of an aging society is becoming increasingly significant. Thrombotic diseases, particularly those leading to strokes and heart attacks, are the leading causes of death. Research in this area is crucial for national development and public welfare. Globally, the incidence of heart attacks and strokes varies, but thrombotic diseases are undoubtedly a major cause of death in all countries. Statistics indicate that every six seconds, a patient in China suffers a stroke, with 87% to 90% being thrombotic in nature, highlighting the critical situation.

Therefore, governments and research institutions worldwide must prioritize the research and prevention of thrombotic diseases. Continuous investment in basic research and translational medicine is vital for effectively preventing and treating these diseases. As China’s economy continues to thrive, the nation’s investment in basic research and translational medicine has grown, significantly enhancing domestic research levels. In the field of thrombotic disease research, China’s progress not only demonstrates its scientific prowess but also has a profound impact globally.

Moreover, this conference particularly focused on the close relationship between platelets and cancer. Research shows that tumors rely on platelets during metastasis, and thrombotic diseases are the second leading cause of death among cancer patients. This discovery further underscores the importance of thrombosis and hemostasis research and opens new directions for future research.

China’s scientific and medical communities have deeply recognized the importance of basic research, understanding that without solid basic research, the development of translational medicine is like a tree without roots. We strongly advocate for young researchers to actively engage in basic research to achieve excellence in global scientific competition. Simultaneously, we urge China to increase financial support and policy incentives in the field of thrombosis and hemostasis to encourage the younger generation to participate in this research area. By strengthening basic research, we will be better equipped to tackle the challenges brought by an aging population and contribute more significantly to the robust development of China’s pharmaceutical industry. With the concerted efforts of global researchers, we firmly believe that we can unveil more 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: June 25, 09:45 – 10:00 ICT
• PB0353 – Novel 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: June 24, 13:45 – 14:45 ICT
• PB1097 – Salvianolic Acid B Inhibits Thrombosis and Directly Blocks the Thrombin Catalytic Site: June 25, 13:45 – 14:45 ICT