Editor’s Note: With the rapid development of medical technology, modern lymphoma treatment has become a key focus in the field of oncology. From May 25 to 26, the Modern Lymphoma Treatment Academic Conference and the 5th International Lymphoma Radiation Oncology Group (ILROG) Continuing Education Annual Meeting were successfully held online. The conference featured thematic speeches, in-depth case analyses, and scientific experience exchanges, covering various subtypes including Hodgkin lymphoma, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, indolent lymphoma, extranodal lymphoma, plasma cell myeloma, and more. Core topics focused on the application of high-tech, optimization strategies for radiation therapy, new treatment methods, precise classification, and diagnostic techniques, providing participants with valuable insights into the latest advancements and future trends in the field. Notably, the conference brought together many internationally renowned experts who provided in-depth analyses and interpretations of lymphoma guidelines, evidence-based medicine, and clinical practice, offering excellent academic references. Professor Shunan Qi from the Cancer Hospital of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, representing the organizing unit of this conference, gave an exclusive interview to "Oncology Frontier - Hematology Frontier" to provide a detailed interpretation of the conference's exciting content and advancements.Oncology Frontier – Hematology Frontier：As one of the organizers of this conference, which is a grand event in the international lymphoma radiation oncology field, can you briefly introduce the main topics and highlights of this conference?
Professor Shunan Qi: The core topic of this conference is modern lymphoma treatment, particularly the latest advancements in the international lymphoma radiation oncology field. The conference content was meticulously divided into six main sections:
- Early and Consolidation Treatment: Discussions focused on the diagnostic and therapeutic essentials of Hodgkin lymphoma and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, especially the role of radiation therapy in the era of new drugs and PET-guided treatments.
- CAR-T Therapy and Bispecific Antibodies: Exploring the latest advancements in these therapies and their impact on the radiation therapy choices in the comprehensive treatment of high-risk patients.
- Extranodal NK/T-cell Lymphoma (ENKTCL): Highlighting work by teams from the Cancer Hospital of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, showcasing risk-adapted treatment, multi-omics molecular feature analysis, and new drug treatments.
- Large-Fraction Radiation Therapy: Discussing specific techniques and protocols, demonstrating radiation therapy’s role in activating immune responses, and the efficacy and convenience of large-fraction therapy.
- Indolent Lymphoma and Mucosa-Associated Lymphoid Tissue (MALT): Focusing on treatment adjustments, with experts sharing the latest highlights from the perspectives of modern radiation therapy and big data.
- Plasma Cell Myeloma: Discussing the new opportunities and challenges brought by new drugs and treatment methods for local disease management.
In the era of immunotherapy, the concepts and methods of lymphoma treatment are undergoing profound changes. The combination of radiation therapy with emerging treatments embodies the idea of comprehensive and modern treatment, bringing more hope and choices to lymphoma patients.
Big Data, New Discoveries—The Key Role of Radiation Therapy in MZL and MALT Treatment
Oncology Frontier – Hematology Frontier：At this conference, you presented on “The Benefits of Radiation Therapy in Marginal Zone Lymphoma (MZL) and Extranodal Marginal Zone Lymphoma of Mucosa-Associated Lymphoid Tissue (MALT).” Could you share the main findings of this research and its significance for guiding clinical practice?
Professor Qi Shunan: Over the past five years, our research team has conducted a series of modeling and data analysis studies in the field of indolent lymphoma. Using internationally available database resources and domestic multicenter cohort data, we have conducted in-depth research. These studies have not only deepened our understanding of the efficacy of indolent lymphoma treatments but also posed a critical question: Does the choice of treatment affect the survival outcomes of patients with indolent lymphoma?
Starting from this question, we used big data analysis and found that in the early stages of the disease, radiation therapy is an indispensable treatment method, and its absence may adversely affect patient survival. Subsequent studies supported this finding, confirming that radiation therapy effectively controls disease progression and translates into significant clinical benefits, providing evidence-based support for clinical practice. The content of this lecture resonates with the various instructive special reports at the conference, reflecting on optimizing comprehensive lymphoma treatment from different angles and offering novel and diversified academic perspectives, providing valuable references for comprehensive lymphoma treatment.
Bearing Responsibility and Taking on Challenges
Oncology Frontier – Hematology Frontier: The International Lymphoma Radiation Oncology Group (ILROG) has a significant influence in the field of lymphoma. As a member of the ILROG Steering Committee, how do you view the role and contributions of this organization in lymphoma treatment and research?
Professor Shunan Qi: ILROG was officially established in 2010, co-initiated by Dr. Joachim Yahalom from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) and Dr. Lena Specht from the University of Copenhagen, Denmark. It brings together many top experts in the field of radiation therapy worldwide, representing the highest academic standards in lymphoma radiation therapy. From its inception, Professor Li Yexiong from the Cancer Hospital of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences has been a member of the collaborative group, participating in its establishment and showcasing China’s professional strength and academic influence on the international stage.
ILROG has carried out numerous leading academic activities in the field of lymphoma radiation therapy and comprehensive treatment. Firstly, ILROG is dedicated to developing highly authoritative guidelines and therapeutic recommendations, systematically categorizing and interpreting issues encountered in lymphoma radiation therapy using evidence-based medicine. Especially in the area of radiation target delineation and design, ILROG has produced numerous atlases that provide highly instructive references for clinical practice. These guidelines are published in internationally authoritative medical journals and are listed as required reading materials for resident training abroad. Secondly, ILROG regularly hosts ILROG annual meetings and other educational conferences, carefully designing topics and incorporating the latest research findings, providing a comprehensive and multi-faceted learning platform for professionals.
Moreover, ILROG demonstrates strong driving force in scientific research cooperation. Based on in-depth interpretation and analysis of existing evidence, experts actively explore current research gaps and strive to undertake new research projects to fill these gaps, promoting multi-level, in-depth academic cooperation globally. In the future, ILROG will also conduct a series of prospective studies to facilitate continuous progress and development in the discipline.
As I have grown from a young committee member to a standing member of the steering committee, I have witnessed the significant enhancement of China’s position and influence in ILROG. The remarkable achievements of the Chinese team in lymphoma research, particularly in NK/T-cell lymphoma and indolent lymphoma, have earned widespread acclaim from the international community, propelling China to a leading position in the field.
As an important member of ILROG, China not only bears the responsibility of introducing international frontier perspectives and the latest academic achievements to domestic application but also carries the mission of showcasing Chinese experiences to the world and leading global lymphoma treatment research.
ILROG, as an influential international organization, has played a pivotal role in the development of lymphoma treatment and research. The successful holding of this conference fully demonstrated ILROG’s core role in advancing lymphoma treatment technology and promoting international academic exchange and cooperation. With China’s continuous development and contribution in the field of lymphoma research, we have every reason to believe that the global lymphoma treatment field will embrace a brighter future.
From Follower to Leader—The Rise and Future Prospects of Lymphoma Treatment in China
Professor Shunan Qi from the Cancer Hospital of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, representing the organizing unit of this conference, gave an exclusive interview to “Oncology Frontier – Hematology Frontier” to provide a detailed interpretation of the conference’s exciting content and advancements.
Oncology Frontier – Hematology Frontier: As a radiation oncology expert, what are your views on the current state and future development trends of lymphoma treatment in China? What opportunities and challenges do you think China faces in the field of lymphoma treatment and research?
Professor Shunan Qi: Through in-depth exchanges at this conference, I deeply feel the significant progress China has made in the field of lymphoma treatment. From initially being a follower, China has gradually developed into an active participant and, in some cutting-edge areas, even a leader. As an expert in the field of lymphoma treatment in China, I feel extremely proud, which undoubtedly proves the continuous rise of China’s overall academic strength.
Looking to the future, I am full of confidence and expectation for the development of China’s lymphoma treatment field. As an expert in the field of lymphoma radiation therapy, we bear an important mission and have a rare development opportunity to deeply participate in and promote the continuous rise of China’s academic community. International experts have highly praised the rich clinical data accumulated by China in the new era of immunotherapy, CAR-T, and bispecific antibody therapies. With the steady improvement of domestic academic standards and the advantage of our vast case resources, China is fully equipped to achieve even more outstanding achievements in the field of lymphoma treatment.
It can be foreseen that China’s lymphoma treatment and research field is ushering in new development opportunities, and is expected to play a more crucial role globally. I look forward to working hand in hand with international colleagues in the future to jointly create a new chapter in the field of lymphoma treatment, bringing more benefits and hope to patients worldwide.
