Shaping the Future of Lung Cancer Care: Dr. Caicun Zhou on IASLC’s 50th Anniversary and the Promise of HARMONi2

Shaping the Future of Lung Cancer Care: Dr. Caicun Zhou on IASLC’s 50th Anniversary and the Promise of HARMONi2

The International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC), founded in 1974, has grown into a global organization with over 10,000 members from more than 100 countries and regions. In 2023, Dr. Caicun Zhou from Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine was elected as the IASLC President-Elect for 2023-2025 and will serve as IASLC President for 2025-2027. He is the first IASLC President from mainland China in the organization’s 50-year history. This year marks the 50th anniversary of IASLC, and at the 2024 World Conference on Lung Cancer (WCLC), Oncology Frontier had the opportunity to speak with Dr. Caicun Zhou about IASLC’s remarkable journey over the past five decades in leading the fight against thoracic cancers.
From Curious Learner to Pioneer: Dr. Jie Chen’s Medical Evolution

From Curious Learner to Pioneer: Dr. Jie Chen’s Medical Evolution

As we step further into the 21st century, the field of medicine has undergone tremendous changes. Among the many advancements, a generation of compassionate and skilled doctors has emerged, dedicated to the wellbeing of their patients and their nation. The phrase "a doctor's heart is like a parent's" perfectly captures this essence. In the Oncology Frontier series "In Conversation," we reflect on the past with renowned doctors, exploring the highs and lows of their medical journeys. In this edition, we are honored to have Dr. Jie Chen from Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center share her story. Over the past 30 years, she has remained dedicated to her mission. With five major career transitions, she has continually embraced challenges, breaking new ground where none existed. In the virtually untouched field of neuroendocrine tumors (NEN) in China, she laid the foundation for the discipline and paved the way for future advancements.
Serum Albumin as a Prognostic Factor in Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Serum Albumin as a Prognostic Factor in Acute Myeloid Leukemia

In June 2024, Blood Science published a pivotal study led by Dr. Hui Wei from the Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College , investigating the prognostic significance of serum albumin levels in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). AML is a highly aggressive hematological malignancy with outcomes influenced by various factors, including age, white blood cell count, and risk classification. Serum albumin, a critical component of blood, plays a role in maintaining colloid osmotic pressure and has been identified as a prognostic marker in various cancers, including AML.
Plerixafor-Based Mobilization and Increased Mononuclear Cell Counts: Risk Factors for Engraftment Syndrome Post-Autologous Hematopoietic

Plerixafor-Based Mobilization and Increased Mononuclear Cell Counts: Risk Factors for Engraftment Syndrome Post-Autologous Hematopoietic

In June 2024, Blood Science published a significant study led by Dr. Xiaohui Zhang and colleagues from the Peking University People's Hospital, focusing on the incidence and risk factors of engraftment syndrome (ES) following autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (ASCT) in the era of plerixafor-based mobilization. ASCT remains a critical therapy for hematologic malignancies, particularly in lymphoma and plasma cell disease, despite advancements in other treatments. However, ES, characterized by non-infectious fever, skin rash, diarrhea, and other clinical manifestations, remains a common and concerning complication post-ASCT.
Ivosidenib in Chinese Patients with Relapsed or Refractory IDH1-Mutated Acute Myeloid Leukemia: A Registry Study

Ivosidenib in Chinese Patients with Relapsed or Refractory IDH1-Mutated Acute Myeloid Leukemia: A Registry Study

In June 2024, Blood Science published an important study led by Dr. Jie Jin and colleagues from the The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, investigating the safety, pharmacokinetics, and efficacy of ivosidenib in Chinese patients with relapsed or refractory (R/R) isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1)-mutated acute myeloid leukemia (AML). AML, a heterogeneous and aggressive hematological malignancy, presents significant treatment challenges, especially in its relapsed or refractory stages. For patients with R/R AML, survival rates are dismal, with a median overall survival of approximately five months.
Subcutaneous Daratumumab in Chinese Patients with Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma: A Phase 1 Study

Subcutaneous Daratumumab in Chinese Patients with Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma: A Phase 1 Study

In April 2024, the journal Blood Science published an important study led by Dr. Gang An and colleagues from the Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, investigating the use of subcutaneous daratumumab in Chinese patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (R/R MM). Multiple myeloma is a challenging hematological malignancy characterized by the proliferation of abnormal plasma cells in the bone marrow. Despite significant advances in treatment, many patients experience relapse or develop resistance to existing therapies, necessitating new and more effective approaches.
Targeting HMGCS1 Restores Chemotherapy Sensitivity in Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Targeting HMGCS1 Restores Chemotherapy Sensitivity in Acute Myeloid Leukemia

In June 2024, Blood Science published a groundbreaking study led by Dr. Hui Zeng and colleagues from the The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University , focusing on the role of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A synthase 1 (HMGCS1) in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). AML is a severe hematological malignancy characterized by the rapid proliferation of immature white blood cells, leading to significant dysfunction in the blood and bone marrow. Despite advancements in treatment, relapsed and refractory (RR) AML continues to pose a significant clinical challenge with a poor prognosis, emphasizing the need for novel therapeutic targets to enhance patient outcomes.
Pomalidomide Enhances CAR-T Therapy Effectiveness in Hematological Malignancies: A Promising Synergy

Pomalidomide Enhances CAR-T Therapy Effectiveness in Hematological Malignancies: A Promising Synergy

Relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma (R/R MM) and B-cell leukemia/lymphoma with extramedullary disease (EMD) represent some of the most formidable challenges in hematology. These conditions often carry a bleak prognosis due to their resistance to conventional therapies and the complex nature of extramedullary disease, where cancer cells spread outside the bone marrow. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy has revolutionized the treatment landscape for these malignancies, offering hope where few options existed. However, even with CAR-T cell therapy, patients with EMD have experienced limited success, highlighting the need for innovative approaches to improve outcomes.