Amidst the waves and scenic beauty, from January 26th to 28th, the “China Society of Clinical Oncology (CSCO) Leukemia Expert Committee, Lymphoma Expert Committee, and Myeloma Preparatory Committee Working Meeting, and the 2024 CSCO Hematology, Lymphoma, and Myeloma Disease Academic Conference” was grandly held in the beautiful city of Haikou. Renowned experts and scholars from both domestic and international arenas gathered to share and exchange important research findings in the fields of leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma over the past year. They also delved into in-depth discussions on hot topics in diagnosis and treatment. Oncology Frontier – Hematology Frontier had the privilege of interviewing Professor Jun Ma, the executive chairman of this conference and director of the Harbin Institute of Hematological Tumors. He elaborated on the highlights and exciting aspects of the conference, shared insights on the significance of establishing standardized lymphoma diagnosis and treatment centers, and highlighted the working priorities of the 2024 CSCO Leukemia and Lymphoma Expert Committees.

Oncology Frontier – Hematology Frontier：As the executive chairman of the 2024 CSCO Hematology, Lymphoma, and Myeloma Disease Academic Conference, could you please discuss the main highlights and exciting aspects of this conference?

Professor Jun Ma : As the largest summit in the fields of leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma under CSCO, this conference held in Haikou attracted nearly 2000 medical professionals and other attendees. Both senior experts and the younger generation of hematologists were present, which brought me immense joy. We were honored to have Mr. Bi Jingquan, Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and former Director of the National Medical Products Administration, who shared valuable insights on the policy changes regarding innovative drugs in China and his personal experiences in this area. This was highly beneficial for all participants. Additionally, Mr. Song Ruilin, Executive President of the China Association for Pharmaceutical Innovation, was invited to share China’s experiences in the internationalization of innovative drugs. Furthermore, the conference featured many renowned domestic and international experts and scholars such as Academician Huang Xiaojun, Professor Owen, Chairman of Lymphoma from the United States, Professor Shimosaka, Chairman of Cell Therapy from Japan, and Professor Qin Shukui, among others. Ms. Zou Limin from the Drug Evaluation Center also provided insights into the latest developments and her personal experiences in the research and evaluation of innovative drugs for hematologic malignancies in China. This conference was unprecedented in scale and significance, marking the largest post-pandemic gathering. It epitomized unity, innovation, and collaboration. With the convergence of medical administration, pharmaceuticals, and doctor-patient relationship, I firmly believe that China will lead the way in hematologic malignancies globally. To achieve the goal set forth in the “Healthy China 2030” plan of increasing the overall 5-year survival rate for cancer by 15% by 2030, we need to work together diligently!

Oncology Frontier – Hematology Frontier：During this conference, you shared the fascinating content of “Standardized Lymphoma Diagnosis and Treatment Center Construction – Leading the Way in Standardized Lymphoma Diagnosis and Treatment.” Could you please elaborate on the significance of standardized lymphoma diagnosis and treatment, as well as the role that standardized lymphoma diagnosis and treatment centers will play?

Professor Jun Ma : A dedicated session on standardized lymphoma diagnosis and treatment was specially arranged during this conference. As we know, in developed countries like Europe and America, the clinical cure rate for lymphoma can reach 70%. In China, although data from several major hospitals show that the 5-year survival rate for lymphoma can reach around 60%, due to the large population and varying economic conditions, the 5-year disease-free survival rate for lymphoma among 16,090 individuals from county-level cities and prefecture-level cities is only 37.6%, significantly lower than that of developed countries. Therefore, we aim to implement comprehensive management for lymphoma, namely by establishing standardized lymphoma diagnosis and treatment centers. On the first day of the conference, we also conducted a certification ceremony for these centers. Currently, the main focus in lymphoma treatment is on standardization. Therefore, we are promoting the dissemination of CSCO lymphoma guidelines to frontline medical practitioners to ensure standardized treatment. Only through standardized diagnosis and treatment can we improve patient survival rates. By interpreting the guidelines and providing education to both doctors and patients, and through the joint efforts of medical practitioners and patients, we aim to prolong the survival period of lymphoma patients and achieve higher clinical cure rates. The slogan for CSCO this year is “Everything for the Patient, to Make Patients Live Better,” which embodies our mission. “Life First, Life Above All” is the principle of doctors and the requirement of the Party and the government. Therefore, our main work plan for 2024 revolves around grassroots outreach and standardized diagnosis and treatment, striving to advance the standardization of lymphoma, leukemia, and myeloma diagnosis and treatment, and to elevate patient survival rates to the highest international levels. I believe that through the tireless efforts of hematologists from different generations, we will surely achieve success!

Chief Physician, Professor, Doctoral Supervisor Director of the Harbin Institute of Hematological Tumors Director of the China Society of Clinical Oncology (CSCO) Supervisory Committee Vice Chairman of the Asian Society of Clinical Oncology Chairman of the CSCO Leukemia Expert Committee Leader of the National Health Commission’s Capacity Building and Continuing Education Center Oncology Discipline Expert Group Editor-in-Chief of Leukemia and Lymphoma Journal