Editor’s note : The 2024 China Clinical Oncology Society (CSCO) Guidelines Conference was held in Jinan on April 26-27, 2024. As always, the conference updated and released multiple CSCO cancer treatment guidelines. Professor Tiejun Gong, Deputy Director of the Harbin Institute of Hematologic Oncology, gave an insightful interpretation of the leukemia section in the “2024 CSCO Guidelines on Malignant Hematology.” After the conference, “Oncology Frontier – Hematology Frontier” invited Professor Gong to introduce the characteristics and updates in leukemia treatment in the 2024 CSCO Malignant Hematology Guidelines, discuss current challenges in leukemia treatment, and express his views on potential improvements.
Oncology Frontier – Hematology Frontier : The 2024 CSCO Guidelines Conference has taken place as scheduled. Could you discuss the unique features of the CSCO Malignant Hematology Guidelines and why they are so highly regarded by hematologic oncologists?
Professor Tiejun Gong : The 2024 edition of the CSCO Malignant Hematology Guidelines was released on schedule on April 27 at the CSCO Guidelines Conference. Compared to other guidelines, the CSCO guidelines are distinct because: (1) they are compact and easy to carry, often referred to as the “pocket version”; (2) they maintain an update rate of over 20% annually, incorporating the latest advancements, available medications, upcoming drugs, and new treatment protocols. These features make the guidelines convenient to use and highly valued by clinicians for providing guidance based on the latest evidence.
Oncology Frontier – Hematology Frontier : During the conference, you provided an excellent analysis of the leukemia section of the 2024 CSCO Malignant Hematology Guidelines. Could you share some of the key updates regarding acute myeloid leukemia (AML)?
Professor Tiejun Gong : Compared to myeloma, lymphoma, and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), the progress in AML has been relatively slow and new drugs are fewer. Therefore, it is crucial to make optimal use of existing treatments, such as choosing traditional chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or a combination of both; selecting induction treatment protocols; choosing consolidation treatment protocols; and managing maintenance therapy. Although there are not many options available for AML, we aim to refine and improve our approach every year so that young and old patients, as well as those with recurrent or refractory disease, can benefit from our guidelines.
Oncology Frontier – Hematology Frontier : The introduction of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) has transformed the treatment landscape for chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), but issues like intolerance or resistance to TKIs, relapse after discontinuation, and uncontrollable disease progression still persist. Could you introduce some of the latest recommendations in the new guidelines for addressing these issues?
Professor Tiejun Gong : CML is one of the diseases we hematologists are most proud of treating because single-agent TKI therapy can provide most patients in the chronic and accelerated phases with long-term, quality survival. Currently, there are several options, including first, second, and third-generation TKIs, allowing for switching between different drugs. For patients with kinase domain mutations, there are good options available. As CML has become a chronic condition, the guidelines have placed significant emphasis on chronic disease management, particularly regarding drug discontinuation and pregnancy management. Additionally, the guidelines address topics of interest to clinicians, thus meeting different needs regarding the management of CML treatment.
Oncology Watch – Hematology News : What are some of the pressing challenges in the diagnosis and treatment of AML that still need to be addressed? In your opinion, what are some possible directions for future efforts?
Professor Tiejun Gong : Although the progress in leukemia treatment still lags behind lymphoma and myeloma, there are two areas for improvement: (1) making full use of existing treatments; (2) after incorporating treatment protocols into the guidelines, we should promote and disseminate these practices to more clinicians and health centers, enabling more patients to receive standardized, precise, and personalized treatment. In essence, maximizing the use of available treatments can ensure patients receive the best possible care available at this time.
Professor Tiejun Gong
– Deputy Director, Harbin Institute of Hematologic Oncology
– Member, Hematology Committee of the Chinese Medical Doctor Association
– Standing Committee Member, Hematologic Oncology Committee of the Chinese Anti-Cancer Association
– Standing Committee Member, Hematologic Disease Transformation Committee of the Chinese Anti-Cancer Association
– Vice Chairman of the Anti-Leukemia Lymphoma Alliance Youth Committee, Chinese Society of Clinical Oncology (CSCO)
– Secretary of the Leukemia Expert Committee and Member of the Lymphoma Expert Committee, Chinese Society of Clinical Oncology (CSCO)
– Standing Committee Member, Hematology Institutions Branch of the Chinese Hospital Association
– Member, Oncology Expert Committee on Capacity Building and Continuing Education, National Health Commission
– Corresponding Editor, Chinese Journal of Hematology; Editorial Board Member, Leukemia and Lymphoma
– Vice Chairman, Hematology Branch of Heilongjiang Medical Association
– Vice Chairman, Lymphoma Myeloma Committee of the Heilongjiang Medical Association
– Designate Chairman, Hematologic Oncology Committee of the Heilongjiang Anti-Cancer Association
– Vice Chairman, Heilongjiang Anti-Leukemia Lymphoma Alliance, Chinese Society of Clinical Oncology (CSCO)
