Global Advances in Blood Cancer Take Center Stage

April is a month that never fails to command attention in hematologic oncology—and this year is no exception. From the Americas to Asia, hematologists and oncologists are gathering to exchange ideas, review the latest clinical trial data, and shape the future of patient care. The sheer volume of activity during this month reflects the urgency, collaboration, and innovation that define our field.

We began the month with momentum on both coasts of the world. On April 5, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Tri-State Blood Cancer Conference convened in New York City. This regional meeting continues to provide a vital platform for oncologists, patients, and caregivers to align on the latest standards in leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma care. Key sessions spotlighted personalized treatment strategies and evolving approaches to survivorship care planning.

That same weekend, on April 5 and 6, the EHA–Hong Kong Society of Hematology Tutorial brought together leading voices in Hong Kong. This educational meeting—backed by the European Hematology Association (EHA)—delved into updated diagnostics, new indications for Janus kinase inhibitors in myeloproliferative neoplasms, and novel data on the use of bispecific antibodies in relapsed and refractory B-cell malignancies. The tutorial-style format encouraged deep dialogue between trainees and seasoned clinicians.

Mid-month, we turned our focus to Latin America, where hematology and oncology leaders gathered in Lima, Peru, for the European Society for Medical Oncology Summit Latin America 2025, held April 11 and 12. A central theme here was equity—specifically, how to expand access to molecular testing and clinical trials in resource-limited settings. Disease-specific sessions offered updates on acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic syndrome management, with a particular emphasis on integrating new agents into frontline treatment.

As the month draws to a close, the energy only intensifies. On April 25 and 26, Highlights of ASH in Latin America takes place in Punta del Este, Uruguay, offering practitioners a chance to revisit the most impactful findings from the 2024 American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting. Expect focused sessions on chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy advances in lymphoma, emerging risk stratification tools for myeloproliferative neoplasms, and real-world evidence on Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitors in chronic lymphocytic leukemia. This program is always an excellent translation of key ASH insights into regionally relevant clinical practice.

Finally, we converge in Chicago, Illinois, from April 25 to 30 for the AACR Annual Meeting 2025. Although the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) spans the full spectrum of cancer science, its impact on hematologic malignancies is unmistakable. Cutting-edge sessions will highlight the role of the tumor microenvironment in drug resistance, emerging applications of artificial intelligence in risk modeling, and novel translational research across myeloma and acute leukemias. Expect big science, early-phase trials, and no shortage of innovation.

Together, these meetings form a global circuit of learning and exchange. The takeaways extend far beyond new protocols: they shape how we think, collaborate, and push the boundaries of what’s possible in hematologic oncology.

This month, we not only follow the science; we advance it.

Warm regards,

Mehdi H. Hamadani, MD
Co-Editor-in-Chief