2024 Highlights of ASH in Asia-Pacific

By Jacqueline Agustin, MD

Last February 15-17, 2024, delegates from the Philippine College of Transfusion Medicine attended the ASH Highlights in Asia Pacific 2024 hosted by the American Society of Hematology and the Haematology Society of Australia and New Zealand. It was held at the International Convention and Exhibition Centre, Sydney, Australia and was attended by hematologists and trainees from different countries in Asia Pacific.

The first day was the Clinical Research Trainee Day where six trainees form different training institutions in the Philippines were able to attend. Lectures aimed to strengthen trainees’ fundamental skills in research such as: developing the research question, designing an observational study, the importance of good mentorship, data management and registries, publishing tips and managing COIs were given by the team. An interactive workshop highlighted the day. The participants were divided into small working groups where they were able to discuss their queries and the challenges that they are facing with their research. This enabled them to receive individualized mentorship from the faculty and create networking opportunities with other trainees with the same interest.

This was followed by a 2-day program where different hematology experts of their field presented influential research that was presented in the last ASH annual meeting. The topics were designed to provide an updated approach to both malignant and non-malignant hematologic diseases and reformative management relevant in the clinical practice. 

Updates on the following topics were given:

Friday, February 16, 2024

• Clonal Hematopoiesis and Myelodysplastic Syndrome by Dr. Radhika Gangaraju

• Myeloproliferative Neoplasms including CML by Dr. David Ross 

• Autoimmunity and Complement Disorders by Dr. Hanny Al-Samkari

• Inherited Bleeding Disorders by Dr. Tyler Buckner

• Hematology in Special Groups by Dr. Julie Jaffray, Dr. Michelle Sholzberg, and Dr. Yazan Abou-Ismail

• Nosocomial Hematological Complications by Dr. Lana Castellucci

• Diagnosis, Management, and Treatment of VTE by Dr. Neil Zakai

• Hemoglobinopathies by Dr. John Rasko

Saturday, February 17, 2024

• Transfusion Medicine: Blood Banking and Apheresis by Dr. Erica Wood

• Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation by Dr. John Magenau

• CAR T-Cell Therapy by Dr. Matthew Frank, Dr. Loretta Nastoupil, and Dr. Robin Sanderson

• Aggressive Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma by Dr. Laurie Sehn

• Low-Grade Lymphoma by Dr. Adam Kittai

• Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia by Dr. William Stevenson

• Acute Myeloid Leukemia by Dr. Andrew Wei

• Myeloma & Plasma Cell Dyscrasia by Dr. Joy Ho

Delegates were given a chance to interact with experts during their lunch breaks to consult and discuss their topic of interest. The current PCHTM president, Dr. Jasmin Igama, was able to share her expertise in transfusion medicine, blood banking and apheresis.

Of course, the delegates gave some time to relax and enjoy the sights of Sydney. A breather for those in stress. 

Overall, it was a successful and rewarding event. Participants were able to get a comprehensive review of the significant updates of the latest ASH annual meeting, discuss evolving developments in hematology, and create ties with different experts of the field.