Chulalongkorn University Held International Academic Forum

Chulalongkorn University Held International Academic Forum
Driving Knowledge in Hematologic Malignancies – Connecting Research to Innovative Treatment

The Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, and King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Thai Red Cross Society, through the Center of Excellence in Translational Hematology (CETH), organized the International Scientific Symposium: "Scientific Forum on Myeloid and Lymphoid Malignancies: Advancing Knowledge and Innovation" on September 19–20, 2025. The event aimed to bridge knowledge in genetics and genomics with treatment approaches for hematologic malignancies. It featured in-depth presentations by Thai and international experts and provided a platform for the exchange of clinical experiences throughout both days.

The goal of the forum was to shorten the distance from the laboratory to the patient's bedside by updating knowledge covering Bone Marrow Failure, Myeloproliferative Disorders, AML, Lymphoid Malignancies, and Cellular Therapy (e.g., CAR-T). It also aimed to enhance diagnostic accuracy, improve prognostic assessment, and promote evidence-based treatment decision-making. The forum also sought to expand international research collaborations on key issues such as FLT3-AML, CHIP, CLL, DLBCL, HAVCR2/SPTCL/HLH, and the use of iPSC in studying pathogenesis. These efforts helped facilitate the healthcare system's development of new treatment standards better suited for Thai patients.

The Pre-congress Symposium was held on September 19, 2025, at the Mandarin C Meeting Room, Mandarin Hotel, Bangkok. The session featured numerous academic speakers from both Thailand and abroad, covering five topics, including Integrating CHIP into Clinical Care: Risk Assessment, Surveillance, and Therapeutic Decision-Making.

Prof. Mrinal S. Patnaik from the Mayo Clinic, USA, lectured on the importance of clonal hematopoiesis in cancer development. Asst. Prof. Ong Shin Yeu from Singapore presented on CAR-T cell therapy in lymphoma. Additionally, four faculty members from the Division of Hematology presented: Dr. Panisinee Lawasut and Dr. Palada Pitakkitnukun from King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital discussed the use of new-generation drugs, bispecific T-cell engagers, in multiple myeloma; Dr. Chonlada Laoruangroj from Phramongkutklao Hospital spoke about targeted therapy for Hodgkin's disease; and Asso. Prof. Chantiya Chanswangphuwana from King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital lectured on targeted therapy for acute leukemia.

The main conference, held on September 20, 2025, in Room 1210, 12th Floor, Bhumisiri Mangkhalanusorn Building, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, focused on full-day academic presentations covering five major content areas: Bone Marrow Failure Syndromes, Myeloproliferative Disorders, Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), Lymphoid Malignancies, and Cellular Therapy.
The event was honored to host international experts such as:

- Seishi Ogawa (Kyoto University, Japan), who discussed the genomic landscape of Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS).
- Hideki Makishima (Shinshu University, Japan), who presented research on Bone Marrow Failure and DDX41.
- Mrinal S. Patnaik (Mayo Clinic, USA), who shared advances in myeloid neoplasms and CHIP.
- Prof. Naoko Hosono (University of Fukui, Japan), who discussed the treatment of AML with FLT3 gene mutation using targeted therapy.
- Prof. Ja-min Byun (South Korea), who presented on the management of CLL from an Asian ethnicity perspective.
- Prof. Shoji Saito (Shinshu University, Japan), who shared his experience in treating acute leukemia with CAR-T therapy and discussed future institutional collaborations.

On the Thai expert side, presentations covered research findings and clinical experiences relevant to local treatment services. These included research on platelet function in iPS cells by Prof. Ponlapat Rojnuckarin; studies on HLA abnormalities in aplastic anemia by Asst. Prof. Sunisa Kongkiatkamon; studies on Tim-3 protein expression in acute leukemia by Asso. Prof. Chantiya Chanswangphuwana; molecular pathology diagnosis of lymphoma biopsy tissues by Dr. Narittee Suksawai; discovery of the HAVCR2 gene mutation in cutaneous lymphoma by Asso. Prof. Chantana Polprasert; CAR-T cell therapy for lymphoma by Asso. Prof. Kitsada Wudhikarn; and monitoring complications in patients treated with CAR-T cells by Asso. Prof. Jakrawadee Julamanee. These presentations highlighted the potential of Thailand's medical sector on the international stage.

In addition to the academic sessions, the event featured special souvenirs designed by Too – Nattapong Ratanachoksirikul, the artist who created the Greenie & Elfie art toys. He designed the "Blood Cell Gang" — adorable characters representing red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets — to creatively promote understanding of blood system diseases. The proceeds, after deducting expenses, were donated to support research in hematologic malignancies, helping to drive new knowledge and promote Thai patients' access to modern, standardized treatments. The souvenirs garnered significant interest from both conference attendees and the general public.