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Hematological Practice in Hong Kong and China
Yok-Lam Kwong1, Shau-Yin Ha2, Vivian Chan1
1Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, China.
Hematology/Oncology Clinics of North America
|April 5, 2016
Summary
Advances in treating inherited blood disorders like thalassemia and hemophilia in China and Hong Kong include prenatal diagnosis and improved therapies. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation offers a cure for thalassemia major, while arsenic trioxide shows promise for acute promyelocytic leukemia.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Oncology
- Genetics
Background:
- Thalassemias and hemophilias are significant inherited hematological diseases in Hong Kong and China.
- Prenatal diagnosis has substantially reduced the burden of these conditions.
- Advances in treatment have improved outcomes for thalassemia major and acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL).
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the progress and current status of managing inherited hematological diseases in Hong Kong and China.
- To highlight advancements in prenatal diagnosis, therapeutic interventions, and curative treatments for thalassemia and APL.
Main Methods:
- Review of established and emerging treatments for thalassemia major, including transfusion, iron chelation, and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.
- Evaluation of arsenic trioxide therapy for acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL), including oral formulation development.
- Assessment of combination chemotherapy regimens for APL involving non-P-glycoprotein-dependent drugs and L-asparaginase.
Main Results:
- Prenatal diagnosis has significantly decreased the incidence and burden of inherited hematological diseases.
- Transfusion and iron chelation therapy have markedly improved the prognosis for thalassemia major patients.
- Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is a curative option for thalassemia major, with increasing adoption.
- Arsenic trioxide, particularly an oral formulation developed in Hong Kong, is effective for newly diagnosed and relapsed APL.
- Combination chemotherapy regimens achieve durable remission in most APL patients.
Conclusions:
- Significant progress has been made in managing inherited hematological diseases in the region.
- Therapeutic advancements, including stem cell transplantation and targeted therapies like arsenic trioxide, have transformed patient outcomes.
- Continued research and development are crucial for further improving the treatment of hematological malignancies and inherited blood disorders.
