The American Society of Hematology recently honored Chen Zhu, a professor of molecular biology at the Shanghai Institute of Hematology, and Hugues de Thé, a professor of cellular and molecular oncology at the Collège de France and Hôspital Saint-Louis in Paris. Both scientists received the 2016 Ernest Beutler Lecture and Prize for their significant research in the area of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL), Science and Technology Daily reported on Dec. 13.
APL used to be among the most dreaded and deadly forms of leukemia. Chen's team developed a novel targeted treatment strategy using all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) and arsenic trioxide (As2O3), and led the first clinical trial combining ATRA, As2O3 and chemotherapy. This therapy transformed APL from a highly fatal disease to the first curable acute myeloid leukemia.
Though arsenic is known for its toxicity, arsenic trioxide has long been used in traditional Chinese medicine. Called "pishuang" in Chinese, it is used to treat cancer and other conditions. Chen's research represents a typical combination of traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine.
The Ernest Beutler Lecture, named for a past president of ASH, is a two-part lectureship that recognizes major advances related to a single topic. The award honors two individuals, one who has enabled advances in basic science and another who has accomplished great things in clinical science or translational research.
