Introduction

The Department of Hematology of Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital was established in the 1970s, with a hematology pathology laboratory added in the 1990s. Renowned for its expertise in bone marrow pathological diagnosis of hematological diseases such as myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), chronic myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN), acute leukemia (AL), multiple myeloma (MM), and lymphoma (NHL), the department has amassed significant experience in the standardized clinical diagnosis and treatment of malignant hematological diseases.

Of particular note is the department's leadership in MDS research, which has gained recognition both domestically and internationally for its contributions to basic research, standardized diagnosis, and stratified treatment. In 2013, it became the second MDS Center of Excellence in mainland China, certified by the authoritative international organization, MDS Foundation, and recognized for its adherence to international standards in MDS diagnosis and treatment. In 2020, Director Chang Chunkang led the MDS special disease database construction project of Shanghai Shenkang Hospital Development Center as part of the "Three-year Action Plan to Promote Clinical Skills and Clinical Innovation of Municipal Hospitals (2020-2022)" and established the largest MDS database in Shanghai. In the field of MDS research, the department has secured over 20 grants from the National Natural Science Foundation, along with 2 Shanghai Science and Technology Progress Awards and 1 Shanghai Medical Science and Technology Award. In recent years, we have garnered valuable expertise in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for elderly MDS and leukemia patients.

Specialties

1. Standardized Diagnosis and Treatment of MDS and MPN: Since the 1990s, the department has been a pioneer in the standardized diagnosis and treatment of MDS and MPN in China. Under the leadership of Professor Chang Chunkang, a renowned expert in MDS and MPN, the department has established a sophisticated laboratory system for MDS diagnosis and treatment, integrating bone marrow plastic-embedded biopsy, flow cytometry immunology detection technology, cytogenetics, and second-generation gene sequencing. With over 10,000 MDS and MPN outpatient visits annually, we has amassed significant expertise in immunomodulatory therapy for low-risk MDS, demethylation therapy for high-risk MDS, and allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Since 2020, we have annually contributed to the drafting of relevant guidelines for MDS and MPN by the China Anti-Cancer Association (CSCO). Additionally, our department's active involvement in new drug clinical trials for MDS, both domestically and internationally, provides patients with MDS and MPN access to cutting-edge international clinical drugs and treatment protocols.
2. Diagnosis and Treatment of Iron Overload: The department has developed advanced diagnostic systems for iron overload, including serum ferritin quantification, serum hepcidin analysis, and imaging-based assessments. With a dedicated iron overload MDT clinic, the department offers comprehensive evaluation and treatment for difficult MDS cases.
3. Bone Marrow Pathological Diagnosis: Professor Pu Quan pioneered the application of bone marrow plastic pathological embedding technology in the 1990s, revolutionizing bone marrow pathological diagnosis. Today, the department's patented plastic embedding technology is widely recognized for its diagnostic accuracy and plays a pivotal role in diagnosing complex hematological diseases.
4. Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation stands as the sole curative option for many malignant hematological diseases such as MDS, acute leukemia, as well as non-hematological malignancies like aplastic anemia and congenital immune diseases. We initiated autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation as early as the 1990s and have since accrued over 30 years of experience in this field. In 2019, our facilities expanded to include a 6-bed, 100-level laminar-flow ward, furnished with state-of-the-art equipment such as a patient call system, telemetry ECG monitor, COBE Spectra blood cell separator, flow cytometer, ultra-low temperature refrigerator, and liquid nitrogen tank. Holding accreditation from the Chinese Bone Marrow Bank, our department boasts a dedicated transplant medical team. Currently, we adeptly conduct autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, as well as sib/non-consanguineous and semi-identical allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in accordance with standardized protocols.
5. Cellular Immunotherapy: The department has been at the forefront of CAR-T therapy research, participating in numerous clinical studies and pioneering the application of commercial CAR-T therapy in malignant hematological diseases. This precision-targeted therapy has shown promising results in the treatment of hematological tumors, further enhancing the department's reputation for innovative and effective treatments.