WANG Zhenyi, M.D., PhD, Professor of Hematology, academician from the Chinese Academy of Engineering. He is tenured professor of both medical school of Shanghai Jiao Tong University and Ruijin Hospital.
Acute promyelocytic leukemia, or APL, where there are too many immature blood-forming cells called promyelocytes in the blood or bone marrow, historically was a devastating diagnosis. Thanks to the work of Zhenyi Wang, today, this deadly subtype of leukemia is now highly curable. He studied retinoids, which can work as regulators of cell reproduction and proliferations. One specific type of retinoid, called all-trans-retinoic acid, or ATRA, was found to help differentiate a cell line, and enable the promyelocytes to grow into fully functioning cells.Now, the combination of Arsenic trioxide and all-trans-retinoic acid, can raise the complete remission rate, and prolong the lifespan of the patient.
While this treatment has been successful for APL, other forms of Leukemia require further study. Wang continues his exploration with what he refers to as open book examination, where the team comes together to discuss difficult cases.
