Renowned hematologist wins inaugural award
By Zhou Wenting in Shanghai | chinadaily.com.cn | Updated: 2023-05-26 16:14
The ceremony for the 2023 Medical Technology Award under the Shanghai Jiao Tong University Foresight Science and Technology Award was held at the university on Wednesday.
Chen Zhu, a tenured professor from Ruijin Hospital Affiliated with the Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine won the award, which was being presented for the first time.
Chen, who is also the president of the Red Cross Society of China, and an academician with the Chinese Academy of Sciences, had established a theoretical system for a combined targeted treatment to treat acute promyelocytic leukemia. This system was hailed as a major breakthrough in clinical transformation research as it elevated the five-year disease-free survival rate of this particular type of leukemia to more than 95 percent, and made the disease the first acute myeloid leukemia that can be cured.
"The success of this research is a result of the hard work of four generations of hematologists from around the world for nearly half a century. These efforts have finally transformed the disease from the most dangerous subtype of leukemia to the first curable acute myeloid leukemia," said Chen, when receiving the award.
"My team and I will continue to attempt to solve major clinical scientific problems through basic research, conquer more types of hematological malignancies and contribute to the improvement of human health and well-being," he added.
Shanghai Jiao Tong University said that the award was set up by the university and Foresight Fund in 2022 to encourage scientific research and recognize outstanding alumni who have achieved world-class achievements in the field of basic research.
"We aim to turn the award into a scientific and cultural brand that has global influence and the characteristics of the university. We also hope that it will contribute to the country's goal of becoming a hub for important talents from all over the world and a highland of innovation," said Yang Zhenbin, Party secretary of Shanghai Jiao Tong University.
