L’hematology It is one of the most dynamic fields of medicine, characterized by rapid and continuous innovation search for new therapeutic solutions. It is a field that encompasses numerous pathologies, from benign diseases ai hematological tumors such as leukemia and lymphoma, and which has a decisive role in promoting it sustainable development of clinical practice.
Con Paola Cocomedical director of Novartis Italia, we explored the reasons that make hematology such a key area for innovation in the healthcare field, on the sidelines of the event Blood diseases. The progress of science, the hopes for patientsorganized in Milan for the month dedicated to raising awareness of haematological diseases. The possibility of identify precise genetic mutationsand therefore to develop targeted drugs, is transforming the treatment of many pathologies, leading to an increasingly personalized approach. However, important challenges remain to be addressed, such as the need for more timely and correct diagnosisthe management of variability in response to treatments el’equal access to the most advanced therapies. An important role within this scenario is played by digital solutions – including artificial intelligence – not only for the research and development of new drugs, but also for improving the diagnosis and management of diseases, accelerating processes and improving therapeutic prospects.
Paola Coco, why is hematology an area with such a high rate of innovation? And what are the main drivers of this innovation?
“Hematology is a particularly complex area of medicine: numerous pathologies can be rare and escape diagnosis and dedicated treatments. For these reasons, innovation in this area represents an essential challenge to develop more effective therapies and improve the clinical path of patients. A fundamental driver is the possibility of identify specific genetic mutations that cause these pathologies. The advancement in diagnostic techniques, as occurred in the field of genomics and cytogenetics (the study of cell chromosomes, ed.), allows us to identify specific mutations and create drugs aimed at molecular targetsmaking treatments much more personalized.
Paola Coco, medical director of Novartis Italiaphoto: Paolo Paciocca
“Hematology saw the birth of the first target therapies, such as those for chronic myeloid leukemiacapable of revolutionizing the management of the disease and transforming it from lethal condition to manageable chronic disease. Another determining factor is the availability of preclinical modelswith the possibility of testing new therapies relatively quickly thanks to the peculiarities of blood cells, which are easily accessible. And let’s not forget that hematology was also pioneer in the development of cell therapies such as Car-T, which exploit the patient’s immune system to fight specific types of cancer, paving the way for new therapeutic approaches”.
