Dear All,

You are cordially invited to join the Frontiers in Medical Research Seminar, to be delivered by Prof. Anthony K. C. Chan on October 15, 2025 (Wednesday). The lecture is entitled 'Thrombosis in children with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia'.

Please find the details as follows:

Date: October 15, 2025 (Wednesday)

Time: 1.30 pm-2.30 pm

Venue: Dao Yuan Building 103 (DY 103)

Speaker: Prof. Anthony K. C. Chan

Host: Prof. Howard Chan

Abstract

Background: Children have a low baseline incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) compared with adults, yet the relative risk rises dramatically—up to 1,000 fold—in those treated for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).

Objective: To summarize the epidemiology, risk factors, clinical presentation, and management of VTE in pediatric ALL.

Epidemiology: Reported VTE rates in this population range from < 5 % to 30 %, reflecting differences in study design (prospective vs. retrospective), chemotherapy intensity (asparaginase dose/formulation, steroid type), and ethnic composition of cohorts. Pre-diagnostic VTE is rare but underscores the need for baseline assessment.

Risk factors:

• Patient-related: older age, obesity, thrombophilia.

• Disease-related: high leukocyte count, leukemia type.

• Treatment related: asparaginase induced antithrombin depletion, high dose steroids, central venous catheters.

Clinical presentation: Symptoms mirror adult VTE (pain, swelling, dyspnea, neurologic deficits) but may be confounded by chemotherapy toxicities, necessitating a high index of suspicion.

Management considerations: (1) Balance anticoagulation against thrombocytopenia and procedural bleeding; (2) Temporarily hold or adjust asparaginase when VTE occurs; (3) Evaluate the necessity of indwelling catheters

Prevention: Antithrombin concentrate, low molecular weight heparin, and direct oral anticoagulants have been investigated. ASH guidelines on this topic have undergone public review and will be published. Universal primary prophylaxis cannot be recommended based on the current evidence.

Conclusion: Although VTE remains relatively uncommon in children, its incidence in pediatric ALL is markedly elevated. Vigilance for thrombotic events and judicious, patient-specific prophylaxis are essential pending stronger evidence from forthcoming trials.

About the Speaker

Dr. Chan is a Professor (Pediatrics) at McMaster University and Pediatric Hematologist at Hamilton Health Sciences. He created the McMaster Pediatric Thrombosis and Hemostasis Program and holds a McMaster Children’s Hospital/Hamilton Health Sciences Foundation Chair in Pediatric Thrombosis and Hemostasis (third term). He is a Clinician Scientist with the Thrombosis & Atherosclerosis Research Institute (TaARI), where he established the McMaster Developmental Hemostasis Laboratory (MDHL). He is one of the leading experts in the field of pediatric thrombosis and bleeding disorders and is recognized nationally and internationally for his work.

Dr. Chan is involved in designing clinical trials in pediatric thrombosis and pediatric stroke from a hematology perspective. He has led and participated in clinical trials and worked with international groups on the development of therapeutic advancements for the treatment of thrombosis, stroke, and bleeding disorders. For his many achievements and contributions to child health, Dr. Chan was awarded the Order of Ontario (2017), inducted as a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences (2022), and the recipient of the Ann Harrington Award (2023). Of note, Dr. Chan shares his expertise by providing consultation through the free 1800NOCLOTS service for pediatric health care professionals worldwide who are seeking assistance with the treatment of children with complex problems. The service is offered 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Please fill in the Registration Form by clicking this link https://www.wjx.cn/vm/PDqIYXu.aspx# or scanning the QR Code.

All of you are warmly welcome!