In April of 1958, the American Society of Hematology (ASH) was formed in Atlantic City, NJ, when 300 hematologists gathered to share their insights regarding blood diseases. Today, ASH is one of the world’s largest professional societies, with more than 15,000 members hailing from nearly 100 different countries. Although the organization has experienced exponential growth in the 50-plus years of its existence, it has remained committed to its primary goal and purpose: furthering the understanding, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disorders affecting the blood and bone marrow and the immunologic, hemostatic, and vascular systems.
In pursuit of that mission, ASH has become the leading organization for obtaining information regarding hematologic care. Blood, the official journal of ASH, is the most cited peer-reviewed publication in the field of hematology. ASH also encourages new research by offering grant support and rewards related to scholarly achievement. For clinicians, the society continually provides current, evidence-based guidelines as well as resources on newly approved therapies, educational development, and policy updates.
One of the most significant contributions of ASH to the study of hematology comes in the form of its Annual Meeting & Exposition, which attracts over 20,000 hematology professionals from every subspecialty to share insights on the diagnosis and treatment of blood-based diseases. New advances in health care technology have led to a greater understanding of hematologic illnesses, but have also presented new questions for practicing clinicians and research scientists. At the most recent ASH Meeting & Exposition (December 3-6, 2015; San Diego, CA), educational sessions reviewed how clinicians can use the newest tools available to improve the quality of care they deliver. More than 926 oral presentations were delivered at the meeting, with topics relating to the application of precision medicine, strategies for identifying or managing new treatment opportunities, and the latest breakthroughs in the development of newer, better drugs. In addition, more than 3,000 posters were presented on the conference floor, providing updates on the latest research and innovations in the field.
Precision Medicine: Using Genetics to Drive Treatment Decisions
During a session at the ASH meeting, presenters reported on research revealing how some genetic variants are associated with disease severity and treatment-related complications in children with blood diseases.
Supportive Care for Blood Disorders Associated with Cancer
In two presentations, separate researchers each discussed results from studies evaluating care management strategies for anticoagulant use.
Novel Therapies for Blood Diseases
ASH was a centerpiece for presentations on the newest therapies still in development and how they might change health care once they reach the market.
