In an impressive showcase of innovation, Professor Zhang Tingdong, a leading figure in hematology and a prominent figure at Harbin Medical University, has been awarded the “2023 Highest Science and Technology Award” in Heilongjiang Province for his groundbreaking work on the use of arsenic trioxide (commonly known as “arsenic”) in the treatment of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). This achievement parallels the legacy of Tu Youyou, who discovered artemisinin to combat malaria, marking both as seminal contributions to modern medicine.
During the Heilongjiang Provincial Science and Technology Conference, held recently in Harbin, Zhang Xue, an academician at the Chinese Academy of Engineering and the Party Secretary of Harbin Medical University, praised Professor Zhang’s contributions. Due to health issues, the 92-year-old professor was unable to attend the ceremony, and Academician Zhang represented him to accept the award and deliver remarks.
Acute promyelocytic leukemia is often referred to as “blood cancer,” and historically, it had a grim prognosis with a mortality rate as high as 90%. The innovative research led by Zhang began with a folk remedy from Lindian County in Daqing, Heilongjiang Province.
Since the early 1970s, under Professor Zhang’s leadership in the Traditional Chinese Medicine department at Harbin Medical University, a multidisciplinary team has been instrumental in conducting clinical trials using arsenic trioxide to treat APL. Their efforts have successfully treated thousands of patients, achieving an impressive 90% clinical efficacy—truly a breakthrough from “0 to 1.”
“This marks a significant milestone in the inheritance and innovation of traditional Chinese medicine,” said Zhang Xue. The collaboration among various departments, including traditional Chinese medicine, pharmacy, and laboratory medicine, highlights the arduous journey of Chinese medical professionals. Tragically, some team members lost their lives after prolonged exposure to arsenic trioxide during their research. “They sacrificed their lives, making indelible contributions to scientific progress and the health of humanity,” Zhang Xue reflected.
Though Professor Zhang was unable to attend the award ceremony, his words resonate strongly: “Having mastered both Western and Traditional Chinese medicine, if I can help cure just one disease in my lifetime, it won’t be in vain.” Born in 1932 in Wuqiao County, Hebei Province, he graduated from Harbin Medical University in 1950, where he initially studied Western medicine before transitioning to traditional Chinese medicine, focusing on the synergy between the two disciplines.
Harbin Medical University has produced numerous scholars dedicated to benefiting the public. In the early 20th century, Dr. Wu Liande, the first president of the university, played a key role in eliminating what was known as the “worst epidemic of plague in the 20th century,” saving millions in Northeast China and becoming the first Chinese scientist nominated for a Nobel Prize.
Today, under Professor Zhang’s guidance, his team continues to offer a “Chinese solution” to global treatment for acute promyelocytic leukemia, saving countless lives worldwide and providing original contributions to the fight against leukemia. “Traditional Chinese medicine is a great treasure; we must strive to explore and enhance it so that it serves not just the people of China, but all of humanity,” Professor Zhang emphasized.
