This annual initiative (known as WTD) aims to promote understanding and awareness of Thrombosis, to inform more people about the dangers it presents. In order to recognise World Thrombosis Day, we spoke to researchers prominent in the field about why this day is so important. 

Professor Lee Lai Heng received her advanced medical training in Singapore and is currently a senior consultant in the Department of Haematology at Singapore General Hospital. She has been instrumental in the set-up of the Asia Pacific Society of Thrombosis and Haemostasis, during her term as Chairman from 2012 to 2022. She now serves on the executive committee as Immediate past Chairman.

How did the Asia Pacific Society of Thrombosis and Haemostasis (APSTH) start?

Please see the attached article published in TJ some years ago – The fore runner of APSTH is the Sino-Japanese Symposium on Coagulation, Fibrinolysis, and Platelet first held in Hangzhou, China in 1990, and again in Taipei, Taiwan in 1992. Under the leadership of late Professor Akikazu Takada from Hamamatsu University, Japan, physicians and scientists in the field of Thrombosis and Haemostasis across the Asia Pacific region were invited to join in, thus forming the Asia Pacific Society of Thrombosis and Haemostasis.

The first APSTH scientific congress was held in Taipei, Taiwan in 2000. Subsequently, this congress was held once every 2 years, across many cities in the Asia Pacific – including Bangkok (Thailand), Seoul ( South Korea), Suzhou ( China), Singapore ( Singapore), Bali ( Indonesia), Melbourne ( Australia), Gwangju ( South Korea), Kuching ( Malaysia), Hanoi (Vietnam) and Sapporo (Japan).

What has been the most impactful achievement of the Society to date?

The society’s main achievements were in the success of the biannual scientific congresses which provided a suitable and safe initiating platform for early career scientists and physicians from Asia-Pac  to present their work.

Of note, there has been several top leaders from the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH) who came from APSTH – notably:

1.  Professor Yasuo Ikeda who hosted the ISTH Congress in Kyoto in 2011.
2.  Late Dr Claire McIntock ( New Zealand) served as ISTH President from 2018-2020
3.  Prof. Pantep Angchaisuksiri is the current ISTH President

What special projects, events and activities is the APSTH working on?

Our next APSTH congress to be held at Wuhan 2025.

Formation of Education Subcommittee and Focused Interest Groups had been discussed. More support is needed for these to materialise.

Where do you see the APSTH in 10 years’ time?

I hope to see APSTH as a formally registered legal entity with headquarters in one of our member countries.

What are the key lessons learnt since APSTH started?

One key lesson learnt is to have a more robust succession plans and pathways for proper handover and renewal of leadership that will encourage and empower our younger members to step up to serve the interests of the society.

Professor Tetsumei Urano is an Associate Editor for Thrombosis Journal. He received his medical training at Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Japan, where he is an Emeritus and Special Research Professor. Additionally, he is the Vice President of Shizuoka Graduate University of Public Health and a former member of the World Thrombosis Day steering committee.

What is your research background?

I started my career as a surgeon and studied to become a vascular surgeon. After visiting Dr. Castellino's laboratory (University of Notre Dame) as a post-doc, I realized the importance and fascination of basic science and started to study the regulatory mechanism of thrombolysis as a basic scientist.

What is your favourite part of researching thrombosis and what is your proudest achievement to date?

Research in the field of thrombosis and haemostasis is very closely related to the clinical field. The findings in the basic research of thrombosis and haemostasis field have been translated into clinical trials and those in the clinical studies have been quickly implemented in real-world medicine. Such speedy translation of research outcomes into real-world medicine is my favourite part.

We have contributed to the establishment of the concept that plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1) is one of the causative factors in the development of thrombosis, by analysing its biochemical and physiological characteristics. We also reported that PAI-1 is a relevant factor especially in thrombosis caused by metabolic syndrome, hyper lipidaemia, inflammation, etc. Based on these findings we can emphasize the significance of improvement of metabolic conditions by physical exercise, a healthier lifestyle and medication in order to prevent thrombosis.

What does it mean to you to be part of WTD steering committee?

It was a great opportunity for me to implement prophylactic strategies designed based on our basic findings to everyone's health. The WTD activities provided me a lot of opportunities to enlighten people about the knowledge of thrombosis as well as its prophylactic strategies.

What area of thrombosis research do you think should be the biggest priority for the community?

Implementation of the outcome of the research to the real world to contribute to human welfare is indeed the biggest priority. For this, precise and faithful basic- and clinical- research to obtain reliable novel findings are also relevant. Steady and persistent efforts throughout research work is fundamental.