Revolutionizing Blood Cancer Treatment: Insights from Dr. Robin Foà

In a remarkable journey spanning over five decades, Dr. Robin Foà, an eminent hematologist and professor emeritus at Sapienza University of Rome, has been at the forefront of transformative advancements in blood cancer treatment, particularly for Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph+ ALL). Despite officially retiring, Dr. Foà continues to contribute significantly to hematology, co-authoring numerous studies and guiding treatment protocols for this challenging disease.

Dr. Foà's early life was shaped by the historical context of World War II, as he was born in England to Italian Jewish parents who fled fascist Italy. His medical career began in pediatrics in Torino, Italy, but a pivotal encounter with Professor Gordon Hamilton-Fairley led him to shift his focus to hematology at Hammersmith Hospital in London during the mid-1970s. "Hammersmith was one of the centers of hematology in the world," Dr. Foà recalls, highlighting how this experience shaped his future.

The landscape of leukemia treatment has undergone a dramatic transformation since Dr. Foà began his career. He notes, "In the old days, the only option was chemotherapy. Nowadays, chemotherapy is almost not used anymore, at least in developed countries." Significant advancements, particularly in the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and acute promyelocytic leukemia, have led to better survival rates and fewer long-term side effects. Dr. Foà's innovative work with Ph+ ALL emphasized the use of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) like imatinib, and more recently, dasatinib and ponatinib, which, coupled with immunotherapy, have led to unprecedented remission rates.

The groundbreaking results from studies published in prestigious journals, including The New England Journal of Medicine, reveal an 88% disease-free survival rate at a median follow-up of 18 months for patients treated with a combination of dasatinib and blinatumomab. "Half of the patients never received chemotherapy or transplant," Dr. Foà asserts, underscoring the shift towards less invasive treatment options.

However, Dr. Foà emphasizes the challenges that lie ahead, particularly regarding accessibility and sustainability in cancer treatment. "It's unacceptable that only the very wealthy can afford these treatments. We need to make them feasible for as many people as possible," he states, pointing to the necessity for continued research funding and equitable access to advanced therapies.

Throughout his illustrious career, Dr. Foà has also held significant leadership roles, including a six-year tenure with the European Hematology Association (EHA), where he advocated for outreach activities to ensure global access to hematological advancements. His contributions have been recognized with various awards, including the EHA Education and Mentoring Award in 2018 and the José Carreras Award in 2023.

In addition to his medical accomplishments, Dr. Foà is an accomplished photographer, having published over 12 photography books. He views photography as a way to document his travels and the world around him, adding another layer to his multifaceted life. As he continues to coordinate a large research group in Italy, Dr. Foà remains passionate about the future of hematology. "We’re living in an extraordinary time in hematology. Every year we see advancements and improvements," he concludes, emphasizing the importance of combining rigorous scientific research with compassionate patient care. "The key is to make these advances available to all patients, regardless of their economic circumstances," he urges, advocating for a future where every individual has access to life-saving treatments.