About Prof. Cao Junning
Prof. Cao Junning (曹军宁) is a senior medical oncologist in the Department of Medical Oncology at Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center (FUSCC), with over 30 years of clinical experience in lymphoma diagnosis and treatment. One of China's most experienced lymphoma specialists, Prof. Cao has played a foundational role in establishing the molecular subtyping systems that now underpin precision lymphoma treatment in China — work that has directly shaped how lymphoma is classified and treated at a national level.
Prof. Cao's three decades of clinical practice span the full evolution of lymphoma therapy — from conventional chemotherapy through the rituximab era to today's landscape of BTK inhibitors, CAR-T cell therapy, bispecific antibodies, and antibody-drug conjugates. This depth of experience gives him a unique perspective on treatment sequencing, long-term toxicity management, and the integration of novel agents into established protocols — knowledge that is particularly valuable for patients navigating complex, multi-line treatment journeys.
Clinical Expertise
- Molecular subtyping of lymphoma — pioneer in establishing molecular classification systems for DLBCL and other lymphoma subtypes in China; uses genomic and immunohistochemical profiling to guide individualized drug selection
- BTK inhibitor therapy — extensive experience with ibrutinib, zanubrutinib, and acalabrutinib for mantle cell lymphoma, CLL/SLL, Waldenström macroglobulinemia, and relapsed DLBCL (ABC subtype)
- CAR-T cell therapy — patient selection, bridging therapy optimization, and post-CAR-T management for relapsed/refractory B-cell lymphomas
- Targeted and immunotherapy combinations — bispecific antibodies (glofitamab, mosunetuzumab), antibody-drug conjugates (polatuzumab vedotin, loncastuximab), and PD-1 inhibitors for Hodgkin and T-cell lymphomas
- Multidisciplinary consultation (MDT) — leadership of complex case MDT discussions integrating hematology, pathology, radiology, radiation oncology, and stem cell transplant expertise
- Aggressive lymphomas — DLBCL, primary mediastinal B-cell lymphoma (PMBCL), high-grade B-cell lymphoma with MYC and BCL2/BCL6 rearrangements (double/triple-hit lymphoma)
- Indolent and mantle cell lymphomas — long-term management strategies balancing disease control with quality of life preservation
Why Prof. Cao Junning?
Prof. Cao's 30+ years of experience represent an irreplaceable depth of clinical judgment that cannot be replicated by volume alone. For patients with complex or rare lymphoma subtypes, those who have failed multiple prior lines of therapy, or those facing difficult treatment decisions — such as whether to proceed to CAR-T, stem cell transplant, or a novel clinical trial agent — Prof. Cao's experience in navigating these decisions is a significant asset.
His foundational role in establishing China's lymphoma molecular subtyping systems means that he understands not just how to apply these classifications, but why they were developed and what their limitations are — a nuance that matters when a patient's tumor doesn't fit neatly into standard categories. This expertise is particularly relevant for patients with double-hit or triple-hit lymphoma, primary CNS lymphoma, or other high-risk subtypes where standard protocols are insufficient and individualized approaches are essential.
As a senior MDT leader at FUSCC, Prof. Cao also serves as a convener of collective expertise — ensuring that the most challenging cases benefit from the full breadth of FUSCC's oncological resources, from pathology and genomics to radiation oncology and cellular therapy.
Hospital: Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center (FUSCC)
FUSCC is China's premier dedicated cancer hospital, consistently ranked among the top oncology centers in Asia. Its lymphoma program — one of the most comprehensive in China — combines a high-volume clinical practice with an active research program, access to approved CAR-T products, and participation in international clinical trials. The hospital's pathology department provides the molecular and genomic testing infrastructure essential for precision lymphoma subtyping, and its multidisciplinary tumor board structure ensures that complex cases receive coordinated, evidence-based management.
About Lymphoma: Key Subtypes & Treatment Advances
Lymphoma encompasses over 60 distinct subtypes with different biology, prognosis, and treatment requirements. Understanding the specific subtype is the foundation of effective treatment. Key advances relevant to international patients:
- DLBCL molecular subtypes: GCB (germinal center B-cell) and ABC (activated B-cell) subtypes have different prognoses and respond differently to novel agents; ABC subtype benefits from BTK inhibitor addition in some settings
- Double/triple-hit lymphoma: high-grade B-cell lymphoma with MYC + BCL2/BCL6 rearrangements; requires intensified induction (DA-EPOCH-R or R-CODOX-M/IVAC) and early consideration of consolidation
- BTK inhibitors: zanubrutinib (a next-generation BTK inhibitor developed in China) has demonstrated superior efficacy and tolerability vs. ibrutinib in head-to-head trials; approved for MCL, CLL, and Waldenström macroglobulinemia
- CAR-T cell therapy: multiple products approved in China (axicabtagene ciloleucel, lisocabtagene maraleucel, relmacabtagene autoleucel); response rates of 50–70% in relapsed/refractory DLBCL after ≥2 prior lines
- Bispecific antibodies: glofitamab and mosunetuzumab offer off-the-shelf alternatives to CAR-T with strong response rates and no apheresis requirement; increasingly used for patients ineligible for or post-CAR-T
- Polatuzumab vedotin: ADC approved in combination with bendamustine + rituximab for relapsed/refractory DLBCL; also being studied in first-line combinations
What to Prepare Before Your Consultation
To enable Prof. Cao's team to conduct a thorough remote case review, international patients should prepare:
- Pathology report with full IHC panel and molecular subtyping results (cell-of-origin, MYC/BCL2/BCL6 FISH, TP53, EZH2, CD79B mutation status if available)
- PET-CT scan for staging and response assessment (preferred over CT alone)
- Bone marrow biopsy report if performed
- LDH, beta-2 microglobulin, CBC with differential, and comprehensive metabolic panel
- Complete treatment history: all prior regimens, cycle numbers, dates, and best response
- Prior stem cell transplant or CAR-T records if applicable
- Current performance status and any active symptoms or complications
How CMCS Can Help
China Medical Concierge Shanghai (CMCS) coordinates access to Prof. Cao Junning and the FUSCC lymphoma team for international patients. Our services include:
- Remote case review and pre-consultation assessment before you travel
- Priority appointment scheduling with Prof. Cao's team at FUSCC
- Full translation of pathology reports, imaging, and treatment plans
- In-hospital accompaniment by a dedicated English-speaking case manager
- Accommodation, airport transfer, and logistics coordination in Shanghai
- Post-discharge follow-up and remote consultation support after returning home
Contact us to begin your case review:
📧 contract@medicalsh.com
💬 WhatsApp: https://wa.me/message/3AM6KAGCW2BAD1
🌐 www.medicalsh.com
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