Over the last few years, substantial improvements have been made in terms of diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up in the field of hematology and medical oncology. The latest news, updates of the standard of care, and future perspectives as well as personal interpretations and practical advice will be given at the Frühjahrstagung der Österreichischen Gesellschaft für Hämatologie & Medizinische Onkologie 2023 in Innsbruck. In this issue of memo, several papers review important topics will be covered during the meeting.

Josef Mühlmann [1] gives an elaborate update on systemic therapy of early and late stage clear cell renal carcinoma. In recent years, several new therapeutic options have emerged and the treatment landscape has substantially changed. The short review covers the indications for tyrosine kinase inhibitors and immune checkpoint inhibitors including latest results on combination of these agents. The respective trials are discussed and are set into perspective.

In an outstanding review Starzer, Berghoff and Bartsch [2] cover biomarkers and translational research approaches in breast cancer. While a decade ago only hormonal receptor status and HER2 status were relevant for treatment decision-making, an abundance of new markers are under investigation, some of which are already in daily clinical use, while others still have to prove their predictive or prognostic value. An overview of current markers and their clinical interpretation is also provided and the importance of including biomarkers and translational studies in clinical trials is emphasized.

An almost impossible challenge has been met by Theresa Prochazka [3]. She summed up last year’s improvements and highlights in hematology. This excellent short review also stresses the challenges due to the SARS-CoV‑2 pandemic. The role of molecular or genetic treatment individualization in AML and MDS is covered as well as new quadruple treatment options for multiple myeloma to achieve deep remissions. Several aspects of CAR‑T cell therapies are critically discussed and their indications highlighted.

I express my gratitude to the authors who have prepared these outstanding manuscripts and gave us an excellent overview. I am sure that you will find their contributions helpful and interesting.