Overview
The Hematologic Malignancies (HEM) research program focuses on advancing our understanding of molecular pathogenesis and treatment of leukemias and lymphomas. The mission of HEM Program is to develop functional biomarkers of response in hematologic malignancies and to develop novel drug, biologic, and cellular immune therapies. HEM program’s goal is to further elucidate the molecular pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma. Examination of the differences between neoplastic cells, particularly at the stem and progenitor cell level, with their normal counterparts has provided important insights into the molecular and biochemical features that define the malignant phenotype. In addition, research on genetic and epigenetic alterations within pre-malignant and malignant lesions has provided vital insights into the blueprint of the molecular features that contribute to disease development and progression.
Together with research on biochemical factors that govern cell cycle progression, cellular differentiation, response to injury, self-renewal, and programmed cell death, investigators are identifying molecular pathways and/or hematologic malignancy-associated antigens that could be targeted by antineoplastic drugs and/or immune therapy while sparing their normal cellular counterparts.
Program Goals
The overarching goal of the HEM Program is to understand the underlying mechanisms for development of hematologic malignancies, test novel therapies, and explore ways to improve patient outcomes.
To achieve its objective, the HEM Program has three specific aims to:
- Identify somatic DNA mutations, coding and alterations in non-coding RNA splicing and editing, ribosomal regulation and signaling as well as phenotypic alterations in hematologic malignancies.
- Generate accurate models of hematologic malignancies to improve understanding of the pathogenesis of disease.
- Test promising new approaches through clinical trials for hematologic malignancies.
The HEM Program has 39 members across 10 departments and 2 schools with a wide range of cancer-relevant scientific disciplines and interests. The distinct clinical expertise of HEM members is bolstered by translational research of MCC scientists relevant to the focus of HEM and the goals of MCC, which are predicated on predicting and preventing cancer progression and relapse.
Program Goals
The overarching goal of the HEM Program is to understand the underlying mechanisms for development of hematologic malignancies, test novel therapies, and explore ways to improve patient outcomes.
To achieve its objective, the HEM Program has three specific aims to:
- Identify somatic DNA mutations, coding and alterations in non-coding RNA splicing and editing, ribosomal regulation and signaling as well as phenotypic alterations in hematologic malignancies.
- Generate accurate models of hematologic malignancies to improve understanding of the pathogenesis of disease.
- Test promising new approaches through clinical trials for hematologic malignancies.