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Leveraging cancer registries, clinical trials, and community partnerships to address disparities in pediatric, adolescent, and young adult lymphoma
I aim to identify drivers of pediatric and adolescent/young adult lymphoma disparities so that targeted health equity interventions can be developed. Integration of large datasets, systematic collection of social determinants data in clinical trials, and collaboration with patient advocates will: a) create new population-based resources to study lymphoma outcomes; b) establish a novel framework for equity research in lymphoma clinical trials; and c) identify real-world targets for intervention.Carmustine
Carmustine is FDA approved to treat people who have myeloma (in combination with prednisone); relapsed or refractory Hodgkin lymphoma (as secondary therapy in combination with other approved drugs in patients who relapse while being treated with primary therapy or who fail to respond to primary therapy); relapsed or refractory non-Hodgkin lymphoma (as secondary therapy in combination with other approved drugs).
Pluripotent Stem Cell-derived CAR-T and CAR-NK Cells for Immunotherapy of Leukemia and Lymphoma
Cytotoxic cells of the immune system, including T and NK cells, can be targeted to seek out and destroy leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma cells by engineering them to express chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) which empower the cell to home to and kill the cancer cells. Typically, such CAR-T and CAR-NK cells are generated from a patient's own blood, but sometimes heavy pre-treatment with chemotherapy leaves inadequate supplies of T and NK cells.An integrated liquid biopsy framework for surveillance of residual disease and host immune status of T-cell lymphomas
I aim to develop an accurate disease monitoring system and identify immunologic determinants of development and progression in T-cell lymphoma (TCL). I will integrate noninvasive liquid biopsy methods by high-throughput sequencing. I will study blood samples at various milestones, including pre-diagnostic, diagnostic/baseline, and post-treatment specimens during the natural history of TCL. Using these novel tools and unique specimens, my goal is the development of effective therapies for TCL.A First-in-human Clinical Trial of CD5 knocked-out Chimeric Antigen T Cells for T-cell Lymphomas
This proposal seeks to develop for the first time in humans a novel CD5 knocked out (KO) anti-CD5 chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CART) product for patients with relapsed or refractory T-cell lymphomas. In Aim#1, we will generate and test a clinical-grade CD5 KO CART5 product, and in Aim#2, we will perform a phase I clinical trial. This project is highly relevant to those parts of the LLS's mission that pertain to the development of personalized and novel therapies for cancer treatment.
The Financial Burden of Blood Cancer Treatment for Working-Aged Adults is Growing
Cancer is one of the most expensive medical conditions to treat in the U.S. As a result, patients, survivors, and caregivers—already challenged by the physical and emotional burdens of cancer—often face growing medical debt.
A phase 1/2 study of IMT-009, an antibody targeting CD161, in patients with advanced solid tumors or lymphomas
In August 2021, LLS made an equity investment in Immunitas Therapeutics to support the "Phase 1 Clinical Development of IMT-009, an Antibody Targeting CD161, in Patients With Advanced Solid Tumors or Lymphomas."
FDA Approves First CAR T-Immunotherapy for Relapsed/Refractory Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently announced approval of brexucabtagene autoleucel (Tecartus®) as the first and only CAR T-cell treatment for adults with relapsed or refractory B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Roughly half of all ALL cases occur in adults, and unlike pediatric ALL, adults have historically had a poor prognosis. This approval, which follows an FDA Breakthrough Therapy Designation and priority review, is a meaningful advance for these patients.
The Gift of Time: Giving More Moments to Blood Cancer Patients
As we transition from one year to the next, we often reflect on milestones achieved, challenges faced, and moments shared with those we love. It’s a time to focus on what’s most important—family, community, and how we’ll spend our time going forward. At the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS), we know that time is more than just a passing moment for blood cancer patients. It’s the most valuable gift they can receive.
Mechlorethamine gel
Mechlorethamine gel is FDA approved for the treatment of Stage 1A and 1B mycosis fungoides-type cutaneous T-cell lymphoma in patients who have received prior skin-directed therapy.
Stronger Together: Navigating Cancer as Newlyweds
As we round out our first year of marriage and our first year of battling cancer, I recently asked my husband Brad how he would describe this past year. “Disrupted.” Before cancer, we had plans: big, extravagant, travel-the-world kind of plans. After two years of a long-distance relationship, we were finally going to live in the same city. We were going to get settled in our brand-new home. We were going to make new Florida friends. We were excited about the opportunities we had in our careers. We were going to capitalize on the “newlywed phase” to the fullest extent!
Advances in Cancer Research and Treatment in 2020
Progress in new cancer treatments is accelerating so rapidly that the standard of care for many cancer patients is changing right before our very eyes.
Since 2017, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a remarkable 53 therapies just to treat patients with blood cancers, and The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) has helped advance 46 of these treatments.
I have no reason to believe the next few years won’t be as productive and groundbreaking as the last few. With that, here are some of my predictions for 2020:
A Nurse’s Journey as a Blood Cancer Survivor
During National Nurses Week, observed each year from May 6 to May 12, we celebrate nurses across the country who are committed to our health and wellness. At The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, we wanted to recognize Katie Demasi, a nurse and a blood cancer survivor, who has experienced both sides of the healthcare system. Here is her story…