As a physician-scientist, I navigate the intersection of laboratory research and clinical care every day. At City of Hope, our mission is to rapidly translate groundbreaking discoveries into effective treatments for patients with hematologic malignancies, particularly acute leukemias. This is possible due to a unique combination of infrastructure and culture combined with an unwavering sense of urgency.
One of the most promising developments in leukemia research is the increasing ability to personalize therapy. Advances in sequencing technology now enable whole-genome sequencing of leukemia cells within 48 hours—a remarkable leap forward from the decade it once took to complete the first human genome sequence. We leverage this technology in collaboration with the Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen), part of City of Hope, a nonprofit medical research institute working to unravel the genetic components of cancer and other complex diseases. We work with TGen to identify patient-specific gene mutations and chromosomal abnormalities and tailor treatments accordingly. This is not a vision of the future—it is happening in real-time, guiding treatment decisions for patients with acute leukemia today.
Another area of focus for my laboratory is the development of therapies targeting leukemia stem cells. These cells are often impervious to conventional treatments and are the primary drivers of disease relapse. We have identified microRNAs that play a critical role in leukemia stem cell activity and treatment resistance. After years of research, we have developed novel RNA-based drugs that target these microRNAs, modify the tumor microenvironment, and enhance the sensitivity of leukemia stem cells to treatment. We are preparing to bring this therapy to clinical trials, marking an important step toward more durable leukemia remissions. We are also developing novel immunotherapeutics, including T cell engagers and CAR T cells, aimed at antigens expressed on the surface of leukemia stem cells, to eliminate these cells and achieve disease remission by harnessing the host immune system.
Beyond research, City of Hope has taken a proactive approach to improving access to specialized leukemia care. Recognizing the delays and barriers that often occur in transferring acute leukemia patients from community hospitals to comprehensive cancer centers, we implemented the Code Acute Leukemia™ program. This initiative streamlines the referral and admission process, reducing the time from initial contact to patient transfer from several days to under 15 hours. Similarly, we have expanded this model to outpatients, ensuring that newly diagnosed leukemia patients can be seen by a specialist within 24 hours.
By continuously bridging laboratory research and clinical application, we are not only advancing the science of leukemia, but also ensuring that patients benefit from these advancements as quickly as possible.
City of Hope®, one of the largest and most advanced cancer research and treatment organizations in the U.S. with its National Medical Center named top five in the nation for cancer by U.S. News & World Report. To learn more about City of Hope, visit: www.cityofhope.org.
