Hematological Malignancies Program

Gloved hand places a blood specimen into a tray Maize Block M Rogel Cancer Center University of Michigan Health

Harnessing stem and immune cell populations for hematologic malignancy research

Intranet

The Hematological Malignancies Program (formerly the Cancer Hematopoiesis and Immunology Program) seeks to define the role of stem and immune cell populations in the behavior of cancer. This will include research and members focused on discovery, translational and clinical research on topics including:

  • cancer hematopoiesis
  • the biology of hematologic malignancies
  • bone marrow transplantation
  • cellular therapies
  • clinical trials in hematological malignancies and cell therapy

 

Hematological Malignancies Research Focuses on Microenvironments

Guided by skilled co-leaders Sami Malek, MD and Ryan Wilcox, MD, PhD, the successful Hematological Malignancies Program integrates the basic science of microenvironments with cancer immunity. These small-scale organism environments include bone marrow that make up the environment of cancer hematopoiesis.

A major focus for this program will be translating our research findings into clinical trials.

 

Hematological Malignancies Specific Aims

Aim 1: Mechanisms
Elucidate molecular mechanisms regulating immune and non-immune hematopoietic cell function during homeostasis, cancer progression and cellular therapy.

Aim 2: Crosstalk
Understand mechanisms of cross-talk between immune cells and non-immune cells in cancer therapy and HCT.

Aim 3: Translation
Define key concepts, approaches, and reagents in preclinical studies and translate selected advances into the clinic to improve cancer outcomes and quality of life for patients and survivors.

Work With Us
Privileges of research members include priority access to Center‐funded Shared Resources and other facilities at favorable rates, clinical research support for protocol development and management, and members‐only funding opportunities. Other opportunities may include participation in shared‐interest affinity groups, leadership roles, and support in cancer career development.

NOTE: Available to University of Michigan faculty only
Open and complete the application (U-M faculty only)

Quick Links
  • People
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  • Rogel Communication Hub (internal users)

    • Three-Pronged Program Built for Success
    1. Our leadership and team members have a demonstrated record of successful and productive laboratory-based collaborations that are helping to define better ways to treat cancer through research and discovery.
    2. With the full support of Shared Resources, our team members have access to the technology needed for research endeavors, including Immunologic Monitoring.
    3. Other Rogel Cancer Center-wide support that benefit program members include:
      • A state-of-the-art, Good Manufacturing Practice-compliant, Cellular Therapy Core
      • The Immunotherapy Working Group that conceives interventional trials
      • The interdisciplinary Immune and Cellular Therapy clinical service that delivers therapy

    Preventing Graft-vs.-Host Disease (GVHD)

    Hematological Malignancies Program researchers are at the leading edge of understanding graft-vs.-host disease, the common and deadly side effect of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplants. Research seeks to prevent GVHD while preserving the graft-vs.-tumor effect – the transplant immunotherapy potency against leukemia and other blood cancers. The program has made a significant impact in this field, including uncovering novel biological insights into the biology of GVHD; the discovery of critical biomarkers that diagnose, predict and prognosticate GVHD; and translation of novel concepts into treatment and prevention of GVHD in patients.

    Meet our Leaders
    White labcoat with the University of Michigan Health logo.

    Sami N Malek, MD
    Maria Reinhardt DeCesare Research Professor of Blood Cancers and Bone Marrow Transplantation
    Professor of Internal Medicine, Medical School
    portrait of Ryan Wilcox

    Ryan A Wilcox, MD, PhD
    Professor of Internal Medicine
    Program Director, Internal Medicine, Medical School

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