Research We Fund

Our focus is to unravel how clonal hematopoiesis (CH) progresses to leukemia. We will investigate how epigenetic heterogeneity affects Tet2-mutant hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) during aging. We plan to simultaneously trace HSC clonal identity and clonal history by genetic barcode and single-cell multi-omics and determine their epigenetic configurations adaptive in the aged, inflammatory bone marrow. The long-term goal is to create innovative therapeutics to mitigate CH and prolong health span.

In collaboration with 10 community-based oncology practice sites, this study will implement a multi-level intervention trial to test the effectiveness of two community oncology strategies designed to increase trial accrual by focusing on a) enhancing the relationship between community oncologists and trial PIs and reducing barriers to referral, and b) an interactive online training focusing on improving community oncologists’ knowledge and attitudes about trials, as well as their ability to discuss clinical trials with their patients. ​

Fertility preservation (FP) treatments can prevent infertility caused by blood cancer. However, FP costs are high, and these services are typically not covered by insurance, contributing to low utilization. New state laws require insurers to cover FP, but it is unknown if they improve access to care. Using national insurance data, this study will examine how much out-of-pocket costs remain, whether patients’ share of costs is like that of other cancer services, and whether and which types of laws increase use and affordability.

Black and Hispanic individuals diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) face worse survival rates across all ages. Using an innovative data source, this study will examine differences by insurance status in the receipt and quality of HL treatment in Aim 1 and care engagement and support after treatment (survivorship care) in Aim 2. Using diverse patient voices, this study will characterize and understand how patients make decisions about treatment and survivorship care by insurance type in Aim 3.