Research we fund

EZB lymphomas, driven by BCL2 translocations and EZH2 mutations, induce macrophages to adopt a supportive role, essential for maintaining the malignant phenotype. This reprogramming suppresses phagocytosis and promotes pro-tumor activation, mediated by immune synapse signaling and cytokine release. Our study aims to identify molecular pathways involved in this macrophage reprogramming and explore restoring anti-tumor functions as a therapeutic approach.

Improving survival for patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma requires tailoring treatment to lymphoma genetic heterogeneity, addressing minimal residual disease (MRD), and bringing safer, effective therapies for frail patients who cannot tolerate aggressive regimens. I address these challenges with genomic subtype targeted treatment, bispecific antibody to eliminate MRD, and novel treatment for frail patients. My goal is to improve outcomes by bringing biomarkers to standard of care.

I focus on developing bispecific antibodies (BsAb) for the treatment of B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (B-NHL). We are testing chemo-free epcoritamab or mosunetuzumab combinations in follicular lymphoma, incorporating glofitamab or epcoritamab in the treatment of aggressive lymphomas, studying resistance mechanisms in patient samples from our trials, analyzing our experience to increase BsAb safety. Our goal is to leverage BsAb to improve upon current standards and shift B-NHL treatment paradigms.

The overall focus of my research is improving outcomes with immunotherapy in multiple myeloma.  I will accomplish this through 1) novel clinical trials of bispecific antibodies and CAR-T therapy; 2) outcomes research including real world evidence and patient reported outcomes to understand the safety, efficacy and areas of unmet need with standard of care immunotherapy; and 3) correlative studies focused on understanding factors impacting the efficacy and toxicity of these therapies.

My group studies the mechanisms of relapse and toxicity after chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CART) immunotherapy to rationally design innovative next-generation immunotherapies for relapsed/refractory lymphomas. To achieve this goal, we use patient-derived samples, cutting-edge technologies, and translational models. The ultimate objective of my research is to establish novel clinical strategies to overcome relapses and improve the safety of our patients.

We investigate the biology, genetics and treatment of myeloid malignancies, including CHIP, MDS and AML. Our goal is to improve our understanding of the effect of chromatin organization on hematopoietic stem cell transformation in the context of mutations in cohesin genes and other recurrently mutated epigenetic modulators. We employ a combination of genomic, mouse modeling, biochemistry and molecular biology approaches to answer disease relevant questions to identify novel therapeutic targets.

Hematopoiesis is tightly regulated by intrinsic and extrinsic signals, alterations of which can affect hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) function and lead to leukemia. We will employ novel preclinical mouse models to investigate the mechanisms that promote leukemogenesis, with the focus on interplay between DNA damage and immune response; stem cell-niche interaction; aging; oncogenic stress-induced complex formation; thereby develop new approaches to improve HSC function and for leukemia therapy.

In June 2025, LLS made an equity investment in Auron Therapeutics to "Support Clinical Development of AUTX-703 in Relapsed/Refractory AML and MDS."

Auron Therapeutics is a platform-powered company targeting cell-state plasticity to improve patient outcomes in oncology and inflammatory disease. Auron pioneered its AURIGIN platform, which uses AI and machine learning to compare cell states and identify novel drug targets, optimal development models, and biomarkers to facilitate proper patient selection, ultimately accelerating the development of effective and durable therapies.  

Leveraging its AURIGIN platform, KAT2A/B was identified as a key driver of cell plasticity and disease. AUTX-703 is a first-in-class, oral KAT2A/B degrader and is being evaluated in a Phase 1 dose escalation and dose optimization study in patients with relapsed/refractory AML or MDS (NCT06846606). 

This study will evaluate the effectiveness of two integrated initiatives aimed at enhancing enrollment of minoritized patients in blood cancer clinical trials. The first initiative aims to increase access to trials by utilizing procedures and technology that facilitate referral of patients from community sites of care to an academic cancer center, fostering physician collaboration, and supporting patient navigation. The second initiative seeks to lower trial design-related barriers at the cancer center through equity-focused alterations to the trial development infrastructure and processes combined with a comprehensive staff engagement strategy.

Cancer clinical trials (CTs) provide high-quality care and are important for advancing treatment options, yet most Veterans Administration (VA) facilities do not have CTs available for veterans with blood cancer and face challenges in enrolling veterans on the CTs that do exist. With an innovative, multi-faceted approach to supporting VA research teams as well as educating and assisting veterans, this study will address barriers at the institutional, clinician, and patient levels to increase enrollment of veterans with blood cancer on CTs.