Innovative research projects aim to transform CLL/SLL patient
outcomes
SAN
DIEGO, July 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- CLL
Society, the world's leading authority for chronic lymphocytic
leukemia and small lymphocytic lymphoma patients, has announced the
recipients of its 2024 Research Program awards. This year, four
distinguished researchers have been recognized
across various categories including the Integrative
Medicine Award, Clinical Scholar Award and Young Investigator
Award.
CLL Society is dedicated to transforming the lives of patients
through groundbreaking research, patient support and advocacy. The
Research Program awards are a critical component of this mission,
supporting innovative projects that aim to improve the health
outcomes for those affected by chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)
and small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL). This year's awards highlight
significant contributions in the fields of integrative medicine,
clinical research and emerging scientific investigations
The 2024 Research Program recipients are as follows:
Integrative Medicine Awards: This category supports
innovative research projects that study the mechanistic basis or
clinical outcomes related to the use of integrative medicine
therapies, specifically for those living with CLL and SLL. Two
researchers have been honored this year:
- Dr. Christopher Jensen
from the University of North Carolina at
Chapel Hill has been awarded the Integrative Medicine Award
for his project, "Combating Cancer-Related Fatigue: A Personalized
Supportive Care Program." This initiative aims to address the
significant issue of cancer-related fatigue in CLL/SLL patients
through integrative medicine approaches. Dr. Jensen's study will
implement personalized interventions such as nutritional guidance
and medical exercise programs, targeting fatigue severity among
participants. This 2024 Integrative Medicine Award is supported by
generous donations and a matching grant from the Sim Einstein
Research Foundation, Inc. and Vigyan
Singhal.
- Dr. John Byrd from the University of Cincinnati Cancer Center has received
the Integrative Medicine Award for his project titled
"Understanding and Targeting Clonal Hematopoiesis in Chronic
Lymphocytic Leukemia." This research aims to explore the role of
probiotics in reducing inflammation and improving patient outcomes
in CLL/SLL, particularly focusing on clonal hematopoiesis and its
associated risks. Dr. Byrd's study seeks to determine if a
probiotic regimen can decrease inflammatory markers and enhance
overall health. The two-year project is generously funded by
Vigyan Singhal.
Clinical Scholar Award: Dedicated to supporting
exceptional physician researchers in the field of CLL/SLL, this
award recognizes Dr. Jennifer
Brown, Director of the CLL Center at Dana-Farber Cancer
Institute and the Worthington Margaret Collette Professor of
Medicine at Harvard Medical School. Dr.
Brown's research, "Venetoclax and Obinutuzumab in Combination with
Roginolisib in CLL/SLL Patients After BTK Inhibitor Failure," aims
to enhance clinical practices and outcomes through an innovative
treatment combination. Fully funded by charitable contributions to
CLL Society, her work addresses the urgent need to find new and
effective therapies with limited side effects for patients whose
cancer has relapsed, but remaining treatment options are
limited.
Young Investigator Award: This category supports
early-career scientists dedicated to advancing the understanding
and treatment of CLL/SLL. This year's recipient is Dr. Prajish
Iyer from City of Hope, one of the largest and most advanced
cancer research and treatment organizations in the United States, is recognized for his
research project, "Delineating the Role of Mitochondrial
Dysregulation in Richter's Transformation (RT)." Fully funded by
charitable contributions to CLL Society, Dr. Iyer's research uses
advanced mouse models to better understand exactly how CLL/SLL
cells suddenly change into RT, which is a more aggressive form of
lymphoma, and aims to uncover new therapeutic targets within
cells.
"CLL Society's Research Program was first launched in 2022 and
has experienced explosive growth this year," said Robyn Brumble, director of scientific affairs
and research at CLL Society. "We have been able to expand from
offering one annual award to four this year thanks to the
generosity of our donors, and we hope to continue building upon the
program's success."
The CLL Society's Research Program is made possible by
individual contributions. For more information on the research that
CLL Society is funding, please visit
cllsociety.org/what-we-fund/.
About CLL Society
CLL Society is a leading authority
for chronic lymphocytic leukemia patients, families, caregivers and
medical professionals. Founded in 2013 by Dr. Brian Koffman, a physician, CLL patient and
advocate, and Patricia Koffman, a
care partner and advocate, the nonprofit organization addresses the
unmet needs of the chronic lymphocytic leukemia and small
lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL) community through patient education,
advocacy, support and research. CLL Society is a registered
501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. To learn more, visit
https://cllsociety.org/.
Media Contact:
Allison Tilque
Mekky Media Relations
920-680-8483
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SOURCE CLL Society