About the Division of Hematology
WELCOME
The scientific mission of our division is to advance the understanding of blood and bone marrow in both health and disease. Our physicians specialize in treating a wide range of hematologic conditions, including blood cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma, clotting disorders like hemophilia, and diseases of iron metabolism such as hemochromatosis.
With a legacy that began with Dr. Maxwell Wintrobe—one of the founding fathers of hematology and the University of Utah School of Medicine—our division has upheld a long-standing tradition of excellence in research, clinical care, and education. This commitment is reflected in our recent achievements: last year alone, our researchers secured more than $14.29 million in grant funding, presented groundbreaking findings at major scientific conferences, and published in top-tier journals. These accomplishments are made possible by the University of Utah’s exceptional collaborative environment and strong scientific foundation.
Our ultimate goal is to translate scientific discoveries into improved patient care. We recognize that every patient is unique and deserves an individualized approach to achieve the best possible outcomes. Central to this effort is a deep understanding of disease at the molecular level. As we continue to push the boundaries of hematologic research, we are also expanding our clinical services to ensure that the latest scientific advancements are accessible to patients throughout Utah and the Mountain West.
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Advances in Patient Care
The Division of Hematology & Hematologic Malignancies has made groundbreaking contributions to patient care, both historically and in current practice, shaping the field through innovative research and clinical advancements.
Pioneering work by Dr. Maxwell Wintrobe and Dr. George Cartwright established hematology as a research-driven specialty. Their studies in the basic pathophysiology and genetics of blood diseases laid the foundation for modern hematology. They also developed a rigorous training program that attracted physicians from around the world, fostering a culture of scholarship and scientific discovery. Their legacy continues to influence the field today, emphasizing research as the key to understanding disease mechanisms and developing new therapies.
The division’s contributions to patient care include:
- Red Cell Metrics: Development of quantitative measures for red blood cell parameters, now fundamental to diagnosing and managing anemia and other blood disorders.
- Neutrophilia Pathogenesis: Advancing the understanding of neutrophil proliferation, leading to better insights into inflammatory and malignant diseases.
- Hemochromatosis Genetics: Discovery of the hereditary nature of hemochromatosis, enabling early diagnosis and treatment to prevent complications.
- High-Altitude Adaptation: Research into how the body responds to high-altitude environments, informing therapies for hypoxia-related conditions.
- Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) Treatment: Development of advanced inhibitors targeting the BCR-ABL1 tyrosine kinase, transforming CML from a fatal disease into a manageable condition.
Currently, the Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine Program (CellReGen) and the Transplant and Cellular Therapy Program are at the forefront of cutting-edge treatments. They have developed an expedited, in-house process to create novel chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapies, offering groundbreaking immunotherapy options for various hematologic malignancies.
Through these historic and ongoing advancements, the Division continues to directly impact patient care, improving outcomes and setting new standards in hematology and oncology.