The scientific focus of our division is the study of blood and bone marrow in health and disease. Our physicians treat patients with blood cancer, such as leukemias and lymphomas; clotting disorders, such as hemophilia; and diseases of iron metabolism, such as hemochromatosis. Starting with Maxwell Wintrobe, one of the founding fathers of Hematology and the University of Utah Medical School, our division can look back at a long-standing tradition of excellence in research, clinical care and teaching.
Congratulations to Dr. Paul Bray for his award of a NIH grant from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. The grant awarded from 2018 through 2022 is focused on in vivo studies of megakaryocyte microRNAs regulating platelet number and integrin activation. The goal of Dr. Bray’s studies is to glean insights into the molecular genetic mechanisms that contribute to blood platelet formation and function. Dr. Bray and his team will investigate the role of microRNA regulation of megakaryocyte gene expression and test the hypothesis that specific microRNAs modulate the development of megakaryocytes into platelets and platelet function. One additional aspect of their studies will be testing whether microRNAs can enhance the in vitro production of platelets as a potential therapeutic for thrombocytopenia and thrombocytosis.... Read More
The University of Utah and Huntsman Cancer Institute were just selected as one of the few national cancer centers for a large Novartis and KITE Pharma Inc.-sponsored anti-CD19 CAR T-cell immunotherapy clinical trial focused on relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, a form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Our Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine Program (CTRM) Center will be a key component of this clinical trial. The FDA requires special certification for sites offering CAR T-cell therapy, and only specially trained hospitals and clinics are part of the network of treatment centers.This is an exciting new immunotherapy option for lymphoma patients.... Read More
Nearly a year ago, Dr. Deininger and the Division of Hematology Administration announced a Division Commuter Incentive Program to encourage faculty and staff to take alternative modes of transportation to work apart from vehicle driving. The goals were to promote employee health and make our contribution to lowering our carbon footprint. Seventeen Division employees completed the survey to participate and in the course of this past year, the group of participants amassed a grand total of 22,496 miles of alternative commuting (UTA bus/train, walking & cycling). Included in the Incentive Program was a drawing held monthly to select monthly commuter winners and three grand prize awardees who amassed the most number of trips over the year. The number of monthly commuter trips has held quite constant during the past year among participants. The goal is now to expand the number of participants and to model this to a larger Health Sciences Program. ... Read More
A new clinical trial for patients with acute myeloid leukemia will open at the Huntsman Cancer Institute. This trial consisting of eight academic centers will conduct a quick molecular genetic test to guide physicians in the appropriate treatment. This personalized treatment protocol should enhance the effectiveness in AML therapy. The trial seeks to enroll 500 subjects and is estimated to be completed in 2021. Dr. Mike Deininger, Dr. Tibor Kovacsovics and Dr. Paul Shami will lead the clinical trial at the Huntsman Cancer Institute.... Read More
The third annual Huntsman Cancer Institute Cancer Immunotherapy Conference will be held on April 27, 2018 in the J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation Auditorium in the HCI Research South Building starting at 7:45 AM. The conference will include basic scientists and clinicians with an interest in immunotheraphies for cancer treatment. Among the speakers are Kevin Hay, MD; Annette Künkele, MD; Chris DeRenzo, MD, MBA; and Yong-Chen William Lu, Ph.D.... Read More
Welcome to the Division of Hematology and Hematologic Malignancies! The scientific focus of our Division is the study of blood and bone marrow in health and disease.
