Research in Lymphoma at the Medical SchoolThis year, approximately 74,000 people in the United States will be diagnosed with lymphoma. While incidence is still on the rise, physician-scientists from the Division of Hematology/Oncology and the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University are making encouraging progress in curbing this devastating disease. On November 9, they shared engaging updates on their efforts with members of the Northwestern medical community. Leo I. Gordon, MD, Abby and John Friend Professor of Cancer Research and director of the Northwestern Lymphoma Research Program, explained the importance of research—particularly in this field—and introduced and applauded his colleagues for their work. Steven T. Rosen, MD, FACP, Genevieve E. Teuton Professor of Medicine and director of the Lurie Cancer Center, followed with his own sincere show of gratitude for his colleagues’ work, acknowledging that the success of the Lurie Cancer Center is due completely to the team approach taken by the panelists, all of whom remain at the forefront of this field. Jane Winter, MD, professor of medicine in the Division of Hematology/Oncology, discussed her work with gene expression and its relation to lymphoma development. Her pioneering efforts bring her closer and closer to her goal of individualized cancer care for patients—she foresees successful combinations of traditional and novel therapies as the future in this field. Richard Longnecker, PhD, John Edward Porter Professor in Biomedical Research, spoke about the Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) and its relation to Burkitt’s Lymphoma. EBV has been found to increase the risk of lymphoma, similar to other viruses that play a role in approximately 25% of all human cancer. Keeping this knowledge in mind and working with various models in the lab, Dr. Longnecker has learned more about possible pre-tumor treatments. Dr. Gordon closed the panel discussion with an overview of lymphoma and its basic attributes, a chart marking the evolution of treatment over time, and a flowchart detailing how these basic scientific discoveries eventually translate into improved patient care at the bedside. He also shared information about the mechanisms behind research funding, discussing government and private grants, pharmaceutical support, and other philanthropic sources, referencing the particular generosity of so many grateful patients. The question and answer session was lively, reflecting the nature of the panel itself. Several possible collaborators were present at the panel and talked about the potential for future work together. Audience members were also interested in the alternative treatment options that Dr. Gordon referenced in his talk. He acknowledged his complementary approach to treatment—“We throw the kitchen sink at cancer. In this case, the kitchen,” he replied. In a fitting close, one guest arose to thank all the physician-researchers present for their tremendous work in this field. Referencing her family’s battle with lymphoma, she shared that Northwestern doctors offered hope for her mother and other family members diagnosed with this harrowing disease when others could not. By: Andrea Arntsen-Harris | 
