Swim Across America

RESEARCHCANCER

Making WAVES

FOR CANCER RESEARCH

At Atrium Health, philanthropy plays an integral role in propelling cancer therapies forward by funding clinical research. Commitments from Swim Across America – Charlotte have supported many projects related to blood cancers at Levine Cancer Institute, including:

1. Germline Predisposition to Blood Cancers

Within the Hematologic Oncology Translation research lab, Drs. Belinda Avalos and Lawrence Druhan, are leading research to identify novel variants in the granulocyte colony stimulating factor receptor gene (CSF3R) that increase the risk of leukemia and other blood cancers.

After locating an extended family with a hereditary CSF3R variant that causes chronic neutrophilic leukemia and carries a significant risk for the development of acute myeloid leukemia, researchers have discovered a candidate class of drugs for the treatment of this disorder.

2. Personalized Medicine for Patients with CML and ALL

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are commonly used to treat two forms of leukemia: chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and Philadelphia chromosome positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph+ ALL). Current dosing strategies for these therapies is based on a “one size fits all” approach, leading many patients to develop drug-related side effects.

Led by Drs. Michael Grunwald, Aleksander Chojecki, Jai Patel, and Lawrence Druhan, investigators at Levine Cancer Institute have initiated an effort to determine the relationships between the genetic differences found in each patient and the observed TKI-related side effects and toxicities. The study will help set the groundwork for an individualized approach to dosing these therapies with minimal side effects.

Since 1987, Swim Across America has been “Making Waves to Fight Cancer” through its annual charity swims. The events, which take place from coast to coast, raise money for doctors and researchers who are pioneering new cures and treatments in their local communities.