BME7900 Semiar Series - Monica Guzman, PhD

Description

We next welcome Dr. Monica Guzman from Weill Cornell Medicine. Dr. Guzman is an Associate Professor of Pharmacology in Medicine, in the Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology. Dr Guzman is also applying for Field Membership with the Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering.

Tailoring Therapies to Target Leukemia Stem Cells

Abstract: It has been demonstrated that a transforming events in hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells can result in pre-leukemic stem cells or leukemia stem cells (LSCs). These cells can initiate myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) or acute myeloid leukemia (AML). LSCs possess unique features that result in less efficient elimination when exposed to most standard of care chemotherapeutic regimens. Furthermore, it has been shown that LSCs that can be observed in patients in CR as part of their measurable residual disease (MRD) assessment contribute to relapse in these patients. Thus, there are many efforts on trying to elucidate targets unique to LSCs that can lead to the elimination of LSCs while sparing their normal counterparts. This presentation will discuss some of the identified targets in LSCs and some of the therapeutic approaches utilized to target them.

Bio: Dr. Guzman leads a research program focused on the development of therapeutic strategies for targeting leukemic stem cells. Her laboratory utilizes and develops flow cytometry, NGS approaches to evaluate LSCs and assess MRD. In close collaboration with physicians and industry, her research has resulted in the translation of laboratory findings into clinical trials. She has authored or co-authored more than 50 papers in the field and has received funding from The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, NIH, V Foundation, and the Lauri Strauss Leukemia Foundation, among other organizations. Dr. Guzman was the recipient of the NIH Director’s Innovator Award and the V Foundation Scholar Award, both in 2010. In 2020 she was listed in 100 inspiring Hispanic/Latinx scientists in America.