Genetic Sequencing and Outcome Disparity Research & Discoveries
The OSUCCC – James Eisfeld Lab’s research team comprises nationally and internationally recognized scientists who are working to develop individualized targeted therapies by characterizing the genetic profiles of patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML).
The lab has access to a large collection of patient samples that are used for sequencing and patient-derived xenograft studies, which allows this team to translate their research to individualized patient care. The team has also established extensive collaborative relationships with esteemed scientists at The Ohio State University and other institutions, allowing these research specialists to pool expertise and study a variety of cancers with state-of-the-art technologies.
Current projects include:
- Studying extramedullary disease in patients with AML to better understand the differences between patients who develop extramedullary disease versus those who do not. The goal is to use this knowledge to identify treatments for this rare form of AML.
- Evaluating the outcome disparities of African American patients with AML compared to Caucasian patients with the disease to identify molecular features that explain differences in survival rates. The Eisfeld Lab research team is working to develop a risk classification system that incorporates race-associated molecular prognosticators as well as to evaluate the differences in therapeutic sensitivity in patients by race.
- Studying isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 & 2 (IDH ½) mutations and the effects of targeted IDH-inhibitor therapies compared to standard AML treatment strategies by using a patient-derived xenograft model as well as by characterizing mutation patterns and their relation to therapeutic resistance.
For more information on the Eisfeld Lab, collaborations, opportunities and lab-specific inquiries, please contact Jill.Buss@osumc.edu.
Breakthroughs and Discoveries
The nationally and internationally recognized Eisfeld Lab research team recently identified the presence of a cyclin D2 (CCND2) mutation in a subset of core-binding factor AML cases. In response to this, the team is developing an in vivo model of CCND2-mutated AML in a transgenic mouse model to evaluate cyclin inhibitors in AML treatment.
The team is also collaborating with other laboratories to perform germline, exome and single cell sequencing studies on clinical samples from patients who develop cancers early in life (before age 40), especially neuroendocrine cancers. These cancers are rare and heterogeneous, making their treatment difficult. The team is working to identify genetic features that could be used to identify novel therapeutics.
Other accomplishments include:
- Next Gen Star Award, American Society of Cancer Research (AACR), 2019: Dr. Eisfeld’s work in uncovering the delicate molecular associations between cytogenetic abnormalities and gene mutations was selected as an important scientific milestone.
- ASH Scholar Award for Junior Faculty, Basic and Translational Research, American Society of Hematology (ASH), 2019: Dr. Eisfeld received this award for her proposed work to functionally explore the recurrent CCND2 hotspot mutations that she discovered during her studies of patients with core-binding factor AML, and for which she provided in vitro pilot data for leukemogenic potential.
- Plenary abstract selection, ASH Annual Meeting, 2020: Dr. Eisfeld led a multidisciplinary study to evaluate the survival of non-Hispanic Black patients with AML. Her team’s research revealed that young, Black patients diagnosed with AML had a 40% higher likelihood of death even in the setting of clinical trials and when presented with similar molecular features. Their research was named one of the top six most impactful research findings in 2020 by the American Society of Hematology and published in Cancer Discovery.
Current Grants & Publications Include:
- American Society of Hematology grant
- NIH R01 grant
- American Cancer Society grant
- American Thyroid Association grant
- Pelotonia Idea Grant
- Cancer Discovery
- Science Signaling
- Blood
- Leukemia
- Cancer Research
- PNAS
For more information on the Eisfeld Lab, collaborations, opportunities and lab-specific inquiries, please contact Jill.Buss@osumc.edu.