These world-renowned scientists and researchers specialize in advanced translational research in hematological malignancies, including acute lymphoid leukemia, myeloid leukemia and lymphoma. By directly validating the therapeutic benefit of novel agents in humanized and patient-derived xenograft mouse models, these experts bring their studies closer to patients every day.
There is no routine blood cancer, and today, cancer is no longer solely defined by location or stage. Each patient is different, with unique genetic biomarkers driving his or her cancer, and the Muthusamy Lab is discovering new therapies aimed at individualizing cancer patients’ care — changing and directly impacting their lives.
Mission
At the OSUCCC – James, the Muthusamy Lab’s mission is to identify and characterize leukemic stem cells in leukemia as well as to find ways to eradicate these cells, preventing disease relapse in cancer patients.
Though much of this work is done in a lab setting, its impact on patients is far-reaching. The lab’s findings pave the way for novel clinical trial concepts in the field, and collaborations with the pharmaceutical industry directly impact what therapies are brought to patients through these clinical trials.
How We Do It
As part of the OSUCCC – James Experimental Hematology Lab, the Muthusamy Lab’s internationally recognized scientists and researchers conduct translational research in hematological malignancies, focusing on biological therapies that include immunotherapies, leukemic stem cells in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and phosphatase-targeted novel therapeutic agents.
Who We Are
An integral part of the OSUCCC – James Experimental Hematology Lab — one of the largest leukemia research centers in the country —the Muthusamy Lab, led by research expert and Principal Investigator Natajaran Muthusamy, DVM, PhD, comprises researchers across numerous medical and research disciplines.
The Details
The OSUCCCC – Muthusamy Lab is unique to the region and the nation because of their focus on CLL leukemic stem cells as well as on phosphatase-targeted novel therapies.
Dedicated to intensive translational research in hematological malignancies as well as biological therapies that include immunotherapies, this internationally recognized team specializes in characterizing leukemic stem cells and finding ways to eradicate them. From completing pre-clinical work to transitioning it into clinical trials, the team works together to improve patient outcomes by increasing durable remissions and minimizing the chances of relapse.
Breakthroughs and Discoveries
At the OSUCCC – James, the Muthusamy Lab has recently developed several humanized leukemia mouse models that have served as unique tools to evaluate in vivo efficacy of biological agents that are targeted to CD37 and ROR1 in CLL and mantle cell lymphoma.
Additionally, development of the novel phosphatase-directed therapeutic agent OSU=2S has identified application of this agent in a variety of hematological and non-hematological malignancies.
These and other findings pave the way for novel clinical trial concepts to get us even closer to a cancer-free world.
Collaboration With Other Ohio State Labs and Research Teams: Grants and Drug Studies
The National Institutes of Health has awarded the Muthusamy Lab grant funding to study phosphatase targeted therapy. The Ohio State University Drug Development Institute also funded a grant to support pre-clinical development of a phosphatase targeted therapy for AML, the most frequently diagnosed acute leukemia.
When Muthusamy Lab is looking for collaborative researchers, they look for self-motivated, independent thinkers who focus on the broader picture. Equally important are unique skills and expertise that complement the lab’s research as this team of scientists and researchers pave the way for innovative concepts to benefit cancer patients.