Therapy of lymphoma inspired by functional and structural genomics

Dr. Staudt pioneered the use of gene expression profiling to discover molecularly and clinically distinct cancer subtypes and to predict response to therapy. He defined molecular subtypes of lymphoma that were previously unrecognized but are now viewed as distinct diseases that arise from different stages of B cell differentiation, utilize different oncogenic mechanisms and offer new therapeutic targets. To develop new treatments for lymphoid malignancies, Staudt’s laboratory uses various high-throughput approaches, including cancer gene resequencing, RNAi/CRISPR-based genetic screens, and combinatorial small molecule screens. The laboratory also conducts genomic investigations within therapeutic trials of targeted agents in lymphoma to define mechanisms of response and resistance.