The Department of Hematologic Oncology and Blood Disorders at Taussig Cancer Institute is dedicated to providing the most cutting edge treatment to patients with benign (non-cancerous) blood disorders as well as cancers of the blood, bone marrow, and lymph nodes.
Our survival patterns in bone marrow transplantation are among the best in the nation, and pioneering studies in lymphoma have led to the Taussig Cancer Institute being appointed by the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society to develop a paradigm for moving clinical trials from a center of excellence to community practices. Our leukemia and bone marrow failure programs are some of the largest in the country, and have become world-renowned for defining, testing, and establishing the latest treatments for these disorders.
Department Programs
Acute Leukemia Program»
The Acute Leukemia Program at Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Institute is a worldwide leader in the treatment of acute myeloid and lymphoblastic leukemia. Patients are managed on a dedicated inpatient unit by a multidisciplinary team.
The Acute Leukemia Program features the most innovative treatments including several national studies for which Cleveland Clinic physicians serve as principal investigators. Patients benefit from both the special expertise of the program’s physicians and close collaboration with the Bone Marrow Transplant Program.
Benign Hematology Program»
The department offers evaluation, treatment, and consultative services in the field of benign and malignant hematologic disorders. The benign areas include disorders of:
- Red cells, white cells, platelets
- Hemostasis and thrombosis
- Genetic disorders, such as hemoglobinopathies, enzymatic disorders, and the porphyrias
- Diagnostic work up of symptomatic presentations, such as fevers, lymphadenopathy, and complications of solid organ transplantation.
Bone Marrow Failure Program»
Dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), aplastic anemia, paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria, and other bone marrow failure conditions, the Bone Marrow Failure program has been recognized as a leader in pioneering diagnostic techniques and therapies by patient groups and national and international treatment and research organizations.
The Bone Marrow Failure program is led by nationally recognized physicians who work closely with specialty nurses and support staff to provide personalized, disease-directed care. .
Bone Marrow Transplant Program»
Cleveland Clinic’s Bone Marrow Transplant Program is internationally recognized as a leader in the field. Autologous, allogeneic, non-myeloablative, bone marrow, peripheral stem cell and umbilical cord blood transplants are performed for patients with leukemias, lymphomas, and other hematological malignancies and bone marrow failure states.
As one of the most productive clinical research programs in the world, our physicians have performed over 3,000 bone marrow transplant procedures. Our large referral base and excellent community physician relationships allows for successful continuity of care, making us a leader among bone marrow transplant centers.
Chronic Leukemia & Multiple Myeloma Program»
The Chronic Leukemia and Multiple Myeloma Program provides patients and physicians access to innovative treatment options, recognized medical expertise, and dedicated support resulting in superior outcomes.
These patients are evaluated and managed by a multidisciplinary team comprised of physicians, nurses and social workers. The program offers patients clinical trials of promising agents and works closely with the lab in developing new, innovative approaches to treatment.
Contact Information
Patient Referrals or Questions:
Debbie Hastings
Department Coordinator
216.445.5008
hastind@ccf.org
Cancer Answer Line
866.223.8100
E-mail: myeloma@ccf.org
- »Education
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The better educated the patient and his or her family are about cancer usually results in a better outcome of therapy. A patient who understands the disease will tend to be able to identify problems sooner and is usually able to follow instructions better. The Taussig Cancer Institute provides a Multiple Myeloma Support Group as well as many additional patient support services to assist our patients in his or her time of need.
Information/Educational Material
The Cleveland Clinic Chronic Leukemia & Multiple Myeloma Program provides several informational brochures for our patients to review. Please feel free to call us at 216.445.5008 or toll free at the Cancer Answer Line (866.223.8100) with any questions.
- »Resources
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The International Myeloma Foundation (IMF)
Phone (US & Canada): 800.452.CURE(2873)
Phone (Outside US & Canada): 818.487.7455
Email: TheIMF@myeloma.org
www.myeloma.org
The Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF)
Phone: 203-972-1250
Email: info@themmrf.org
www.themmrf.org
- »Research
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The treatment of multiple myeloma had not changed the course of the disease significantly until the advent of novel therapies in the last 10 years. Now, many patients can expect long remissions and improved survival as a result of groundbreaking treatment advances. Therefore, we believe that active research and new treatment modalities are necessary to achieve our goals in controlling the disease for longer periods of time in even more patients.
Over the past few years a better understanding of the biology of the disease has resulted in a large flux of new promising agents that are being studied at Cleveland Clinic independently and/or in collaboration with other myeloma institutions in the US, Europe, Australia and Asia. This will allow for better treatments, and will hopefully translate into better quality of life and survival for myeloma patients.
Using a multidisciplinary approach to care with colleagues in the departments of nephrology, radiation oncology, orthopedic surgery and palliative medicine, patients at Cleveland Clinic will receive specialized care in hopes of superior outcomes.
Clinical Trials
The Cleveland Clinic Chronic Leukemia & Multiple Myeloma Research Program focuses on new drug development, as well as studying the tumor biology to modify its behavior. Over the past few years the research in the biology area has remarkably improved our understanding to develop less toxic and more rational maintenance therapy. Search our database for a listing of clinical trials available at the Taussig Cancer Institute.
- »Support Group
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Multiple Myeloma Support/Education Group
The Cleveland Clinic Chronic Leukemia & Multiple Myeloma Support and Education Group is designed to provide patients and families with a strong support network as well as educate the patient about his or her disease. It is our belief that a better-educated patient will have a greater chance of survival and a better experience during treatment.
Below are the following Chronic Leukemia & Multiple Myeloma Program Patient Education Seminars:
September 22, 2010
Time: 1:30 - 3:00 p.m.
Parking is Validated
Refreshments Provided
Robin Tuohy with the International Myeloma Foundation will be presenting.
December 22, 2010
Time: 1:30 - 3:00 p.m.
Parking is Validated
Refreshments Provided
Our annual "Year in Review" presentation. Speakers TBD.
Contact:
Debbie Hastings
216.445.5008
Lymphoma Program»
The Lymphoma Program is a comprehensive, multidisciplinary effort dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma; education and support of patients and their families; investigation of lymphoma pathobiology; and development of innovative treatments.
We review new patients and pathology specimens at a weekly multidisciplinary clinicopathology conference to ensure accurate diagnosis and determine the best available individualized management. In addition to standard treatments (e.g. chemotherapy, monoclonal antibodies, radioimmunoconjugates and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation), we also have available many novel agents such as monoclonal antibodies, vaccines, and targeted therapies.
Physicians
Cleveland Clinic Main Campus
Matt Kalaycio, MD, FACP, is Chairman of the Department of Hematologic Oncology and Blood Disorders at Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Institute. Dr. Kalaycio holds a joint appointment in Cleveland Clinic's Transplant Center and is a Staff member in the Department of Hematologic Malignancies and Blood Disorders.
Additionally, Dr. Kalaycio is a Professor at Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University. He is board-certified in hematology, medical oncology and internal medicine. Dr. Kalaycio's clinical interests include leukemia and stem cell transplantation.
Cleveland Clinic Main Campus
Anjali S. Advani, MD, is a Staff Physician in the Department of Hematologic Oncology and Blood Disorders and Director of the Inpatient Leukemia Program at Taussig Cancer Institute. She is also Assistant Professor in the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University.
She completed her medical degree, internal medicine residency, and hematology and oncology fellowship at Duke University Medical Center. She has been at Cleveland Clinic since 2002.
Cleveland Clinic Main Campus
Steven Andresen, DO, has been a Staff Physician in the Departments of the Hematologic Oncology & Blood Disorders and Solid Tumor Oncology since 1987. Dr. Andresen attended the University of Iowa and received his medical degree from the University of Osteopathic Medicine and Health Sciences in Des Moines , Iowa.
His specialty interests include bone marrow transplantation, breast cancer, and hematologic malignancies.
Cleveland Clinic Main Campus
Brian Bolwell, MD, is the Chairman of Taussig Cancer Institute at Cleveland Clinic. He is a Professor of Medicine at the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University and has authored more than 300 articles and abstracts concerning hematologic malignancies and bone marrow transplantation.
Dr. Bolwell attended Harvard University and received his medical degree from Case Western Reserve University. Dr. Bolwell completed his medical internship and residency at University Hospitals of Cleveland and a hematology and oncology fellowship at Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.
Cleveland Clinic Main Campus
Robert Dean, MD, joined the Staff of the Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Institute in 2005. Dr. Dean attended undergraduate and medical school at the University of Pennsylvania. He received his internal medicine training at Boston University Medical Center and studied primary amyloidosis while serving as a research fellow.
Dr. Dean completed a fellowship in hematology and medical oncology at the National Cancer Institute, where he conducted research in allogeneic stem cell transplantation.
Cleveland Clinic Main Campus
Hien K. Duong, MD, attended University of Michigan, where she received both her undergraduate and medical degree. She completed her specialty training in hematology and oncology at Cleveland Clinic, and joined as Associate Staff in August 2010.
Dr. Duong's research interests include hematopoietic stem cell transplant and improving stem cell mobilization methods.
Cleveland Clinic Main Campus
Brian Hill, MD, earned his undergraduate degree from Dartmouth College, followed by his doctorate degree from The State University of New York at Stony Brook. Dr. Hill earned his medical degree at University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine and stayed in Chicago to complete a residency in internal medicine at University of Chicago Hospitals. He later completed a fellowship at Cleveland Clinic.
Dr. Hill's specialty interests include chronic lymphocytic leukemia, hematologic malignancies, HIV-related lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease, and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
Cleveland Clinic Main Campus
Leonard Horwitz, MD, graduated magna cum laude from Yale University. He later received his medical degree from Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York. He completed a residency in internal medicine and fellowship in hematology at Long Island Jewish Hospital. Dr. Horwitz completed a second fellowship in medical oncology at MD Anderson Hospital & Tumor Institute in Houston, Texas.
Dr. Horwitz is a member of the American Medical Association and a fellow in The American College of Physicians and American Society of Clinical Oncology. He is board-certified in hematology, medical oncology, and internal medicine.
Cleveland Clinic Main Campus
Anna Koo, MD, is the HPC Apheresis Collection Facility Medical Director and is a Staff Physician in the Department of Hematologic Oncology & Blood Disorders. She received her medical degree from New Jersey Medical School. p>
Some of Dr. Koo's professional highlights include: past President of The American Society for Apheresis, board member of the International Society for Apheresis, certified member of the American Board of Rheumatology and Internal Medicine, and editorial board member of Therapeutic Apheresis and Dialysis Journal.
Cleveland Clinic Main Campus
Alan Lichtin, MD, earned his undergraduate and medical degree at the University of Cincinnati. He completed his internship and residency at University Hospitals of Cleveland and then went on to complete his fellowship in hematology and oncology at University of Pennsylvania.
His specialty interests include adult hematology, coagulation and hemostasis disorders, and hematologic malignancies.
Cleveland Clinic Main Campus
Jaroslaw Maciejewski, MD, PhD, is a Professor of Medicine at the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine. Dr. Maciejewski is also an elected member of The American Society for Clinical Investigators (ASCI). He received his medical and doctorate degree from the Institute for Medical Immunology at Humboldt University Medical School in Berlin, Germany. He completed his internal medicine residency at the University of Nevada School of Medicine and Fellowship at the National Institutes of Health Medical Center in Bethesda, MD. He completed his postdoctoral research fellowship at the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI).
Dr. Maciejewski served as Staff Scientist at NHLBI before joining Cleveland Clinic in 2001 as Staff Physician and Section Head of Experimental Hematology. In January 2009, he was appointed Chairman of the newly created Department of Translational Hematology and Oncology Research at Taussig Cancer Institute (THOR).
Cleveland Clinic Main Campus
Keith McCrae, MD, earned his undergraduate degree at Dartmouth College and continued on to earn his medical degree from Duke University School of Medicine.
Dr. McCrae completed his residency at Duke University Children's Hospital & Medical Center. Later, he completed a fellowship at The University of Pennsylvania.
Cleveland Clinic Main Campus
Brad Pohlman, MD, is Vice Chair of Operations, Director of the Lymphoma Program, and Director of The Scott Hamilton CARES Initiative at Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Institute.
Dr. Pohlman is a member of the American Society of Hematology, American Society of Clinical Oncology, and American Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation.
Dr. Pohlman's specialty interests include Castleman's disease, hemophilia, HIV-related lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder.
Cleveland Clinic Main Campus
Frederic Reu, MD, earned his medical degree at Eberhard-Karls Universitat Tubingen in Tubingen, Germany. At Cleveland Clinic, he completed an internship in internal medicine, a residency in medical oncology, and a fellowship in medical oncology.
Dr. Reu's specialty interests include multiple myeloma, light chain amyloidosis, and plasma cell disorders.
Cleveland Clinic Main Campus
Christy Samaras, DO, earned her undergraduate degree at Eastern Nazarene College in Wollaston, MA, and then received her medical degree from The University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Dr. Samaras continued on to complete a residency at Mercy Hospital of Pittsburgh and a fellowship at Cleveland Clinic, where she was appointed Associate Staff in the Department of Hematologic Oncology & Blood Disorders.
Cleveland Clinic Main Campus
Yogen Saunthararajah, MD, is Associate Staff in the Department of Hematologic Oncology and Blood Disorders at Cleveland Clinic, and an Associate Professor.
Dr. Saunthararajah received his undergraduate and medical degrees from the University of Wales College of Medicine, and completed medical and surgical internships at University Hospitals of Wales, United Kingdom. Dr. Sauntharajah served as a Captain in Military Medicine in the Singapore Armed Forces.
Cleveland Clinic Main Campus
Mikkael Sekeres, MD, MS, earned his undergraduate and medical degrees at the University of Pennsylvania. He then completed a residency in internal medical at Massachusetts General Hospital and stayed in Boston to complete a fellowship in hematology and oncology at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
Some of Dr. Sekeres' specialty interests include: acute myeloid leukemia, bone marrow failure syndromes/disorders, chronic myelogenous leukemia, myelodysplastic syndromes, myeloproliferative neoplasms, hairy cell leukemia, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and acute lymphocytic leukemia.
Cleveland Clinic Main Campus
Bernard Silver, MD, earned his medical degree from the University of Michigan Medical School in Ann Arbor, Mich. He completed an internship and residency at Northwestern University Evanston Hospital. He then completed a fellowship at University of Michigan Health System in Ann Arbor.
His specialty interests include coagulation disorders, hemophilia, Von Willebrand's disease, clotting factor deficiencies or inhibitors, thrombophilia, Lupus anticoagulant/antiphospholipid syndrome, thrombocytopenia (ITP, TTP), and hemolytic anemia.
Cleveland Clinic Main Campus
Ronald M. Sobecks, MD, is a Staff Physician in the Department of Hematologic Oncology and Blood Disorders, with joint appointment in the Transplantation Center in the Division of Surgery. Dr. Sobecks is an Assistant Professor at Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University.
In addition, Dr. Sobecks serves as Quality Review Officer of the Bone Marrow Transplant Program, Member and Co-Chairman of the Bone Marrow Transplant Lab Committee and Member of the Transplant Executive Committee.
Dr. Sobecks' interests include allogeneic and autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, leukemia, and hematologic malignancies.
Cleveland Clinic Main Campus
Ramon Tiu, MD, is an Assistant Professor of Medicine at Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine. He is an Associate Staff in the Departments of Translational Hematology and Oncology Research and Hematological Oncology and Blood Disorders.
Dr. Tiu received his medical degree from University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Medicine and Surgery in the Philippines. He pursued research training at Cleveland Clinic in experimental hematology and was appointed Associate Staff at Cleveland Clinic in 2010.