Research Advancements for HIV-associated Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma
SpotifyDr. Kathryn Lurain shares about the advancements in HIV-associated DLBCL treatment, covering research, challenges, and future directions.
She highlights the stigma and misconceptions in healthcare that contribute to the exclusion of HIV-positive individuals from trials, despite the ability to manage HIV as a chronic condition. Dr. Lurain emphasizes the need for inclusive clinical trials and suggests exploring specific therapies that target the unique aspects of HIV-related lymphomas, such as immunosuppression and viral infections like EBV and KSHV.
Additionally, Dr. Lurain describes a study she is working on that combines pomalidomide, an oral drug used in multiple myeloma, with the EPOCH chemotherapy regimen for treating HIV-associated lymphomas. The study aims to exploit pomalidomide’s ability to target cancer cells directly and mitigate the negative effects of viruses associated with lymphoma development in HIV-positive patients. She emphasizes the importance of including HIV-positive individuals in future trials to improve their treatment outcomes.
Kathryn Lurain, M.D., M.P.H.
Dr. Lurain is an Associate Research Physician in the HIV/AIDS Malignancy Branch. She is an expert in the treatment of a variety of HIV-associated cancers, including those caused by Kaposi sarcoma herpesvirus (KSHV). Her clinical research is focused on the development of new immunotherapy-based treatments for HIV-associated lymphomas and other virus-associated cancers. Dr. Lurain is an advocate for people living with HIV and their inclusion in clinical trials. She is trained in the clinical care of sexual and gender minorities.
Kat Richardson
Kat is from Lehi, Utah and is the Health Education Manager for lymphoma. She has worked in healthcare for a decade now, and earned her degree in Community Health Education and Promotion. Kat is passionate about disease prevention as well as improving quality of life and health equity. She enjoys reading, hiking, baking, ice skating, gardening, time with her family and friends, and most of all, spoiling her nieces and nephew.
