Dr. Soheil Meshinchi Named Dylan Burke Endowed Chair in Immunotherapy, Advancing Leukemia Treatment
Fred Hutch Cancer Center has appointed Dr. Soheil Meshinchi as the second recipient of the Dylan Burke Endowed Chair in Immunotherapy, recognizing his pioneering work in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and his dedication to pediatric oncology. The endowed chair was established in 2020 by Dylan Burke and his wife, Louise O’Reilly, and previously held by Dr. Stan Riddell.
Myelodysplastic Syndrome and the Journey of Dylan Burke
The creation of this endowed chair is deeply rooted in the personal experience of Dylan Burke, who was diagnosed at age 9 with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), a condition characterized by the abnormal production of blood cells in the bone marrow. MDS often progresses to leukemia, as it did in Dylan’s case. His parents, Dave Burke and Louise O’Reilly, sought out Dr. Meshinchi after reading a chapter on MDS authored by him in a pediatric oncology textbook.
A Leader in Acute Myeloid Leukemia Research
Dr. Meshinchi is a renowned hematologist/oncologist and professor in the Translational Science and Therapeutics Division at Fred Hutch. He is recognized for developing innovative approaches to treating AML, a particularly aggressive form of leukemia. His work focuses on understanding the genetic and molecular changes that drive leukemia development, allowing for more targeted and effective therapies.
Personalized Treatment and the Pursuit of New Therapies
Dylan’s case highlighted the complexities of leukemia treatment. After receiving a bone marrow transplant and achieving initial remission, the cancer relapsed with new mutations. Dr. Meshinchi and the medical team employed molecular analyses to identify these changes and pursued experimental drugs, including those targeting the TP53 mutation central to Dylan’s disease. The family even collaborated with a start-up lab to design a personalized chemotherapy plan, demonstrating their relentless pursuit of options.
A Legacy of Hope and Immunotherapy Advancement
Despite these efforts, Dylan passed away on June 26, 2022. Though, his legacy continues through the endowed chair, which aims to accelerate research into harnessing the body’s immune system to fight cancer. Dave Burke emphasized his belief in the power of immunotherapy and the importance of supporting scientists like Dr. Meshinchi who are dedicated to pushing the boundaries of pediatric oncology. The Burke family hopes the chair will inspire further innovation and improve outcomes for children facing leukemia and MDS.
Understanding Myelodysplastic Neoplasms (MDS)
Formerly known as myelodysplastic syndromes, myelodysplastic neoplasms (MDS) are clonal hematopoietic malignancies. They are characterized by ineffective blood cell production, leading to anemia, neutropenia, or thrombocytopenia. The incidence of MDS is approximately 4 per 100,000 people in the United States, increasing with age. Recent discussions suggest a potential renaming of “low-risk” MDS to better reflect the necessitate for comprehensive care and research for all patients. Removing the “low-risk” label can strengthen the case for addressing unmet needs through research and support clinicians to holistically discuss illness experience and treatment options.