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Mehta Family Foundation Supports Hematopathology Research
January 2009The Department of Hematopathology at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center provides diagnostic services and specialized testing for patients with all types of leukemia, lymphoma and benign hematologic disorders. Yet, when it comes to federal funds such as those from the National Cancer Institute, pathology in general is an under-appropriated area despite its far-reaching impact. That’s why the Bhupat and Jyoti Mehta Family Foundation recently chose to expand its focus of giving to include hematopathology research at M. D. Anderson.
“We realized that we could make a donation and make a difference,” says board member Jay Mehta.
An experience at M. D. Anderson sparked the Mehta Family Foundation’s interest in hematopathology, explains Bernard Luksich, executive director. A year ago pathologist John T. Manning, M.D., professor of hematopathology at M. D. Anderson, correctly diagnosed Mehta’s brother’s cancer after a number of incorrect diagnoses elsewhere. In this case, pathology was key in the treatment decision, setting him on the road to recovery. Thus, the members of the foundation came to see the significance of pathology and its role in the cycle of cancer treatment.
One hematopathology research project under way at M. D. Anderson is “Targeted Biomarker Assessments in Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma.”
Its goal is to reveal specific molecular events that play a role in the progression and therapeutic response of diffuse large B-cell lymphomas, says Timothy J. McDonnell, M.D., Ph.D., professor of hematopathology and principal investigator.
“We’re grateful to the Mehta Family Foundation for its support,” says McDonnell. “The progress of the lymphoma biomarkers project demonstrates the power of philanthropy to provide the means to follow through on cutting-edge research projects that can result in new and better therapies in the clinic.”