Mark L. Heaney

Mark L. Heaney

Research Interest

We have developed a comprehensive clinical trials portfolio to identify new treatment options for patients with all stages of chronic myeloid leukemias, the myeloproliferative neoplasms and myelodysplastic syndrome. For chronic myeloid leukemia, we have clinical trials that also explore the possibility that treatment might be stopped in patients who achieve a high quality response. Our trials include the use of currently-approved drugs administered in novel ways and new agents, either alone or combined with proven therapies, in an effort to improve responses and/or reduce side effects. We are also partnering with research laboratories, both academic and in the pharmaceutical industry to identify new treatments, particularly in the very rare diseases that I treat that do not have proven therapies. Our clinical trials are used as an adjunct to existing treatments in order to provide patients with treatment options that fit best with the patient’s specific needs.

I have also had a long interest in laboratory research focused on the biology of blood cancers. Together with my colleagues we are developing a test that may help identify which patients with chronic blood cancers are more likely to need treatment sooner. We also believe that we can exploit the differences in the biology of the cells in patients with more aggressive disease to identify new targets that will lead to better treatments.

Publications