New leadership takes over at our medical center's Hematology/Oncology department with the arrival of the fresh Chief.
Dr. Jonathan Friedberg Takes Lead in Lymphoma Research at University of Rochester Medical Center
Dr. Jonathan Friedberg, a renowned expert in the field of lymphoma, has been appointed as the chief of the Division of Hematology/Oncology at the University of Rochester Medical Center and the James P. Wilmot Cancer Center. This appointment comes following his recognition with the Scholar in Clinical Research Award from the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society for his work with an oral inhibitor of a protein called Syk.
Dr. Friedberg's research interests have long been focused on the development of novel therapies for patients with lymphoma. He has been an associate professor of Medicine and the director of hematological malignancies clinical research at the Wilmot Cancer Center since 2002. In this role, he has served as principal investigator on many local and national lymphoma treatment studies for Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
One of Dr. Friedberg's current research initiatives is a global multicenter Phase 1/2 trial investigating EO2463, a novel microbial-derived peptide therapeutic vaccine. This study aims to establish the recommended dose, safety, immunogenicity, and preliminary efficacy of EO2463 for patients with indolent non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The trial also explores the use of EO2463 in combination with lenalidomide and rituximab.
While Dr. Friedberg's work is centered on innovative treatment methods and lymphoma prognosis, specific recent developments related directly to the Syk protein are not explicitly detailed in the most current publicly available profiles or research summaries. His clinical initiatives focus on novel immunotherapeutics and combination therapies rather than directly on Syk protein inhibitors.
Dr. Richard I. Fisher, the current chief of the Division of Hematology/Oncology and director of the Wilmot Cancer Center, stated that Dr. Friedberg has developed an innovative and effective management style that will permit him to lead the division to even greater success in clinical care, research, and education. Dr. Mark B. Taubman, the Charles E. Dewey Professor of Medicine and chair of the Department of Medicine, also expressed his support, stating that Dr. Friedberg's novel research and leadership within the lymphoma field make him an excellent choice for chief of Hematology/Oncology.
In his new role, Dr. Friedberg will have the opportunity to grow the clinical enterprise, expand clinical research programs, and set new standards in patient care. He anticipates the ability to recruit faculty in many specialty areas of oncology with the recent large grant awards and state-of-the-art facility.
Dr. Friedberg earned his medical degree from Harvard Medical School and completed his postgraduate training at Massachusetts General Hospital. He also holds an M.M.Sc. degree in clinical investigation from Harvard Medical School. As a member of the lymphoma committee in the Southwest Oncology Group, the nation's largest cooperative clinical trials group, Dr. Friedberg's contributions to the field of lymphoma research and treatment are highly valued.
References: [1] University of Rochester Medical Center. (n.d.). Dr. Jonathan Friedberg appointed chief of Division of Hematology/Oncology and James P. Wilmot Cancer Center. Retrieved from https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/news/story/4934/dr-jonathan-friedberg-appointed-chief-of-division-of-hematologyoncology-and-james-p-wilmot-cancer-center.aspx
- Dr. Friedberg's research endeavors extend beyond just lymphoma, as he is also involved in various clinical trials related to health-and-wellness, including a global multicenter Phase 1/2 trial investigating EO2463 for patients with indolent non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
- As a leading figure in medical-conditions such as lymphoma, Dr. Friedberg utilizes his expertise in science to oversee clinical trials and develop novel therapies, with a particular focus on patient care and improving treatment outcomes.
- Dr. Friedberg's contributions to science and medicine span beyond cancer research, as he has been recognized by the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society for his work on an oral inhibitor of the Syk protein, which will undoubtedly contribute to advancements in cancer treatment and overall health-and-wellness.
