Atrium Health Levine Cancer has been awarded $749,000 Grant to Advance Lymphoma Research

Atrium Health Levine Cancer Institute, located in Charlotte, North Carolina, is a leading cancer care facility established in 2012 with a $20 million gift from The Leon Levine Foundation. It has grown to become one of the largest cancer programs in the Southeast, operating over 25 locations that provide comprehensive cancer treatment and access to groundbreaking clinical trials.

The Institute combines advanced oncology research with compassionate community-based care, ensuring high-quality treatment close to home. It is recognized for its innovative approaches to cancer treatment, including targeted therapies and a strong focus on patient support.

Recently ranked among the top 50 cancer centers in the U.S. by U.S. News & World Report, Levine Cancer Institute is committed to improving patient outcomes and expanding treatment options through ongoing research and development initiatives.

Conducted in collaboration with Wake Forest University School of Medicine, the study will test a novel targeted therapy for two challenging forms of lymphoma – mantle cell lymphoma and transformed follicular lymphoma.

Orsi Giricz, PhD, senior director of research programs and communications at The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society said:

“The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society is thrilled to continue our support of the dedicated researchers and physicians at Atrium Health who work tirelessly to bring the most innovative treatments to blood cancer patients.”

Targeted therapies have revolutionized cancer treatment by precisely attacking cancer cells while sparing healthy ones, unlike traditional chemotherapy, which affects all rapidly dividing cells. Although small-molecule drugs are commonly used in these therapies, they can face issues such as drug resistance and harmful side effects.

To overcome these challenges, researchers at Levine Cancer are employing a next-generation strategy that incorporates multi-target inhibitors and pre-targeted nanoparticles to enhance drug delivery and treatment accuracy.

The study is led by Dr. Steven Park, vice chair for research in the Department of Hematologic Oncology and Blood Disorders at Levine Cancer Institute. The research aims to deliver powerful triple inhibitors for drug-resistant mantle cell lymphoma and dual PROTACs for transformed follicular lymphoma. Preliminary results are promising, positioning Atrium Health at the forefront of advancements in lymphoma treatment.

“Our research has the potential to unlock new treatments and improve outcomes for patients battling this complex cancer. Philanthropy accelerates these breakthroughs by providing the essential funding and resources needed for innovative studies. We are deeply grateful to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society for its generous support, which brings us one step closer to a cure and offers hope to patients and families at Levine Cancer.” – Steven Park

Atrium Health Foundation shared on LinkedIn:

“Atrium Health Foundation has been awarded a $749,000 grant from The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, the Follicular Lymphoma Foundation, and the Institute for Follicular Lymphoma Innovation to advance targeted therapies for treatment-resistant lymphomas at Atrium Health Levine Cancer.

Led by Dr. Steven Park, this innovative study aims to tackle drug resistance and minimize harmful side effects in mantle cell lymphoma and transformed follicular lymphoma. By utilizing pre-targeted nanoparticles to deliver multi-target inhibitors, we’re working towards better treatment outcomes for patients.”

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