Peter Karches Center for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Center Head
The Peter Karches Center for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia focuses attention on the activity of B cells – immune cells that make antibody against organisms that invade the human body. On the rare occasion, the B cell will wage an abnormal immune response and the body will attack itself. The result is a cancerous condition called chronic lymphocytic leukemia or CLL.
This B cell leukemia is a model for autoimmune diseases in general, and in particular understanding how a B cell can abnormally replicate and cause cancer has led to great insights into the biology of the disease. Scientists in the laboratory work hand-in-hand with physicians who specialize in diagnosing and treating chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
The Feinstein Institute’s Kanti Rai, MD, has been studying chronic lymphocytic leukemia for over 50 years and his work has led to a staging system that is used routinely in the diagnosis of CLL. Dr. Rai’s Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Research and Treatment Program treats hundreds of patients from all over the world and conducts a number of experimental therapeutic trials. Nicholas Chiorazzi, MD, the head of the Center, has also been studying the condition for decades and oversees a laboratory of a few dozen scientists committed to unraveling the disease process and identifying new and more directed therapeutics.
Center Labs:
Laboratory for Experimental Immunology - Nicholas Chiorazzi, MD
The Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Research and Treatment Program - Kanti Rai, MD
Laboratory of B Cell Biology - Patricia Mongini, PhD
Laboratory for Lymphocyte Activation - Rajandra N. Damle, PhD
Laboratory of Molecular Immunology - Charles Chu, PhD
Administrative Staff
Name: Annette Geiss
Position: Coordinator
Phone: (516) 562-1090
Email: angeiss@nshs.edu