Career Summary: Dr. Chen is Assistant Professor, Division of hematopoietic stem cell and leukemia Research, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope (Duarte, CA) He received his Ph.D. in immunology in 2001 from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, followed by a two year postdoctoral fellowship there (2001 -2003). From 2003 – 2009, he undertook a second postdoctoral fellowship at the Stanford University (Stanford, CA). He was later promoted to Instructor (2009) at Stanford University before he joined his current position (2010 - ). In addition to his award from STOP CANCER, he is the recipient of the NIH Pathway to Independence (PI) Award (K99/R00).

Year STOP CANCER Award was received: 2013 RCDA
 

Description of Research Performed: Dr. Chen’s research group is investigating the factors in the bone marrow microenvironment that help leukemia cells evade chemotherapy and the mechanisms used by leukemia cells to modulate the bone marrow microenvironment, such that they are supported in lieu of normal blood progenitor cells.

Results of Research: Dr. Chen’s group has established mouse models and cell culture systems to study the interactions between leukemia cells and the bone marrow microenvironment. The research will foster an improved understanding of cellular and molecular properties of the bone marrow microenvironment and how those factors promote leukemia initiation and progression. Results from the studies should suggest novel therapeutic strategies with which to target the malignant niche in order to provide better treatment options for patients with leukemia and other bone marrow metastases.