#United States #New York #Deerfield Management #ASH Scholar Award #AML Summit

Deerfield Management and the Deerfield Foundation: Advancing Research in Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Deerfield Management, alongside the Deerfield Foundation, recently announced the upcoming Fourth Annual Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) Summit, set to take place on October 15, 2026, in New York City. This year's summit is particularly noteworthy as it will honor Dr. Danielle Kirkey with the esteemed American Society of Hematology (ASH) Peter Steelman Scholar Award, recognizing her significant contributions to research on this critical health issue.

Honoring Dr. Danielle Kirkey

Dr. Kirkey serves as a pediatric hematologist-oncologist at both Seattle Children's Hospital and Fred Hutch Cancer Center, where she has dedicated her career to tackling pediatric AML. Her research emphasizes immunotherapeutic strategies that target leukemia-specific antigens, such as CLEC2A found in KMT2A-rearranged cases. Dr. Kirkey is currently the Principal Investigator for a forthcoming CAR-T cell trial targeting CLEC2A, building on her previous work supported by the NIH and various foundations such as the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

"Congratulations to Dr. Kirkey! Her research embodies the essence of what the ASH Peter Steelman Scholar Award aims to achieve—supporting promising early-career scientists who can make substantial contributions to the field," stated Dr. Ross L. Levine, Chief Scientific Officer at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Chair of the AML Summit.

Prominent Speakers and Critical Discussions

The AML Summit will not only spotlight advancements in leukemia research but will also feature keynote speakers including Dr. Margaret “Peggy” Goodell, an expert in epigenetic regulation in hematopoietic stem cells. Dr. Goodell's research will delve into how mutations associated with aging might contribute to the development of AML.

The summit will host a variety of esteemed professionals, ranging from leaders in academia to innovators in biotech, demonstrating a collective commitment to accelerating research and improving treatments for AML. Among them will be Dr. Amit Verma, who has made strides in oncology, and Dr. Eytan Stein, who heads the Leukemia Service at Memorial Sloan Kettering.

The Importance of AML Research

Acute myeloid leukemia is a form of cancer arising from the bone marrow, characterized by the production of immature white blood cells. It is one of the most prevalent acute leukemias among adults, with the American Cancer Society projecting that approximately 22,720 Americans will be diagnosed with AML in 2026, with 11,500 expected to succumb to the disease. Events like the AML Summit are crucial as they facilitate the exchange of ideas that can help advance the understanding and treatment of this aggressive cancer.

The ASH Peter Steelman Scholar Award was established to support exceptional research efforts aimed at AML, especially during the transitional phase that young researchers experience as they strive to become independent investigators. Recipients can enjoy numerous benefits, such as complete funding for participation in the ASH Annual Meeting and opportunities for ongoing collaboration with Deerfield.

Deerfield Foundation: A Commitment to Health Advancement

The Deerfield Foundation, which was founded to enhance healthcare and promote innovation, underscores its commitment to addressing significant health challenges, including AML. The foundation supports various health initiatives through financial contributions and partnerships aimed at delivering better healthcare solutions to those in need.

Conclusion

As the Fourth Annual AML Summit approaches, it symbolizes a pivotal gathering for researchers, clinicians, and investors passionate about advancing leukemia research. By recognizing outstanding contributions like Dr. Kirkey's, Deerfield Management not only honors individual accomplishments but also amplifies the need for collaborative efforts to combat AML more effectively. The summit promises to be a conduit for transformative ideas that can push boundaries and accelerate progress in the fight against this devastating disease.