Amr Hanbali | Therapeutic use of Cellular therapy in cancer treatment | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Amr Hanbali | Therapeutic use of Cellular therapy in cancer treatment | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Amr Hanbali | King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center | Saudi Arabia

Dr. Amr AlHanbali is a dual-certified Hematology and Oncology consultant with over 18 years of experience in malignant and benign hematological conditions. Based at King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, he specializes in hematologic malignancies and stem cell transplantation. Dr. AlHanbali previously served as a senior staff physician and Associate Fellowship Program Director at Henry Ford Health System in Detroit, Michigan. Recognized for his academic involvement, he holds teaching appointments at Wayne State University and Alfaisal University. Known for his dedication to clinical mentorship, he has trained numerous medical students, residents, and fellows. He is actively involved in research and is a member of several prestigious medical organizations including the American Society of Hematology and American Society of Clinical Oncology. With expertise ranging from bone marrow procedures to managing complex hematologic disorders, Dr. AlHanbali is a respected leader in the field of hematology and stem cell transplantation.

Publication Profile:

Scopus

Strengths for the Award:

  1. Extensive Research Contribution

    • Over 17 peer-reviewed publications, including impactful case reports, national guidelines, and original research in hematology, oncology, and stem cell transplantation.

    • Active contributor to national guidelines on multiple myeloma, reflecting leadership in shaping national healthcare standards in KSA.

  2. Dual Academic and Clinical Roles

    • Combines academic excellence (as faculty at Wayne State University and Alfaisal University) with hands-on clinical expertise at a premier institution (King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center).

  3. Innovative Focus in Hematology and Transplantation

    • Research into underexplored areas such as hepatitis B reactivation post-rituximab, genetic donor match outcomes, and therapies for AL amyloidosis.

  4. International Exposure and Leadership

    • Experience across the U.S. and Saudi Arabia, influencing programs in both systems.

    • Played a key role in training and selecting future hematology-oncology fellows in the U.S.

  5. Mentorship and Capacity Building

    • Mentored numerous trainees, enhancing research culture among younger clinicians.

Areas for Improvement:

  1. Higher Impact Publications Needed

    • While the volume and variety of research are commendable, more publications in top-tier journals (NEJM, Lancet, Blood, JCO) could boost citation impact and visibility.

  2. Research Grants and Collaborative Trials

    • Pursuing multicenter studies, international collaborations, or industry-sponsored clinical trials would further elevate his profile and expand research funding sources.

  3. Technological Innovation/Patents

    • Exploring biotech innovation, AI in diagnostics, or cellular therapy patents could position him among the top medical innovators.

Education:

Dr. Amr AlHanbali completed his Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery from the University of Jordan in 1999. He pursued medical training in the United States, starting with an internal medicine residency (2001–2004) at Henry Ford Health System, Detroit. He continued his specialization with a fellowship in Hematology and Oncology (2004–2007) at the same institution. During his training, he also undertook elective rotations in Pediatric Cardiology and Gastroenterology at the University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, further enriching his academic exposure. He is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine in Internal Medicine (2004), Hematology (2007), and Oncology (2007). Dr. AlHanbali holds academic titles as a Clinical Assistant Professor at Wayne State University, Detroit, and Adjunct Associate Professor at Alfaisal University, Riyadh. His educational background reflects a strong foundation in internal medicine, with a deep focus on hematology and oncology, further supported by teaching and research excellence.

Experience:

Dr. AlHanbali’s clinical career spans over 18 years, currently serving as Hematology and Stem Cell Transplant Consultant at King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center in Riyadh since 2013. Prior to this, he held multiple leadership roles at Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, including Senior Staff Physician and Associate Fellowship Program Director (2007–2013). His medical expertise covers the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of hematologic malignancies such as leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and myeloproliferative disorders. Dr. AlHanbali also has extensive experience in stem cell transplantation, intrathecal chemotherapy, and bone marrow biopsy. He has been instrumental in resident selection and curriculum development for fellowship programs in hematology and oncology. His work bridges clinical excellence with academic mentorship, guiding numerous trainees and junior physicians. In addition to patient care, he is involved in clinical guideline development and research, particularly in the field of multiple myeloma and transplant outcomes.

Research Focus:

Dr. Amr AlHanbali’s research is centered on hematologic malignancies, particularly multiple myeloma, lymphoma, leukemia, and stem cell transplantation. His work explores novel therapeutic approaches, transplant outcomes, disease progression, and treatment-related complications. He has contributed significantly to research on hepatitis B reactivation, chemotherapy-induced toxicities, and the protective role of comorbidities like diabetes in cancer metastasis. As an active member of the Saudi Myeloma Working Group, he has co-authored national guidelines for both newly diagnosed and relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma. His studies also examine health disparities in cancer care, including outcomes among African American populations and the impact of familial genetics in donor matches. With over a dozen peer-reviewed publications and case reports in high-impact journals, Dr. AlHanbali continues to push forward understanding in clinical hematology and oncology. He combines bedside insights with academic rigor to shape evidence-based practice and improve treatment outcomes in cancer and transplant medicine.

Publications Top Notes:

  1.  Mediastinal Hematoma With SVC Syndrome From A Central Venous Catheter Insertion – CHEST, 2003

  2.  Diabetes Has Protective Effect Against Metastasis in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer – Arch Intern Med, 2007

  3.  Delayed Hepatitis B Viral Replication Post-Rituximab & Fludarabine in Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia – Am J Hematol, 2007

  4.  Acute Pancreatitis Induced by Adult Precursor B-cell ALL – South Med J, 2007

  5.  Hypersensitivity Reaction of Mylotarg with Platelet Transfusion – Am J Health Syst Pharm, 2007

  6.  Incidence of Hepatitis B Reactivation after Rituximab Therapy – Am J Hematol, 2009

  7. Outcomes After Auto-SCT in African Americans with Multiple Myeloma – Bone Marrow Transplant, 2009

  8.  HER-2 Status May Change in Recurrent Breast Cancer – Cancer Research, 2009

  9.  Compartment Syndrome as Presentation of Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia – J Gen Intern Med, 2010

  10.  Use of Insulin and its Effect on Survival in NSCLC – J Clin Oncol, 2009

Conclusion:

Dr. Amr AlHanbali demonstrates a stellar blend of clinical expertise, research productivity, academic mentorship, and leadership in hematology and oncology. His research contributions have practical implications in areas such as multiple myeloma, leukemia, transplant immunology, and chemotherapy safety.

He is highly deserving of recognition and stands out as a top contender for a Best Researcher Award, particularly in the categories of clinical research excellence, translational hematology, and medical education integration with research.

Wei Mu | Immunotherapy and Molecular Pathology | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Wei Mu | Immunotherapy and Molecular Pathology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Wei Mu , Department of Hematology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology , China

Mu Wei, born in October 1989, is an Assistant Researcher in the Department of Hematology at Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology. With a solid foundation in biotechnology and regenerative medicine, Mu Wei has consistently contributed to the advancement of CAR-T cell therapy, particularly in the context of hematological diseases. His research blends molecular biology with cutting-edge therapeutic techniques to tackle complex issues like T-cell exhaustion and immunotherapy resistance. With multiple principal investigator roles and ongoing projects funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, his expertise is shaping the future of cancer immunotherapy. Mu Wei is also an active author with publications in top-tier scientific journals, contributing valuable insights into CAR-T cell dynamics and the molecular mechanisms underlying immune responses in hematological malignancies.

Publication Profile:

Scopus

Strengths for the Award:

  1. Innovative Research Focus: Mu Wei’s research on CAR-T cell therapy demonstrates significant potential to enhance cancer immunotherapy. His work on precise molecular regulation of IL2Rβ/IL2Rγ signaling and T-cell exhaustion mechanisms in CAR-T therapies is cutting-edge and addresses key challenges in the field of hematological malignancies.
  2. Leadership and Impact: As the principal investigator for several National Natural Science Foundation projects, Mu Wei has shown leadership in guiding important research initiatives aimed at improving CAR-T cell therapies. His work is already showing potential to directly influence clinical outcomes in blood cancers.
  3. Publication Record: His consistent publication in high-impact journals (e.g., Blood Cancer Journal, Cell Reports) and contributions to collaborative studies further solidify his recognition as a leader in his research area.
  4. Ongoing Funding and Collaboration: The fact that Mu Wei is a key participant in ongoing large-scale national research projects demonstrates his ability to collaborate and contribute to high-impact, multi-year scientific endeavors. These projects reflect both the trust placed in him by funding bodies and the relevance of his expertise.

Areas for Improvement:

  1. Broader International Exposure: While Mu Wei has made impressive strides in national research, expanding his collaborations and visibility in international scientific communities could further boost the global impact of his research.
  2. Broader Public Engagement: As his research has direct implications for patient care, more efforts in translating his work into publicly accessible formats—such as public outreach, media engagement, or policy advisory—could amplify the societal impact of his discoveries.
  3. Expansion into Related Fields: His focus is currently tightly centered on CAR-T therapy in hematology. Branching into additional related areas, such as solid tumor immunotherapy or alternative immunotherapy strategies, could diversify his research portfolio and increase its relevance to a broader range of cancers.

 

Education:

Mu Wei completed his B.S. in Biotechnology at Anhui Medical University in 2011, followed by a Ph.D. in Regenerative Medicine from the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences in 2018. His doctoral research focused on the molecular biology of regenerative therapies, laying the foundation for his current expertise in hematology and immunology. During his Ph.D., Mu Wei developed a strong interest in immunotherapy, particularly in how cell therapies like CAR-T could be used to treat cancer and other blood disorders. Building on his academic achievements, he continued his training as a Postdoctoral Researcher at Tongji Hospital, where he expanded his research to explore the genetic and immune mechanisms involved in T-cell therapies. His robust educational background is complemented by his continuous pursuit of knowledge in cutting-edge immunotherapy technologies and regenerative medicine.

Experience: 

Mu Wei has extensive experience in hematology and cellular therapy, with a career spanning over a decade. Since December 2021, he has served as an Assistant Researcher in the Department of Hematology at Tongji Hospital, where he leads innovative research projects on CAR-T cell therapy and immunotherapy. Prior to this, he was a Postdoctoral Researcher at the same institution from October 2018 to October 2021, focusing on T-cell engineering and cell exhaustion mechanisms in cancer therapies. His academic and professional journey began at Anhui Medical University, where he earned his B.S. in Biotechnology, followed by a Ph.D. in Regenerative Medicine from the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences. Mu Wei’s work integrates laboratory research with clinical applications, aiming to improve the safety and efficacy of cellular therapies in treating hematological malignancies. He is also actively involved in national-level research projects funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China.

Research Focus:

Mu Wei’s research focuses on advancing CAR-T cell therapy for the treatment of hematological cancers, with a particular emphasis on improving the precision and efficacy of these therapies. His work explores several critical areas: the molecular regulation of IL2Rβ/IL2Rγ signaling in CAR-T cells, the role of T-cell exhaustion in immunotherapy, and novel strategies to overcome resistance in lymphoma CAR-T cell therapies. By investigating the extracellular vesicle-based regulation of CAR-T cells, Mu Wei aims to develop more effective, targeted immunotherapies with fewer side effects. His current projects also delve into the molecular mechanisms of immune cell exhaustion, which can limit the effectiveness of CAR-T cells in certain patients. Mu Wei is passionate about translating his laboratory findings into clinical applications, improving the outcomes of patients with blood cancers through enhanced CAR-T cell designs and immunotherapeutic approaches. His research promises to contribute to the next generation of cancer immunotherapies.

Publication Top Notes:

  1. Correction to: Anti-CD5 CAR-T cells with a tEGFR safety switch exhibit potent toxicity control 🧬🛡️ Blood Cancer Journal (2024)
  2. Anti-CD5 CAR-T cells with a tEGFR safety switch exhibit potent toxicity control 🧬🛡️ Blood Cancer Journal (2024)
  3. Antigen escape in CAR-T cell therapy: Mechanisms and overcoming strategies 🚫🧬 Biomedicine and Pharmacotherapy (2024)
  4. Correlation analysis of polyclonal plasma cell proportion in the bone marrow with clinical characteristics of patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma 🩸📊 Chinese Journal of Hematology (2024)
  5. Novel heterozygous mutations of TNFRSF13B in EBV-associated T/NK lymphoproliferative diseases 🧬💉 Blood Science (2024)
  6. Functional diversification and dynamics of CAR-T cells in patients with B-ALL 🔬🧑‍🔬 Cell Reports (2023)
  7. Preclinical development and evaluation of nanobody-based CD70-specific CAR T cells for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia ⚕️💡 Cancer Immunology, Immunotherapy (2023)
  8. Case report: Differential diagnosis of highly amplified anti-CD5 CAR T cells and relapsed lymphoma cells in a patient with refractory ALK positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma 📑🩸 Frontiers in Immunology (2023)
  9. CD137 deficiency because of two novel biallelic TNFRSF9 mutations in a patient presenting with severe EBV-associated lymphoproliferative disease 🧬💉 Clinical and Translational Immunology (2023)
  10. Genetic lesions and targeted therapy in Hodgkin lymphoma 🧬💊 Therapeutic Advances in Hematology (2023)

Conclusion:

Mu Wei is highly deserving of the Best Researcher Award. His research is not only advancing CAR-T cell therapy but is addressing key obstacles in the field, such as T-cell exhaustion and immune resistance. His leadership in national research projects and consistent publication in top-tier journals demonstrate his strong research capabilities. With his clear focus on improving cancer immunotherapy, Mu Wei is poised to make lasting contributions to the field, and his work holds the potential to improve clinical outcomes for patients with blood cancers. Expanding his international collaborations and broadening his research scope could further amplify his impact in the global scientific and clinical communities.