Lum, Lawrence G.
Primary Appointment
Professor, Director of Cellular Therapy, Scientific Director of Bone Marrow Transplant, Medicine: Hematology and Oncology
Education
- BS, Chemistry, University of Redlands
- MD, , University of California
Contact Information
University of Virginia
West Complex 7191
Charlottesville, VA 22908
Telephone: 434.243.1375
Email: lgl4f@hscmail.mcc.virginia.edu
Research Interests
Cancer immunotherapy
Research Description
Dr. Lums primary focus is enhancing the patients immune system to make it a better cancer-killing machine. Cancer immunotherapy works by utilizing a patients T cells, which are already programmed to destroy abnormal cells. Grown in the laboratory, the T cells are then directed to target cancer cells. Dr. Lums method is unique in how he directs the T cells by linking two antibodies that bind to both T cells and tumor cells and form a killing bridge between the two. Development of this targeting platform allows the procedure to be done simply and adapted quickly to different cancers. Infusions of the targeted T cells create a lasting immunity by vaccinating patients against their own tumors.