Researcher Spotlight: Ruth Alonso-Alonso, PhD

THE TRUSTEES OF COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY IN THE CITY OF NEW YORK

Oliver W. Press, MD, PhD Memorial Fellow

Angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL) is an aggressive form of peripheral T-cell lymphoma. Therapeutic options for AITL are limited given patients’ poor responses to conventional chemotherapy, resulting in poor outcomes and an unfavorable prognosis. Dr. Alonso-Alonso’s work aims to illuminate the underlying mechanisms that drive the development and progression of AITL, with the hopes of identifying novel therapeutic targets that might improve outcomes for patients with this disease.

Dr. Alonso-Alonso’s interest in cancer research began during her time as a master’s student at the University of Cantabria in Spain. From there, she went on to complete her doctoral research at the Autonomous University of Madrid. “After working on my doctoral thesis, I got really interested in understanding the complexities of lymphoma and how it affects patients,” she says. “Since then, I’ve dedicated my entire scientific career to studying lymphomas, with a special focus on T-cell lymphomas.” She is now working as a postdoctoral researcher at the Institute for Cancer Genetics at Columbia University in New York, where she is currently working on characterizing a potential novel target in AITL known as S1P1.

“Through my investigation, I aim to advance the understanding of the intricate molecular landscape and personalized approach to treating lymphoma,” explains Dr. Alonso-Alonso. She hopes to build on these experiences to launch a career as an independent researcher focusing on T-cell lymphomas, with the goal of developing innovative approaches toward diagnosis and management.