LRF Welcomes Scientific Advisory Board Chair Ann S. LaCasce, MD, MMSc

LRF welcomes new SAB leadership and members Ann S. LaCasce, MD, MMSc of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (Chair); Andrew Evens, DO, MBA, MSc, FACP of Rutgers Cancer Institute (Chair-Elect); and Markus Müschen, MD of Yale School of Medicine (member)

The Lymphoma Research Foundation (LRF) is proud to welcome Ann S. LaCasce, MD, MMSc as Chair of its Scientific Advisory Board (SAB). Comprised of 45 world-renowned lymphoma experts, LRF’s SAB guides the Foundation’s research activities, seeking out the most innovative and promising lymphoma research projects for support.

Dr. LaCasce is an Associate Professor of Medicine and Director of the Dana-Farber/Partners Cancer Care Fellowship in Hematology/Oncology at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. She is a clinical investigator in lymphoma and a clinical expert in Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphomas. Her research interests include the development of clinical trials using novel agents. Dr. LaCasce was awarded LRF’s Career Development Award (CDA) in 2005 and has served as a member of LRF’s SAB since 2012. She also serves on the ABIM Medical Oncology Board, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network’s Lymphoma Guideline Panel, and the Alliance Lymphoma Committee.

Dr. LaCasce assumes leadership of LRF’s SAB from Sonali M. Smith, MD whose term ended on July 1, 2023, in accordance with the SAB’s governing principles and standards. Dr. Smith will remain a member of the SAB.

“I am thrilled to serve as Chair of the Lymphoma Research Foundation’s prestigious Scientific Advisory Board,” said Dr. LaCasce. “I look forward to seeing how I can build upon Dr. Smith’s wonderful work and continue to help LRF advance their mission of eradicating lymphoma and serving those touched by this disease.”

Additionally, Andrew Evens, DO, MBA, MSc, FACP, Associate Director for Clinical Services at Rutgers Cancer Institute and System Director of Medical Oncology and Oncology Lead for Combined Medical Group, RWJBarnabas Health, was elected to the role of SAB Chair-Elect. He will assume the Chair role following the conclusion of Dr. LaCasce’s term. 

LRF also welcomes Markus Müschen, MD as a new SAB member. Dr. Müschen is an Arthur H. and Isabel Bunker Professor of Medicine (Hematology) and Professor of Immunobiology; Director, Center of Molecular and Cellular Oncology; Chief, Cellular and Molecular Oncology at Yale School of Medicine. Dr. Müschen will join SAB members to review grant proposals, make recommendations regarding research priorities and funding to LRF’s Board of Directors, evaluate the progress of ongoing research projects, and guide the strategic direction of the Foundation’s research programs and consortia.

“With the leadership of Dr. LaCasce and the valuable guidance of the Scientific Advisory Board, the Lymphoma Research Foundation is poised to continue making significant strides on behalf of the entire lymphoma community,” said Meghan Gutierrez, LRF Chief Executive Officer. “We thank all members of our Scientific Advisory Board for their enduring commitment to our mission of eradicating lymphoma and serving those impacted by this blood cancer.”

For more information about the Lymphoma Research Foundation Scientific Advisory Board and research program, visit lymphoma.org/research.