Researcher Spotlight: Dustin McCurry, MD

University of texas mD anderson Cancer Center

Morton Coleman, MD Innovation Fund Scholar

Dr. McCurry is an instructor in the Department of Hematopoietic Biology and Malignancy at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. His research is focused on understanding why Hispanic and Native Indigenous populations are disproportionately affected by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infections, which can lead to the development of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL).

“We are trying to better understand why some individuals are more likely to get this cancer and how their genes and ancestry play a role,” he explains. “Our main goal is to find better treatments that work specifically for these groups by studying their genes and how their immune system fights the cancer. This could help improve the chances of recovery for people in these communities who are at high risk for this cancer.”