Researcher Spotlight: Jordan Goldstein, MD

STANFORD UNIVERSITY

Errol M. Cook Memorial Scholar

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is an aggressive form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, with many patients experiencing relapse after first-line therapy. Many patients now receive treatment with a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy such as axicabtagene ciloleucel (axicel) in the second-line setting, which is effective for many patients. The efficacy of CAR T-cell therapy is highest in patients with low tumor burden, though, and Dr. Goldstein’s research aims to identify ways to treat patients when their tumor burden is the lowest. Using circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) as a marker of residual disease, Dr. Goldstein is evaluating the efficacy and safety of axi-cel after first-line chemoimmunotherapy in patients with persistent disease who are more likely to relapse. By treating patients right after first-line therapy, when their tumor burden should be the lowest, he hopes to improve outcomes and reduce the likelihood of relapse for patients with DLBCL.

Dr. Goldstein’s interest in lymphoma research began during his time in medical school at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. “I’ve been fortunate to benefit from outstanding mentorship from lymphoma experts at each level throughout my medical education, all of whom are involved with the Lymphoma Research Foundation,” he says. As an independent physician researcher, he hopes not only to use novel technologies to improve the lives of lymphoma patients, but also to give back to the next generation of lymphoma researchers. “I hope to have mentees of my own, contributing to future generations of lymphoma researchers, and ‘paying it forward’ for the amazing mentorship I have received,” he says.