Where Are They Now? Helen Ma, MD, MS

Helen Ma, MD, MS, is the assistant professor in the Division of Hematology and Oncology in the Department of Medicine at the University of California Irvine.

When did you become interested in the study of medicine and in lymphoma specifically?

I first became interested in medicine when I saw the potential of our daily choices in maintaining good health. Many diseases can be prevented with a balanced diet and exercise, especially when our basic needs are met. I was interested in primary care but was drawn to the meaningful relationships and goals of care conversations
surrounding the management of patients with cancer. Lymphoma, in particular, captured my interest because my mother was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive subtype. It became personal as I saw firsthand how important access to treatments and clinical trials could be, particularly for patients like my mother who had exhausted treatment options. This motivated me to explore ways to make a meaningful impact in improving outcomes for all lymphoma patients.

At what point in your career did you receive funding from the Lymphoma Research Foundation? What kind of grant(s) did you receive?

I was fortunate to receive my first grant from the Foundation early in my career when I was establishing myself as a lymphoma researcher. The Foundation’s Lymphoma Scientific Research Mentoring Program (LSRMP) connected me to many lymphoma experts who were wonderful and supportive mentors. They helped connect me to people and ideas that propelled my research ideas and proposals forward. This grant was pivotal in shaping my career trajectory, providing the resources and mentorship to explore research interests related to military exposures and the development of lymphomas.

What scientific project did you pursue as part of your research grant(s), and how did the Foundation support your interest in working with veterans?

As part of my Lymphoma Research Foundation grant, I investigated the association between military exposures and the development of lymphoma. The Lymphoma Research Foundation’s support was not just financial; it connected me with a network of researchers and mentors who shared my passion for making a real difference in patients’ lives. When I began working with veterans, particularly those at risk for lymphoma due to military exposures, the Foundation’s encouragement helped me align my research focus with the unique needs of the veteran population, which often faces different challenges in lymphoma diagnosis and treatment.

How has the treatment landscape for lymphoma/CLL changed since you first started conducting your research?

The landscape has shifted and is still constantly changing. I was able to publish an analysis on first-line treatments of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) within the national U.S. Veterans Administration (VA) healthcare system. In the beginning, treatments were largely centered around chemotherapy, with limited options for patients who relapsed or were refractory to standard therapies. Over time, thanks to clinical trials and advancements in targeted therapy, many patients with CLL have access to more effective and less toxic treatments. These breakthroughs have improved not only survival rates but also the quality of life for many patients.

Was the support and grant funding you received from the Foundation vital to advancing/dedicating your career to studying lymphoma?

Absolutely. The Foundation’s funding not only was essential for my early research but also provided the confidence and opportunity to dedicate myself fully to lymphoma research. It allowed me to explore ideas that might not have been possible without this support while also fostering connections with experts in the field. The Foundation’s commitment to advancing lymphoma research inspired me to stay focused on improving patient outcomes, especially for underserved groups like veterans.

How has care for veterans evolved since you started working at the VA Long Beach Healthcare System in Long Beach?

Care for veterans has evolved in several meaningful ways. There’s been a significant increase in access to specialized care, with more personalized treatment plans that take into account the unique medical histories and exposures many veterans have. In particular, the VA system has been moving towards a more integrated, multidisciplinary approach to care, where oncologists and other specialists work together to address not only lymphoma but also any comorbid conditions common in veterans. This holistic approach has made a noticeable difference in patient outcomes and overall well-being.

How has your involvement with the Foundation continued since becoming a Foundation Scholar?

During and after the LSRMP grant period ended, I have been involved with the Foundation. It has been a privilege to continue collaborating with them through lymphoma rounds, various research initiatives, and workshops. The Foundation’s ongoing support has been invaluable in my career, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to contribute back to the community however possible.

Why is the Foundation’s mission and focus on lymphoma-specific research and programming important? In other words, how would the lymphoma community be impacted if there was no Lymphoma Research Foundation?

The Foundation plays a critical role in advancing our understanding of lymphoma and improving outcomes for researchers and patients. Without their dedicated focus on lymphoma-specific research and programming, progress in treatment development would likely be slower, and patients would miss out on the support services, education, and advocacy that the Foundation provides. The Foundation’s work fills a unique gap, providing not only funding for innovative research but also raising awareness and ensuring that lymphoma patients and their families have access to the information and care they need.

What research or projects are you currently pursuing that you would like to share with our readers?

Currently, I am focused on investigating how military exposures may impact the development in lymphoma. Using the Million Veteran Program, I am studying how genetic and environmental factors might contribute to the development of lymphoma in veterans, with the hope of identifying new biomarkers for early detection and more effective treatments. I am also involved with the SWOG Cancer Research Network as the VA liaison in the lymphoma committee so cutting-edge clinical trials are available to our veterans.

What are you most excited about in the field of lymphoma research today? Why?

What excites me most is the potential of combining novel targeted therapies to create more personalized, less toxic treatments for lymphoma. The idea that we are moving toward a future where patients no longer have to endure harsh chemotherapy regimens is incredibly inspiring. Additionally, the advances in understanding the molecular and genetic landscape of lymphoma have opened up new avenues for targeted therapies, giving hope to patients who previously had limited options. The pace of innovation in the field is faster than ever, and it’s a truly exciting time to be involved in lymphoma research.