Researcher Spotlight: Lapo Alinari, MD, PhD

The Ohio State University

Dr. Alinari’s Lymphoma Clinical Research Mentoring Program (LCRMP) project investigates the combination of ibrutinib (Imbruvica) and nivolumab (Opdivo) in relapsed or refractory Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) patients. Nivolumab, a PD-1 checkpoint inhibitor, has already shown promising activity in HL patients, but ibrutinib has not been tested in this patient population. Dr. Alinari’s trial will measure both the efficacy of this potential combination therapy and also seek to better understand the mechanisms behind the activity of both agents. “Our study has the potential to improve clinical outcomes of Hodgkin lymphoma patients and results could change the treatment paradigm in this patient population,” Dr. Alinari says.

Dr. Alinari developed his interest in hematologic malignancies while a medical student at the University of Florence, in his native Italy. After receiving his MD, Dr. Alinari moved to The Ohio State University (OSU), where he is currently a Hematology Fellow. While at OSU, he has also completed a PhD in experimental hematology. “Over the past years, I have realized that my true passion involves preclinical and clinical development of novel strategies to treat lymphoma patients,” Dr. Alinari says, adding that he hopes to become an independent investigator focusing on both discovering novel therapeutic targets as well as developing novel therapies for Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphomas.

Already possessing a strong laboratory background, Dr. Alinari sees his LCRMP as a way to strengthen his clinical research skills. “I am committed to a translational research career in lymphomas and the Lymphoma Research Foundation will help me to fill the gap between preclinical and clinical research by strengthening my education and allowing me the opportunity to collaborate with leaders in the field and learn from the colleagues I hope to emulate in my own career,” he notes. “I have found that witnessing my preclinical research translated into therapies that may offer patients superior care over standard treatments to be a rewarding and noble career path to follow.”