Virginia M. Klimek, MD

One of the strengths of our program is our ability to accurately diagnose bone marrow failure syndromes, which can mimic many other conditions. For our diagnostic skills and in-depth research program in these diseases, the MDS Foundation has designated Memorial Sloan-Kettering a Center of Excellence.

Because of their complexity, bone marrow failure syndromes require a carefully-thought-out, evolving care plan. One of my goals is to educate and empower my patients so they can participate fully in decision-making about their care. I also encourage patients to participate in clinical trials, because we need more and better treatments. For example, currently there are only three FDA-approved treatments for MDS.

I am an investigator on many clinical trials that will hopefully lead to the development of new treatments for people with MDS and leukemia. I am particularly interested in “epigenetic” therapies, which restore the ability of bone marrow cells to use genetic information needed to make blood cells. In addition, I collaborate extensively with laboratory scientists both within Memorial Sloan-Kettering and at other institutions to learn more about the blood and bone marrow abnormalities in patients with these diseases. We then use those new discoveries to develop new treatments. I am an author of numerous manuscripts describing clinical trials, including those that led to FDA approval of treatments for MDS.