Heather J. Landau, MD

My research focuses on new treatment approaches for plasma cell disorders. Along with colleagues here, I am testing targeted therapies, immunomodulatory agents, and stem cell transplantation to arrive at more-effective and less-toxic regimens for these diseases.

Very effective novel agents have recently become available for plasma cell disorders, but it is not clear if these are more effective than stem cell transplantation for patients early in the course of their disease. To help answer that question, I am co-leading a study comparing the effectiveness of an immunomodulatory agent (lenalidomide) with that of high-dose therapy and stem cell transplantation. I am also leading a trial to determine the most effective post-stem cell transplant therapy. As the principal investigator of an ongoing trial using a risk-adapted approach to stem cell transplant followed by novel agents in AL amyloidosis, I have had the opportunity to present exciting results demonstrating significant activity and low toxicity with this approach.

For patients whose plasma cell disorder has relapsed, I am investigating novel agents alone and in combinations. Some patients with multiple myeloma and plasma cell disorders do poorly despite treatment. I am collaborating with colleagues here in efforts to develop safer and more-effective donor-derived (allogeneic) hematopoietic stem cell transplantation options using T-cell-depleted grafts, a strategy pioneered at Memorial Sloan Kettering. In order to improve accessibility to treatment and the quality of life of our patients, I am also helping to develop outpatient transplant strategies using state-of-the-art technology (Tele-Health monitoring).

I have also enjoyed mentoring students from the college level through the post-graduate level.