As a pathologist, Madhurima Koka, MD, PhD, offers a unique perspective and new ideas on ongoing clinical trials based on her experience with morphology, immunophenotype, and molecular genetics. Furthermore, through her experience as a basic scientist, Dr. Koka learned the nuances of study design and data interpretation that allow for the application of scientific techniques to diagnosis and treat malignancies. She has particular interest in understanding the utility of molecular techniques in diagnosis and prognostication in lymphomas and leukemias.
Dr. Koka
works closely with hematologists and oncologists on various clinical-translational studies, which include the application of novel compounds in the treatment of acute leukemia and lymphomas. She is particularly interested in the use of immune-modulating agents and targeted immunotherapies in the treatment of these malignancies. Additionally, Dr. Koka is a co-investigator on a Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation-funded grant looking at the causes of childhood mortality in Mali, Africa.
Dr. Koka
has also provided pathologist support to numerous National Institutes of Health (NIH)-funded investigations through the University of Maryland cancer tissue repository.