Dr. Christiane Querfeld is Professor and Director of the Cutaneous Lymphoma Program at City of Hope. Her research focuses on the signaling interactions within the tumor microenvironment that create a permissive niche for cutaneous T-cell lymphoma growth, with particular emphasis on immune exhaustion and checkpoint regulation, as well as translational research to advance immunotherapies. She is the recipient of multiple awards, including the Celgene Future Leader in Hematology Award, the Clinical Scholar Career Development Award from the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS), and has obtained multiple extramural grants such as from the National Cancer Institute, LLS and Israel Cancer Research Fund. Overall, she is an internationally recognized expert in cutaneous lymphoma and brings her wealth of knowledge to the Board of Directors of the International Society for Cutaneous Lymphomas.
🏥 University Affiliation, City, Country: City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA, USA
🧪 Area of focus in clinical practice and research: I specialize in dermatopathology and see patients with cutaneous lymphoma and other complex medical dermatology disorders. My research focuses on the tumor microenvironment in CTCL, immune cell interactions including immune checkpoint regulation, and translational research to advance immunotherapy for CTCL, for which I lead several investigator-initiated clinical trials.
🔎 Looking forward to in the field of cutaneous lymphomas and at the 6th WCCL: I look forward to developments in personalized immunotherapeutic strategies for CTCL, including mapping disease microenvironments and identifying new therapeutic targets. These advances promise hope for improved patient outcomes. Networking with colleagues inspires me for ongoing or new collaborations.
💭 What are you passionate about in medicine or recreationally? My research and my patients are important to me. Beyond medicine, I enjoy alpine hiking and traveling – experiences I find mind-blowing and culturally enriching.
🏆 A short story or academic achievement you are proud of: Am especially proud of securing NIH and national grants to establish and expand our cutaneous lymphoma program—an achievement that empowers my translational research and helps shape CTCL care. Building a cutaneous lymphoma program from the ground up required perseverance, vision, and the critical support of inspirational mentors.
🌟 Secret to career success: Personal drive and dedication, visionary thinking, collaborative teamwork, and the guidance of outstanding mentors, a philosophy I love to share by supporting and encouraging junior faculty, particularly women, in academic medicine.