Lymphoma Research Foundation Establishes the Kanti R. Rai, MD Clinical Scholar Program for the Ongoing Study of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)

Lymphoma Research Foundation Announces Creation Of The Kanti R. Rai, MD Clinical Scholar Program To Fund The Study Of Lymphoma And Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL).

NEW YORK, Aug. 23, 2022 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- The Lymphoma Research Foundation (LRF) – the nation's largest non-profit organization dedicated exclusively to funding innovative lymphoma research and serving the lymphoma community through a comprehensive series of education programs, outreach initiatives, and patient services – today announced the creation of the Kanti R. Rai, MD Clinical Scholar program to fund the ongoing study of lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Established in recognition of Dr. Rai's global leadership in the field of lymphoma/CLL research and his commitment to LRF's mission, the first award associated with the program will be announced in Spring 2023.

Dr. Rai has been a global leader in the field of lymphoma/CLL research for more than four decades. The staging system that bears his name was born from his early and groundbreaking work in the field and publication of the Rai prognostic categorization of CLL in a landmark article still used today by physicians and clinical investigators around the world. His research led to the development of several innovative cancer therapies, transforming the way in which CLL is treated. He is currently Professor at The Karches Center for Oncology Research within the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research at Northwell Health, and is the Joel Finkelstein Cancer Foundation Professor of Medicine and Molecular Medicine at the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell. Elected to LRF's prestigious Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) in 2007, Dr. Rai has helped to shape LRF's research portfolio and mentor the next generation of CLL clinicians and scientists.

Each year, LRF will award one participant in its Lymphoma Scientific Research Mentoring Program (LSRMP) with the Kanti R. Rai, MD Clinical Scholar award. As a part of the Foundation's LSRMP, the awardee will become an LRF Scholar and receive mentoring from world-leading lymphoma experts as they pursue a career in CLL research. The new grant will ensure the awardee's participation in the two-year program, provide scientific support, and funding for professional development.

"This investment in early career scientists will strengthen the pipeline of lymphoma/ CLL research for decades to come and be instrumental in shaping the next generation of CLL experts," said Meghan Gutierrez, CEO of Lymphoma Research Foundation. "This level of ongoing support is critical for the study of rare cancers like CLL. The Lymphoma Research Foundation could think of no better way to recognize Dr. Rai's storied career and leadership in the field of CLL research than through the creation of this new program, which will impact CLL patients here and around the world."

Media Contact

Nichole Musumeci, Lymphoma Research Foundation, 9176921141, [email protected]

SOURCE Lymphoma Research Foundation