Titans of Transplant: Dr. Rick Jones

In this latest episode of ASTCT Talks, Dr. Tania Jain engages in a conversation with Dr. Richard Jones, the BMT director and co-director of the Hematologic Malignancies Programs at Johns Hopkins University. He shares his journey in the field of oncology and transplantation, reflecting on the life events and experiences that led him to this path. He delves into the groundbreaking development of post-transplant cyclophosphamide (PTCy) and its significant impact on transplant procedures. Gain insights into the behind-the-scenes efforts and the role PTCy has played in expanding donor options and improving graft-versus-host disease prophylaxis. The episode also highlights Dr. Jones' dedication to mentoring and his commitment to family, emphasizing the importance of work-life balance in this profession. About Dr. Rick Jones Richard J. Jones, M.D. is Professor of Oncology, Medicine, and Pathobiology, Associate Director of the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center for Faculty and Program Development, as well as Director of the Bone Marrow Transplantation (BMT) and co-Director of the Hematologic Malignancies Programs at Johns Hopkins University. His major area of research interest is normal and malignant stem cell biology, especially the translation of promising findings from the laboratory to the clinic to improve the treatment of malignant and non-malignant blood disorders. Examples of his research accomplishments have been the development of the stem cell marker Aldefluor and high-dose cyclophosphamide for auto- and alloimmunity. The latter has led to the ability to safely perform partially mismatched BMT, allowing now everyone in need access to BMT. He has authored over 300 articles and book chapters on hematopoiesis, hematologic malignancies, and transplantation biology. Dr. Jones is a past Stohlman Memorial Scholar of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. About Dr. Tania Jain, MBBS Dr. Jain, MBBS, (@TaniaJain11) is a physician scientist in the hematological malignancies and stem cell transplantation division with Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at the Johns Hopkins. Her academic focus is cellular therapy and transplantation in the treatment of high-risk hematological malignancies especially myeloproliferative neoplasms. Her primary research focus is to develop strategies to improve outcomes and prevent relapse of hematological malignancies following allogeneic stem cell transplantation. She also serves as the Director of the Immune Effector Cell (IEC) Therapy at Johns Hopkins, where they are currently expanding their CAR T program to help patients with advanced hematological malignancies. Her academic interest in this space lies in developing novel IEC strategies and studying aspects of toxicity of CAR T cell therapy with an aim to improve long term outcomes in these patients.