The Lymphoma Research Foundation (LRF) has 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 the global leadership of Kanti R. Rai, MD, in the field of lymphoma and CLL research and his commitment to LRF’s mission, the first award associated with the program will be announced in the spring of 2023.
Kanti R. Rai, MD
Dr. Rai has been a global leader in the field of lymphoma and CLL research for more than 4 decades. The staging system that bears his name was born from his early and groundbreaking work in the field, including his publication of the Rai prognostic categorization of CLL in a landmark article—which is still used 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.
Dr. Rai is currently Professor at the Karches Center for Oncology Research within the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research at Northwell Health, and he is the Joel Finkelstein Cancer Foundation Professor of Medicine and Molecular Medicine at the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell.
The Award
Each year, LRF will award one participant in its Lymphoma Scientific Research Mentoring Program with the Kanti R. Rai, MD, Clinical Scholar award. As a part of the Foundation’s program, the awardee will become an LRF Scholar and receive mentoring from world-leading lymphoma experts in pursuit of a career in CLL research. The new grant will ensure the awardee’s participation in the 2-year program, providing both 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, Chief Executive Officer of LRF. “This level of ongoing support is critical for the study of rare cancers like CLL. The [LRF] 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.”
