The Program
The Amyloid Treatment and Research Program at Boston University began in 1960, under the direction of Dr. Alan S. Cohen. From 1990-2007, Dr. Martha Skinner served as Director, leading an expansion of the laboratory and clinical programs. In July 2007, Dr. David C. Seldin became the Director. Both Dr. Cohen and Dr. Skinner remain actively involved in amyloidosis. Dr. Cohen is the Editor-in-Chief of the journal Amyloid, published by Taylor and Francis. Dr. Skinner remains actively involved in amyloidosis research and clinical care, serving as Director of Special Programs for the program. Dr. John Berk directs the Clinical Program including the Amyloid Airway Clinic and the international Diflunisal study for ATTR, and Dr. Lawreen Connors directs the Alan and Sandra Gerry Amyloidosis Research laboratory and oversees its research and diagnostic activities.
The Program is unique in its combination of basic and clinical research and patient care. The Program is composed of Research and Clinical Teams with a mission to:
- provide leadership in basic and clinical research on amyloidosis
- serve as a referral center for evaluation and treatment of patients with amyloid diseases
- be a resource to scientists, physicians, and patients for information on amyloidosis
The Amyloid Clinical Team is a multidisciplinary group of physician-scientists at Boston Medical Center. Each sub-specialist is an amyloid expert and has seen hundreds of patients with amyloidosis. Our goal is to evaluate and offer treatment to patients with amyloid diseases and provide a supportive environment to patients and their families. Often patients are offered treatment on a clinical trial that will bring new knowledge of the best therapy for amyloidosis. We work closely with the Stem Cell Transplant Program in the Section of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, directed by Dr. Vaishali Sanchorawala, and with the Clinical Trials Office, directed by Kathy Finn, RN, NP.
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