Research
Clinical, Basic and Translational Research
Many physician-scientist members of the BWH Lupus Program are engaged in cutting-edge research into the diagnosis and treatment of autoimmune connective diseases, focusing on advancing the understanding of the biologic mechanisms of disease and how to improve care and outcomes for patients with this complex autoimmune illness. We are actively recruiting lupus patients for multiple federal and industry-sponsored clinical trials. Our ongoing research includes:
• Development and testing of new immunoassays for the diagnosis, molecular characterization and management of lupus, particularly among newly-diagnosed patients
• Several clinical trials of new therapies for lupus and lupus nephritis
• Studies of cardiovascular disease risk, identification and management among lupus patients
• Survey research on attitudes and opinions about medications
• Studies of the factors contributing to health care disparities in outcomes
• Community outreach and education about lupus
• BWH Lupus Registry: a large database of over 2,500 BWH lupus patients
• BWH Lupus Biobank: a repository of blood samples for clinical and translational research
Clinical and Research Training in Lupus
The BWH Lupus Program is proud to be responsible for training the next generation of lupus clinicians and investigators. Harvard Medical School and visiting medical students and BWH medical residents shadow in Lupus Center clinic, take a month-long elective in lupus, and join the inpatient rheumatology consult team on the wards for a month. The BWH Division of Rheumatology, Immunology and Allergy trains 3-4 fellows annually and many choose to pursue lupus research and clinical care. We hold monthly Lupus Program meetings, weekly case conferences, journal clubs and grand rounds. The BWH Lupus Program invites a Peter Schur, MD Distinguished Visiting Professor to give rounds, clinical conference and meet with the fellows and trainees annually. Fellows have the opportunity to pursue advanced rheumatology training in basic, translational or clinical research, with multiple different laboratories and principal investigators and a wealth of training resources and opportunities at BWH and Harvard Medical School and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
Ready to Make a Change?
Donate today to the BWH Lupus Program and make a difference for the Lupus Research of Tomorrow.