The Search Continues to Treat and Cure Blood Diseases…
In 1969, Melvyn Motolinsky was about to embark on a brilliant law career when he was suddenly stricken with leukemia. What was this disease that could strike so vengefully and quickly against young and old alike? What progress has been made in fighting it? Leukemia is an acute or chronic disease of unknown cause, characterized by an abnormal
increase in the number of leukocytes (white blood cells) in the tissue (and often in the blood). Years ago there was no cure for this disease. Information about all aspects and components of blood is being pieced together in the massive medical research to rid mankind of this cancerous spectre with its tragic consequences for victim and family. This explosive expansion of knowledge in Hematology has given us the capability to unravel many of the mysteries of the living cell, and to apply this knowledge to the understanding of diseases and their remedies. It now appears that there in no single or simple cause of leukemia and that there will be no single or simple cure. But real progress has been made in the diagnosis and treatment of leukemia, particularly with pharmaceuticals and bone marrow transplants. Today, Melvyn Motolinsky and countless thousands more like him could have a remission for years, and even a chance of cure, as medical science improves its knowledge, technology and treatment of leukemia. Achievements have not come easily, and so much more needs to be done. Motolinsky Laboratory for Hematology Research was established in 1972 in conjunction with the University of Medicine and Dentistry / Rutgers Medical School for just such purpose. The Laboratory has become an integral part of the Division of Hematology and at the School is widely recognized for its achievements. It is committed to research in all aspects of blood diseases based on the conviction that ultimately tragedies of blood disorders such as leukemia must and can be treated and cured.
“So that others will live.”
