Troy Lund, MD, PhD

Dr. Lund is interested in the use of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) primarily for patients with inherited metabolic disorders, like Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD), Hurler syndrome (MPS-1H), Hunter syndrome, Metachromatic Leukodystrophy, and others. He studies the onset of disease, biomarkers of disease, mechanism of disease, and how HSCT improves the disease process. His work both in his research laboratory and with his patients has created many new approaches to treatment, which will ultimately make HSCT safer and more effective.
"Yes, we're saving lives. But that's not enough. I want to improve the quality of life for these kids, and that's where I'm focusing my energy."

Dr. Lund's research focuses improving the outcomes for all patients undergoing blood and marrow transplantation by increasing the speed at which hematopoietic stem cells reconstitute the immune system after transplant. He also works to increase our understanding the pathophysiological processes underlying inherited metabolic diseases. One area Dr. Lund is exploring is how an autoimmune reaction may trigger the cerebral form of adrenoleukodystrophy (cALD), the most serious form of ALD. This study represents the largest screening for immune-reactivity in cALD ever performed, and further research could help identify ALD patients with immune-reactivity prior to the onset of cALD.