Stephen J. Forman

Stephen J. Forman, M.D. is a Professor in the Department of Hematology & Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation and Department of Medical Oncology & Therapeutics Research at City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center. He serves as Director of the Hematologic Malignancies Research Institute, Principal Investigator of the Lymphoma SPORE, and Director of the T Cell Therapeutics Research Laboratory. Dr. Forman has dedicated over 45 years to advancing treatments for blood cancers and has been instrumental in dramatically improving survival rates for patients with hematologic malignancies.

Dr. Forman earned his M.D. from the University of Southern California in 1974 and a B.A. in Philosophy from St. John's College in 1970. His medical training includes residency and internship at Harbor UCLA Hospital, fellowship in Hematology at LAC+USC Medical Center, and fellowship in Medical Oncology at City of Hope.

Dr. Forman is an international expert in leukemia, lymphoma, and bone marrow transplantation. His research focuses on immunotherapy, particularly using T cells for cancer treatment. He has been deeply involved with translational and clinical research at City of Hope's Toni Stephenson Lymphoma Center, Cellular Immunotherapy Center, Judy and Bernard Briskin Center for Multiple Myeloma Research, and the Gehr Family Center for Leukemia Research. His work in CAR T-cell therapy has positioned him at the forefront of cellular immunotherapy for hematologic malignancies.

Analysis of Dr. Forman's recent publications reveals a strong focus on advancing T cell immunotherapy, particularly CAR T-cell approaches for hematologic malignancies. His research spans from basic mechanisms of T cell function to clinical applications in leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma. A significant portion of his work addresses challenges in immunotherapy, including antigen escape, treatment resistance, and improving the safety profile of cellular therapies. His research demonstrates a clear trajectory from laboratory discoveries to clinical implementation, reflecting his commitment to translational medicine.

• E. Donnall Thomas Lecture, American Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (2019)
• DKMS Mechtild Harf Science Award (2019)

Dr. Forman has been a principal investigator on numerous research grants, including the Lymphoma SPORE (Specialized Programs of Research Excellence), which represents significant NIH funding for lymphoma research. As Director of the Hematologic Malignancies Research Institute and former Chair of the Department of Hematology & Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, he has overseen extensive research programs and mentored countless clinicians and scientists. His leadership in the field is reflected in his co-editorship of "Thomas' Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation," considered the definitive textbook in the field.

Dr. Forman directs the T Cell Therapeutics Research Laboratory at the Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, where his team investigates novel approaches to harness the immune system against cancer. He is also co-leader of the Hematologic Malignancies Program within City of Hope's Comprehensive Cancer Center, coordinating a multidisciplinary team focused on improving outcomes for patients with blood cancers. His work bridges basic science and clinical application, with a particular emphasis on translating laboratory discoveries into effective treatments for patients.