Clive S. Zent

Dr. Clive S. Zent is a Professor in the Department of Medicine, Hematology/Oncology at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry. He specializes in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), hairy cell leukemia, prolymphocytic leukemia, lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma (Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia), and large granular lymphocytic leukemia. As part of the University of Rochester Medical Faculty Group and Accountable Health Partners, Dr. Zent provides expert care for blood cancers with a focus on precision diagnosis and targeted therapy.

Dr. Zent's educational background includes:

• MBBCH from University of Witwatersrand (South Africa) in 1983 (Degree with Distinction)
• Internship in Internal Medicine at Coronation Hospital (South Africa) in 1984
• Residency in Internal Medicine at Groote Schuur Hospital (South Africa) from 1987-1991
• Fellowship in Hematology & Oncology at University of Chicago Medical Center from 1993-1996
• Residency in Internal Medicine at University of Arkansas College of Medicine in 1996-1997

Dr. Zent's research has significantly advanced our understanding of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies for CLL, molecular prognostic markers, diagnosis of related diseases, and management of autoimmune cytopenias and second malignancies. His work spans immunotherapy mechanisms, antibody-mediated phagocytosis, vaccine responses in immunocompromised patients, and cardiotoxicity from novel lymphoma treatments. He has been instrumental in developing international patient registries for hairy cell leukemia and establishing consensus guidelines.

His recent publications reveal a strong focus on targeted therapies for CLL and hairy cell leukemia, including BTK inhibitors, PI3K inhibitors, and novel combination regimens. There's significant attention to treatment-related complications like atrial fibrillation and infection risks, healthcare disparities among different patient populations, and increasingly incorporates patient-centered outcomes and quality of life considerations.

Dr. Zent has received several prestigious awards:

• Hematology Teacher of the Year (2023-2024)
• Teacher of the Year in Hematology (2008)
• Kaminer Fellowship (Travel Award) (1995)
• Degree with Distinction from University of Witwatersrand (1983)

As a dedicated clinician-educator, Dr. Zent has mentored numerous medical students, residents, and fellows. Patient comments consistently highlight his exceptional communication skills, thorough explanations, and compassionate approach. He actively participates in multicenter clinical trials and collaborative research initiatives focused on improving outcomes for patients with leukemias and lymphomas.

Dr. Zent maintains an active clinical practice at the Wilmot Cancer Center at Strong Memorial Hospital, where he continues to investigate novel therapeutic approaches for chronic lymphocytic leukemia and related disorders, with particular interest in optimizing treatment sequencing and managing treatment-related complications.