Luhua Wang

Luhua (Michael) Wang, M.D. is a Professor in the Department of Lymphoma/Myeloma at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, where he also holds a dual appointment in the Department of Stem Cell Transplantation within the Division of Cancer Medicine. He serves as Director of the Mantle Cell Lymphoma (MCL) Program of Excellence and Co-Director of Clinical Trials at MD Anderson, leading one of the most comprehensive MCL research and treatment programs globally.

Dr. Wang obtained his M.D. from Shandong Medical University and M.S. from Beijing University, Medical School. He completed clinical training as a resident at Norwalk Hospital in Connecticut and as a Fellow in Oncology and Hematology at MD Anderson. With over 150 peer-reviewed publications, his work has significantly advanced the treatment landscape for mantle cell lymphoma.

Dr. Wang's research focuses on elucidating mechanisms of therapeutic resistance in B-cell lymphoma, particularly mantle cell lymphoma. His laboratory utilizes genomics, molecular analysis, patient-derived xenograft mouse models, and advanced molecular tools to understand cellular mechanisms responsible for therapeutic resistance and disease progression. His work has led to the development of multiple FDA-approved treatments, including BTK inhibitors (ibrutinib, acalabrutinib, pirtobrutinib) and CAR T-cell therapy (brexucabtagene autoleucel).

Analysis of Dr. Wang's recent publications reveals a strong focus on overcoming treatment resistance in MCL through novel combination therapies, understanding resistance mechanisms at the molecular level, and developing next-generation targeted treatments. His work spans preclinical models, translational research, and clinical trials, with particular emphasis on BTK inhibitor resistance, CAR-T therapy resistance, and novel targets like MALT1 and ROR1.

• Leading investigator for FDA approval of ibrutinib for MCL (2013)
• Principal Investigator for ZUMA-2 trial leading to FDA approval of brexucabtagene autoleucel (Tecartus)
• Director of the world's only MCL-dedicated Program of Excellence
• Principal Investigator of the B-Cell Lymphoma Moon Shot Program at MD Anderson
• Recipient of multiple NIH R01 grants and CPRIT funding

Dr. Wang mentors a large research team including assistant professors, postdoctoral fellows, and research assistants. His laboratory is well-funded through multiple mechanisms including two NIH R01s, an R21, two CPRIT grants, and two Leukemia and Lymphoma Society grants. He has established the largest institutional MCL group worldwide, with the greatest number of clinical trials aimed exclusively at MCL.

The Wang Laboratory, located within the Department of Lymphoma/Myeloma, comprises a multidisciplinary team of basic, translational, and clinical research specialists focused on improving care for patients with mantle cell lymphoma. The lab utilizes single-cell genomics, molecular and cellular oncology approaches, and patient-derived xenograft models to develop more effective and less toxic treatments for this currently incurable disease.