New Study Identifies Aggressive Leukemia in Caribbean Populations

By Office of the President | Feb 25, 2025

Congratulations to Hagar Attia, M.D., PGY3 and Pathology Chief Resident, who earned national recognition at CAP24 in Las Vegas, securing third place in the prestigious Top 5 Junior Member Abstract Program at the College of American Pathologists (CAP) annual meeting.

Her groundbreaking research, titled “Distinct Disease Trajectories: Adult T-Cell Leukemia/Lymphoma in African Caribbean and Japanese Adults,” sheds new light on Adult T-Cell Leukemia/Lymphoma (ATLL)—a highly aggressive cancer affecting individuals from the Caribbean and Japan.

Most existing descriptions of ATLL are based on Japanese studies, leaving a gap in understanding how the disease manifests in Caribbean populations. Dr. Attia’s study is among the most extensive clinicopathologic analyses of ATLL in Caribbean patients, revealing key differences in disease presentation.

Her findings indicate that Caribbean patients develop ATLL at a younger age, experience a higher incidence of aggressive disease, and show a female predominance compared to Japanese patients. This distinction highlights the need for precise diagnosis and tailored treatment approaches to better address the unique disease patterns in Caribbean communities.

Dr. Attia’s achievement speaks to the collaborative research environment at Downstate. It is supported by her co-researchers PGY4 Resident Elif Yakut, M.D., PGY3 Chief Resident Jenna Zudell, M.D., and Professor Raavi Gupta, M.D., who leads Downstate’s Hematology Laboratory, and studies cancer biology across diverse ethnic populations.

The CAP24 conference was a vital platform for pathologists and researchers worldwide to exchange insights and recognize innovative contributions to the field. Dr. Attia’s success highlights her dedication and reinforces Downstate’s commitment to addressing health disparities through cutting-edge research.