I study disorders of the bone marrow and bone marrow failure syndromes. I also see some leukemias and lymphomas and other blood malignancies. Duke offers a very personalized, individualized level of care to each patient. Nobody is the same, so we take the whole patient, we listen to them, and we offer our best recommendations for treatment options. We offer some of the latest treatment options that are available, usually in the setting of a clinical trial. If not, we offer the latest advancement in the field. When I was going through medical school, molecular biology was the new field. Everything was being described as a new cancer-causing gene. And to me that was so appealing – we’re going to figure out what causes cancer and new ways to treat it. That’s what really brought me into the hematology oncology world – things were being discovered that were new and exciting and hopefully would lead to new treatment options. Duke offers an extremely high standard of care. Though we’re not always successful and the disease sometimes wins, our goal is to give the patients the best possible care. Dr. De Castro Iii is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Systemic Mastocytosis. His top areas of expertise are Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH), Aplastic Anemia, Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), Acute Myeloblastic Leukemia without Maturation, and Bone Marrow Aspiration.

I have the privilege of caring for patients with various myeloproliferative neoplasms including, polycythemia vera, essential thrombocytosis, primary myelofibrosis, systemic mastocytosis, and chronic myeloid leukemia. My goal is to provide the best possible care for each individual patient in an era where the number of therapeutic options for patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms is rapidly expanding. As a clinical investigator leading several clinical studies in both early and late stages of development, I strive to offer patients access to investigational agents with novel mechanisms of action via participation in clinical trials. I believe that every patient has a unique diagnosis and personal experience with their cancer. I aim to consider the disease, the patient and individual care goals in partnering with patients to develop and implement personalized treatment plans. Dr. Rein is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Systemic Mastocytosis. Her top areas of expertise are Systemic Mastocytosis, Myelofibrosis, Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPN), Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), and Bone Marrow Aspiration.

I am motivated to unlock the mysteries of human immunology and to understand how to treat the many aspects of health problems that occur in immune deficiencies. My clinical and basic science research goals include studying common variable immune deficiency (CVID). My career in medicine has been a journey. Committed to become a physician at the age of five, I desired to learn how to help people feel better. Over time, and a few degrees later, I discovered the best way to help people through my study of medicine is to not only care for them through thoughtful listening and problem solving, but also to study through an active research program in the lab those questions I cannot answer. I chose to select training that encompassed both traditional medical school curriculum as well as bench and clinic science. Dr. Lugar is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Systemic Mastocytosis. Her top areas of expertise are Primary Immunodeficiency (PID), Common Variable Immune Deficiency, Immunodeficiency with Hyper IgM Type 1, and Systemic Mastocytosis.

What makes Duke Health unique in bone marrow transplants is its holistic approach. We take care of the disease -- which is important, because these are very serious, potentially fatal diseases. But at the same time, we pay attention to patients’ emotional and psychological well-being in addition to their physical well-being. And not only for patients but also the whole family, because the caregivers and other parts of the family need attention as well. I wanted to go into medicine, because it was a great way to interact and take care of patients. In my mind, cancer is one of two diseases within internal medicine where you can actually cure people. The best part of bone marrow transplant is that the time between the laboratory and the patient is short. Patients who need a transplant tend to be relatively sick and in need of new therapies. That’s been very intellectually challenging and fun. Dr. Chao is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Systemic Mastocytosis. His top areas of expertise are Graft Versus Host Disease (GvHD), Chronic Graft Versus Host Disease (cGvHD), Multiple Myeloma, Bone Marrow Transplant, and Bone Graft.

The Division of Cellular Therapy does bone marrow transplants and stem cell transplants for patients with different types of blood cancers. Specifically, I see patients with multiple myeloma or other plasma cell issues like amyloidosis. Many of the cases in my clinic are difficult. So I spend a lot of time talking with my patients, explaining the disease when they come as new patients and talking about the complexity of the disease, because it’s important that they understand what to ask their physicians here at Duke and at home. There’s no standard treatment for myeloma. We have different options – continuation of therapy, immediate transplant or transplant later. I like to explain to patients why I favor a certain treatment approach and why I think it would be the best approach for them. Dr. Gasparetto is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Systemic Mastocytosis. Her top areas of expertise are Multiple Myeloma, Smoldering Multiple Myeloma, Relapsed Refractory Multiple Myeloma (RRMM), Bone Marrow Transplant, and Colonoscopy.

Since studying basic immunology prior to beginning my clinical training, I have been deeply interested in applying immunological perspective for the treatment of cancers including hematologic malignancies. Interestingly emerging immunotherapies showed very promising results in recent years. In my clinic, I treat patients with multiple myeloma which is one type of cancer arising from plasma cells. My research will focus on developing early phase clinical protocols utilizing novel cellular therapy approach and also improving the outcomes of blood and marrow transplantation. My ultimate goal is to provide better treatment options than the current standard approach to patients. Dr. Choi is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Systemic Mastocytosis. His top areas of expertise are Multiple Myeloma, Smoldering Multiple Myeloma, Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance (MGUS), Bone Marrow Transplant, and Bone Marrow Aspiration.

I focus on treating patients with blood cancers who are considering stem cell or bone marrow transplantation. There have been significant improvements in transplantation over the last 20 years, which has improved outcomes. These improvements include the ability to use lower doses of chemotherapy to reduce toxicity for patients, as well as strategies to reduce the risk of relapse. I am interested in using new therapies and approaches to improve outcomes after stem cell transplantation for blood cancers. It is important to work together with patients to determine their goals for treatment and select the best path forward. I have enjoyed working with patients and their families for many years after their transplant. Dr. Alyea is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Systemic Mastocytosis. His top areas of expertise are Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS), Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), Acute Myeloblastic Leukemia without Maturation, Acute Myeloblastic Leukemia with Maturation, and Bone Marrow Transplant.

Richard Lopez is a Transplant Surgeon in Durham, North Carolina. Dr. Lopez has been practicing medicine for over 36 years and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Systemic Mastocytosis. His top areas of expertise are Multiple Myeloma, Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), Smoldering Multiple Myeloma, Bone Marrow Transplant, and Bone Marrow Aspiration.

Peter Bressler is an Allergy and Immunologist in Durham, North Carolina. Dr. Bressler has been practicing medicine for over 44 years and is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Systemic Mastocytosis. His top areas of expertise are Hives, Allergic Rhinitis, Sinusitis, and Systemic Mastocytosis.

David Fitzhugh is an Internal Medicine specialist and an Allergy and Immunologist in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Dr. Fitzhugh is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Systemic Mastocytosis. His top areas of expertise are Anaphylaxis, Food Allergy, Sinusitis, and Allergic Rhinitis.

My passion for helping others and my interest in science led me to medicine. I believe in a team-based approach in caring for patients. I am committed to listening and working together with my patients to find an accurate diagnosis and evidence-based treatment plan that is right for them and their lifestyle. I am a general dermatologist and able to take care of all conditions of the skin, hair, and nails, but I have a specific interest in pigmented lesions (moles), melanoma, and melanoma prevention. I also have an interest in the diagnosis and treatment of other skin cancers. I enjoy teaching and am passionate about medical education and training a compassionate, committed, and competent next generation of doctors. Dr. O'brien is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Systemic Mastocytosis. Her top areas of expertise are Female Pattern Baldness, Malignant Hypertension, Systemic Mastocytosis, and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS).

Elizabeth Ju is a Dermatologist in Raleigh, North Carolina. Dr. Ju is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Systemic Mastocytosis. Her top areas of expertise are Acne, Giant Congenital Melanocytic Nevus, Giant Congenital Nevus, and Familial Atypical Multiple Mole Melanoma Syndrome. Dr. Ju is currently accepting new patients.

Hendrik Vandeventer is a Hematologist Oncology specialist and a Hematologist in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Dr. Vandeventer is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Systemic Mastocytosis. His top areas of expertise are Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL), Aplastic Anemia, Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), Acute Myeloblastic Leukemia without Maturation, and Bone Marrow Aspiration. Dr. Vandeventer is currently accepting new patients.