Myeloma expert Fenghuang “Frank” Zhan, MD, PhD, has joined the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) as research director of the Myeloma Center.
Zhan was most recently a professor of medicine at the University of Iowa and an adjunct professor with the University of Iowa’s College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics.
Zhan, who is also a professor of medicine in the UAMS College of Medicine, was previously at the UAMS Myeloma Center from 2002 to 2008, as an assistant professor in the College of Medicine.
“We are excited to also now have Dr. Zhan back in our fold,” said Frits van Rhee, MD, PhD, clinical director of the Myeloma Center. “Dr. Zhan brings with him great expertise regarding the molecular genetics and the biology of myeloma.as well as drug resistance to therapy”
After leaving UAMS in 2008, he joined former UAMS colleague Guido J.K. Tricot at the Utah Blood and Marrow Transplant and Myeloma Program at the University of Utah’s Huntsman Cancer Institute. The two later worked together at the Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Iowa Health Care in Iowa City, Iowa.
Zhan received a medical degree and PhD in cancer molecular genetics from Hunan Medical University in Changsha, PR, China. He received his dental degree from West China Medical University in Chengdu, PR, China.
Zhan’s ability to identify and target myeloma stem cells and the genomic classification of the disease will be an immense asset to UAMS, van Rhee said.
“He will greatly help us in furthering the innovative treatment we have offered for more than 30 years now.”