Dr. Eicher focuses on understanding and treating serious blood cancers, particularly acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma. He has explored innovative therapies, including a new drug designed to specifically target AML cells, which improves survival rates without harming normal cells. Additionally, he investigates rapid diagnostic techniques, like blood tests that detect tumor DNA, which can expedite treatment decisions for patients with advanced melanoma, ensuring they receive timely and effective care.
Key findings
In his research on AML, Dr. Eicher found that the drug Debio 1562 effectively killed 90% of AML cells in tested models while sparing normal blood cells, leading to improved survival rates.
A case study showed that using circulating tumor DNA testing allowed a 53-year-old patient with worsening melanoma to receive targeted therapy within the same day of testing, resulting in quick improvement and discharge from the hospital within a week.
In a study on adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma, out of 18 patients treated with a combination of zidovudine and interferon alpha-2B, one patient achieved complete remission for about 21 months.
Frequently asked questions
Does Dr. Eicher study leukemia?
Yes, Dr. Eicher conducts research on various types of leukemia, including acute myeloid leukemia and adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma.
What treatments has Dr. Eicher researched?
He has researched novel therapies such as the drug Debio 1562 for acute myeloid leukemia and combinations of drugs like zidovudine and interferon alpha-2B for adult T-cell leukemia.
Is Dr. Eicher's work relevant to melanoma patients?
Absolutely. His studies on circulating tumor DNA testing have shown how quickly and effectively doctors can make treatment decisions for patients with advanced melanoma.
Publications in plain English
CD37 in acute myeloid leukemia: a novel surface target for drug delivery.
2025
Blood advances
Jeremy E, Artiga E, Elgamal S, Cheney C, Eicher D +22 more
Plain English This research focused on acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a serious form of blood cancer. The study found that a protein called CD37 is present on most AML cells, making it a potential target for treatment. A specially designed drug, Debio 1562, was shown to effectively kill AML cells while leaving normal blood cells unharmed, and it improved survival rates in various models.
Who this helps: This helps patients with acute myeloid leukemia.
Circulating Tumor DNA Testing Supports Rapid Therapeutic Decision-Making in Metastatic Melanoma: A Case Report.
2022
Frontiers in oncology
Behera TR, Song JM, Ko J, Eicher D, Arbesman J +3 more
Plain English This study examined how quickly doctors could make treatment decisions for patients with advanced melanoma using a blood test that detects tumor DNA. In a case involving a 53-year-old man with worsening melanoma, the test identified a specific mutation within the same day, allowing him to start effective targeted therapy immediately. As a result, he improved quickly and was discharged from the hospital within a week, highlighting how this blood test can speed up treatment and improve outcomes.
Who this helps: Patients with advanced melanoma who need urgent treatment decisions.
Plain English This research paper looks at tiny devices called microfluidic systems, which are used for diagnostic tests. These systems can handle very small amounts of liquid and speed up the process of analyzing samples. The study highlights various uses, from simple tests for infections to advanced technologies for genetic analysis, and suggests that these devices will significantly influence future medical tests and personalized treatments.
Who this helps: This helps patients by improving diagnostic speed and accuracy.
Combined simulation of a micro permanent magnetic linear contactless displacement sensor.
2010
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland)
Gao J, Müller WF, Greiner F, Eicher D, Weiland T +1 more
Plain English This research looked at a new type of sensor called the Micro-Permanent Magnetic Linear Contactless Displacement (PLCD) sensor, which uses magnetic principles to measure displacement very accurately. The study found that factors like the size of the air gap and the working frequency can significantly affect the sensor's performance. This matters because improving sensor accuracy can enhance various applications in technology and engineering.
Who this helps: This benefits engineers and manufacturers looking for precise measurement tools.
Fatal complete atrioventricular block as a complication of bacterial sepsis in a premature newborn.
2005
Pediatric cardiology
Lucas JF, Bradley SM, Eicher D, Sigler M, Paul T
Plain English This study focused on a premature baby weighing less than 900 grams who experienced a serious heart condition called complete heart block due to a bacterial infection. The baby was temporarily treated with a device that helped control the heart's rhythm, but doctors found no physical issues in the heart’s conduction system during further examination. This matters because it highlights the risk of heart problems in premature infants with severe infections, which can help inform treatment approaches.
Who this helps: This helps doctors treating premature infants with infections.
Journal of perinatology : official journal of the California Perinatal Association
Bissinger R, Carlson C, Hulsey T, Eicher D
Plain English This research looked at premature babies who developed breathing problems after initially recovering from respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). The study found that three infants experienced respiratory issues between 1 and 3 weeks old and all improved when given more surfactant, a substance that helps keep their lungs open. Identifying and treating this secondary surfactant deficiency could be crucial for helping vulnerable newborns recover.
Who this helps: This helps premature infants facing breathing challenges after recovery from RDS.
The combination of zidovudine and interferon alpha-2B in the treatment of adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma.
2001
Leukemia & lymphoma
White JD, Wharfe G, Stewart DM, Maher VE, Eicher D +13 more
Plain English This study looked at the effects of combining two drugs, zidovudine and interferon alpha-2B, to treat adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATL), which is a serious blood cancer. Out of 18 patients, three showed some improvement, with one going into complete remission for about 21 months, while the overall survival rate after starting treatment was only about six months. The findings are important because they indicate that this drug combination might not work as well as previously thought, especially for patients who have already had other treatments.
Who this helps: This research aids doctors in better understanding treatment options for patients with ATL.
Synthetic and natural speech preferences of male and female listeners in four age groups.
1989
Journal of speech and hearing research
Mirenda P, Eicher D, Beukelman DR
Plain English This study looked at how people of different ages and genders prefer natural versus computer-generated voices in six different situations. It found that female listeners preferred natural female voices over male or synthetic ones, while male listeners were more flexible but still preferred female-sounding voices for women and girls. Children liked robotic voices from computers, while adults wanted more natural-sounding voices from machines.
Who this helps: This benefits developers of speech technology and communication devices.