Community Health Network recently opened a new Hereditary Hematologic Malignancy (HHM) Clinic, becoming the first health system in Indiana to offer specialized evaluation and testing for inherited risk factors associated with blood cancers.
The clinic, located at Community Health Network MD Anderson Cancer Center – North, will be led by Zachary Wolfe, MD, a specialist in hematologic malignancies. It will focus on identifying patients and families who may have a hereditary predisposition to conditions such as leukemia, lymphoma, and other blood cancers.
“Approximately 10% of patients with hematologic cancers such as leukemia and myelodysplastic syndrome have an inherited genetic component, yet many of these cases go undiagnosed,” said Dr. Wolfe. “Recognizing hereditary risk can impact not only a patient’s treatment plan but also screening and prevention for their family members.”
Historically, hereditary cancer testing has focused largely on solid tumors such as breast and colon cancer. In blood cancers, inherited risk has been underrecognized due to limited access to specialized testing and expertise.
The HHM Clinic aims to close that gap by offering:
“Launching this clinic reflects Community’s commitment to precision medicine and expanding access to specialized care,” said Dr. Sumeet Bhatia, Medical Director for Community Health Network MD Anderson Cancer Center. “Being the first in Indiana underscores our dedication to advancing cancer care for patients and families across the state.”
