Lawrence A. Solberg Jr., M.D., Ph.D.

The long-term research interest of Lawrence A. Solberg Jr., M.D., Ph.D., has been the study of the regulation of the hematopoietic stem cell-megakaryocyte-platelet axis.

Focus areas

Dr. Solberg's work has included:

• Characterization of megakaryocytic stem cells
• Cloning of thrombopoietin
• In vitro studies of the properties of anagrelide, a drug used to treat elevated platelet counts

Dr. Solberg also uses mathematical modeling to further represent and examine the properties of stem cells. His clinical publications and work have derived from this interest and are in the areas of myeloproliferative disorders and stem cell transplantation.

Significance to patient care

Dr. Solberg's research has aimed at improving abnormally low blood counts, particularly platelet counts, in patients with a variety of hematological disorders and those undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Approaches have included cloning one of the major growth factors that regulate platelet production, thrombopoietin.

Dr. Solberg's current focus is on best clinical practices in supporting patients with hematological disorders. He is also active in writing and publishing clinical guidelines (most recently for immune thrombocytopenic purpura) and in generating and testing quality care metrics used by Medicare for patients with hematological disorders.