Advanced Techniques to Study Conditions and Diseases
Pathologists at Loyola Medicine offer a complete range of advanced technologies and services in anatomic, clinical and molecular pathology. Our faculty provides consultation on patient diagnosis and test result interpretation in both the inpatient and outpatient settings throughout Loyola.
These consultative efforts include the specialized services of cytogenetics, dermatopathology, flow cytometry and ophthalmic pathology to doctors throughout the Chicagoland area. Our faculty also includes specialists in renal pathology and neuropathology, who are among only a few in Illinois.
Ongoing Research to Advance Pathology Tests
Pathology is a research-intensive department, where nationally and internationally recognized scientists conduct basic science research into the mechanisms of disease and clinical pathologists conduct applied or translational research to bring new technologies and the latest biomarker tests to market. We are currently engaged in a number of studies including:
- Breast cancer — Scientists are studying experimental drugs and molecular pharmacology agents to develop new mechanisms and treatments for breast cancer.
- Coagulation — Through the efforts of an internationally recognized coagulation and hemostasis research group, current studies focus on blood thinning agents such as heparin and, in particular, low molecular weight heparins. This research examines the treatment and prevention of heart disease, stroke and blood-clotting syndromes.
- Lung cancer — Scientists are studying the molecular biology of adenocarcinoma of the lung with an emphasis on altered signaling pathways that could be targeted for therapy.
- Microbiology — Investigations are underway to conduct field studies of antimicrobials and identification systems using automated microbiology equipment designed for rapid identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing of bacteria.
- Neurodegenerative diseases — Ongoing research is focusing on the mechanisms of Alzheimer’s disease medications. Loyola’s pathology department’s brain bank is one of only four in Illinois and a rich resource for study.
- Skin cancer — Numerous studies are underway to examine normal and abnormal cell proliferation, differentiation and death in various skin cancers, vitiligo and psoriasis.
