Dr. Carolyn Hoppe is a pediatric hematologist/oncologist at Children’s Hospital & Research Center Oakland whose research interests have focused on translational studies in sickle cell disease. The past recipient of the ASH Fellow Scholar Award and the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation Clinical Scientist Development Award, Dr. Hoppe identified novel candidate genetic modifiers of stroke using samples from children enrolled in the multi-institutional Cooperative Study of Sickle Cell Disease (CSSCD) and the Stroke Prevention Trial for Sickle Cell Anemia (STOP). She has collaborated on several projects using high-density genotyping and genome sequencing approaches to identify genetic determinants of disease severity and Hb F response to hydroxyurea.
Dr. Hoppe has more recently expanded her research interests to the investigation of simvastatin as a potential therapy to ameliorate the vasculopathy of SCD. With pilot data showing a decrease in markers of inflammation and endothelial injury after short-term treatment with simvastatin, she is currently conducting a phase 2 trial to determine whether the observed changes in biomarker levels translate into clinically relevant reduction in vaso-occlusive pain episodes. In collaboration with colleagues at UCLA, this trial incorporates the use of an electronic pain diary to monitor the frequency and intensity of pain and other sickle-cell related symptoms.
Other current research projects include investigation of changes in gene expression induced by transfusion in SCD, and a phase 2 trial evaluating the potential use of a platelet inhibitor to prevent vaso-occlusive pain events. Lastly, in her role as medical director of the CHRCO Hemoglobinopathy Reference Laboratory, Dr. Hoppe has developed an interest in public health research; she is currently co-PI on a CDC-sponsored project to build diagnostic laboratory capacity nationally for improved surveillance of hemoglobin disorders.