Hematotherapy: Pioneers and Pathfinders

Hematotherapy in principle is dated to >3000 years ago and the “art” of bloodletting was practiced by most cultures of the age. When Hippocrates described the four humors that represented existence, Galen of Pergamum's (129–200 AD) subsequent declaration of blood as the dominant humor promoted even greater application [1]. Although therapeutic phlebotomy is still a form of treatment today, the field of hematotherapy has evolved into a dynamic and cutting-edge therapy that has been transformative. The first transfusions performed in 1628 by William Harvey [2] paved the way for visionaries and luminaries such as Edward Donnall Thomas, MD, and Robert A. Good, MD, PhD, DSc, who transplanted bone marrow to reconstitute the entire hematopoietic lineage [3]. Individual cell populations such as natural killer cells, lymphocytes, and mesenchymal stromal cells are revolutionizing the field of immunotherapeutics.

In this special issue, we highlight peer-reviewed articles exploring novel pursuits and application of hematotherapy for basic, translational, and clinical science. We also present the direct views of invited colleagues to share their perspective and opinion on opportunities and challenges in the field of hematotherapy. An important component to this is team science with a particular emphasis on being mentored and mentoring. In the Pioneers and Pathfinders section, we profile a senior scientist for her perspective on science and mentoring as well as newer faculty members who have benefited from highly impactful mentors and are now embarking on their own careers where they will be mentors to a new generation of scientists. In my own experience I have had the tremendous honor and fortune to be mentored by Dr. John E. Wagner, MD, Dr. Joseph Neglia, MD, Dr. Julie Ross, PhD, Dr. Bruce R. Blazar, MD, and Dr. Jakub Tolar, MD, PhD. In 2018, the University of Minnesota celebrated the 50th anniversary of the first successful bone marrow transplant. Pioneers such as William Krivit, MD, PhD, Norma Ramsay, MD, Mark Nesbit, MD, and John H. Kersey, MD, established a standard and perpetuating lineage of excellence. In this environment, my mentors have established an educational and developmental environment that is first rate and promoted my professional growth and counseled me to be bold, take the initiative, and to work tirelessly to improve the lives of pediatric patients.

The dynamic field of hematotherapy has been and is led by pioneers who will train and pass the torch to a new group of pathfinders. For any age and era, the words and wisdom of the modern Hippocratic Oath ring true: “I will respect the hard-won scientific gains of those physicians in whose steps I walk, and gladly share such knowledge as is mine with those who are to follow.”