James K. McCloskey II, MD, Named Division Chief of the Division of Leukemia At Hackensack University Medical Center’s John Theurer Cancer Center

James K. McCloskey II, MD, was named division chief of the division of Leukemia at Hackensack Meridian John Theurer Cancer Center, part of Hackensack University Medical Center (JTCC). Dr. McCloskey previously served as the interim chief for the Division of Leukemia and will continue in his role as director for the Program for Myeloproliferative Neoplasms at John Theurer Cancer Center.

Dr. McCloskey specializes in the care of patients with acute leukemia, myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), and myeloproliferative diseases. Before his appointment at JTCC, he was the chief fellow in the Department of Hematology and Oncology at Georgetown University Hospital, where he also completed his residency. He earned his medical degree from Georgetown University School of Medicine. His research interests focus on developmental therapeutics for patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), and myeloproliferative disorders, including chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML).

“I am honored to be named the division chief of the Division of Leukemia,” said Dr. McCloskey. “I am grateful to be part of an incredible team and look forward to continuing to build a program where we can offer our patients personalized, compassionate and cutting-edge care.”

Dr. McCloskey has extensive research experience, serving as primary investigator on multiple clinical trials, including those evaluating IDH inhibitors in AML, novel therapies for MDS, and pacritinib for patients with myelofibrosis. He has authored or coauthored numerous publications, including book chapters, reviews, and abstracts. He has published research on the treatment of adolescent ALL patients with pediatric-inspired induction regimens, as well as the outcomes of AML patients with monocytic differentiation.

Dr. McCloskey has presented a range of clinical work at major medical conferences, including meetings of the American Society of Hematology, American Society of Clinical Oncology, Georgetown University Research Day, and the Society of Comparative and Integrative Biology. His research was published in Blood, Advances in Clinical Oncology, OncoTargets and Therapy, and Breast Cancer Research and Treatment.

“I would like to congratulate Dr. McCloskey and welcome him in his new role at JTCC,’’ said Mark Sparta, president and chief hospital executive, Hackensack University Medical Center. “Dr. McCloskey’s research contributions have advanced the field of leukemia care, and we are proud that he is now leading our leukemia care team.”

“Dr. McCloskey who joined us from Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center a few years ago, has a true passion for leukemia including a particular interest for precision medicine in AML and other myeloproliferative disorders; he has  presented a range of clinical work at major medical conferences,” said Andre Goy, M.D., M.S., physician-in-chief, Hackensack Meridian Health, Oncology Care Transformation Service. “Jim has provided crucial leadership for the division and helped to spur tremendous growth in providing high-quality care to our patients. We are excited for the future of our Division of Leukemia under his direction.”

“John Theurer Cancer Center patients who are living with acute leukemia, myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), and myeloproliferative diseases will not only have access to Dr. McCloskey’s knowledge and experience, but they will also have access to the latest treatments through clinical trials,” said Ihor S. Sawczuk, M.D., FACS, regional president, Northern Market, Hackensack Meridian Health.

About John Theurer Cancer Center at Hackensack University Medical Center

John Theurer Cancer Center at Hackensack University Medical Center is New Jersey’s largest and most comprehensive center dedicated to the diagnosis, treatment, management, research, screenings, and preventive care as well as survivorship of patients with all types of cancers. The 14 specialized divisions covering the complete spectrum of cancer care have developed a close-knit team of medical, research, nursing, and support staff with specialized expertise that translates into more advanced, focused care for all patients. Each year, more people in the New Jersey/New York metropolitan area turn to John Theurer Cancer Center for cancer care than to any other facility in New Jersey. John Theurer Cancer Center is a member of the Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center Consortium, one of just 16 NCI-approved cancer research consortia based at the nation’s most prestigious institutions. Housed within a 775-bed not-for-profit teaching, tertiary care, and research hospital, John Theurer Cancer Center provides state-of-the-art technological advances, compassionate care, research innovations, medical expertise, and a full range of aftercare services that distinguish John Theurer Cancer Center from other facilities. For additional information, please visit www.jtcancercenter.org.