The Arthritis Society Chair in Rheumatic Disease/Rheumatology: Dr. Marvin Fritzler

Dr. Marvin Fritzler is a native Albertan who has become a prominent researcher and medical doctor specializing in the diagnosis of autoimmune diseases. Autoimmune diseases include systemic lupus, multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Dr. Fritzler found that certain autoimmune diseases, neurological diseases and forms of cancer can be diagnosed by looking for molecular markers called autoantibodies by using blood samples. In the analysis of a blood sample the analyst is looking for one or more of the molecular markers, each of which indicates the presence of a specific disease.

An example of a disease that can be found this way are certain forms of Cancer. When a patient exhibits neurological symptoms such as ataxia (loss of balance and coordination) that can be associated with cancer, their doctor can request a blood test for a biomarker that identifies an autoantibody that is a marker for an underlying cancer.  In some cases that neurological problem can be present before the cancer is diagnosed.   

The continuing discovery of the biomarkers has wide impact, as this diagnostic approach can be used for a variety of diseases. It is also beneficial to patients because diagnosis of diseases using the markers is now allowing doctors to catch diseases in their early stage and treatment can begin right away. In the near future, the use of these biomarkers may lead to designer therapies and treatment that is personalized to the individual and the disease they have. 

Another important discovery made by Dr. Fritzler's team is the identification of new cell structures called GW Bodies. GW Bodies receive genetic messages and control whether the gene function is carried out or not. The discovery of GW bodies means that one day doctor’s may be able to manipulate these cells in order to silence faulty genes or genes that cause diseases.

With the support of donors, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and the Arthritis Society, Dr. Fritzler has become a leader in his field. No other lab in the world is able to perform diagnosis using the molecular markers discovered by his team.

His work has also given him the opportunity to work closely with scientists and institutions all over the world. He has strong collaboration with scientists in Germany, the United States, Mexico and China.

 

More about Dr. Fritzler

 

2008 University of Calgary - Faculty of Medicine. All rights reserved.