Scleroderma Program

The Scleroderma Program at University of Rochester Medicine is the only program of its kind in Western New York dedicated to the advancing the understanding and treatment of scleroderma.

The program brings together multidisciplinary clinical expertise, education, and a broad research portfolio spanning observational studies, clinical trials, biospecimen-based investigation, and laboratory research.

Patient Care

Our team provides personalized, evidence-based care for scleroderma. Collaborating with specialists across multiple specialties, we incorporate each patient’s needs and values into shared decision-making.

Our team includes specialists in: 

• Rheumatology
• Pulmonology
• Dermatology
• Hand surgery
• Vascular medicine
• Gastroenterology
• Cardiology

Nailfold Videocapillaroscopy

We also provide nailfold videocapillaroscopy, a noninvasive test used to examine microcirculation and diagnose scleroderma at its earliest stages. Karen Kruzer, MD, MA is one of the few specialists in the region trained to offer nailfold videocapillaroscopy examinations for rheumatology patients.

Education

Our education efforts reach patients, families, trainees, and the broader community. 

• Patient education — through clinical care, lectures, workshops, and symposia
• Medical education and training — for medical students, residents, and fellows through formal didactics and clinical training
• Community education — in partnership with the National Scleroderma Foundation Tri-State Chapter and local patient support groups, with programming on scleroderma and related disorders

Research

Our research program is focused on advancing understanding of scleroderma and translating that knowledge into better treatments. This includes:

• Long-standing clinical registry — used to better understand the scleroderma patient population and perform clinical observational studies
• Patient biospecimen repository — stored for biomarker studies, validation of newly identified molecular targets, and discovery
• Clinical trials program — supported by dedicated research coordinators
• Laboratory-based research program — investigating disease pathogenesis and progression with the goal of identifying new therapeutic targets and treatments

Basic and Translational Research

Scleroderma Registry and Biorepository

We have over 250 patients enrolled in an IRB-approved longitudinal clinical research study. Patients diagnosed with scleroderma and related conditions are eligible to participate in this descriptive non-interventional research program. This is an umbrella program, which allows our researchers to address multiple clinical and translational questions.

Laboratory Research

Our lab-based research focuses the major disease manifestations of scleroderma. These projects include studies on skin fibrosis, lung fibrosis, and pulmonary hypertension. We use a variety of specimens from patients, cell-based systems and animal models. See the Korman Lab to learn more.

Clinical Trials

Our team participates in cutting-edge studies of the newest treatments for scleroderma. Patients who volunteer for these studies will be provided with study drugs and have multiple clinical evaluations which will be supported by a professional team of research coordinators.

Currently we are participating in a trial of CAR T-cell therapy for patients with severe scleroderma. There are also a number of trials being performed by the Pulmonary division for patients with pulmonary hypertension and pulmonary fibrosis.

Our Team

Rheumatologists

• Benjamin Korman, MD
• Roberta Goncalves-Marangoni, MD, PhD
• Karen Kruzer, MD, MA

Pulmonologists

• R. James White, MD, PhD
• Daniel Lachant, DO
• David Nagel, MD, PhD
• Robert Kottmann, MD

Dermatologists

• Christopher Richardson, MD, PhD

Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeons

• Patrick Reavy, MD, MS

Advanced Practice Provider

• Shadefai Goldsmith, NP

Clinical Research Coordinators

• Tyler Cavin, MPH, Tyler_Cavin@urmc.rochester.edu
• Layla Wynn, Layla_Wynn@urmc.rochester.edu
• Chelsey LoMonaco, Chelsey_LoMonaco@urmc.rochester.edu

Where We're Located