Leading Acute Myeloid Leukemia Expert Named Dylan Burke Endowed Chair in Immunotherapy

Dr. Soheil Meshinchi recognized for his work in developing novel treatments for AML

Mar. 3, 2026 at 10:47pm

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Dr. Soheil Meshinchi, a world-renowned expert in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), has been named the second recipient of the Dylan Burke Endowed Chair in Immunotherapy at Fred Hutch Cancer Center. Meshinchi, a hematologist/oncologist and professor, has been praised for his creative and persistent approach to finding new treatments for AML, especially for pediatric patients like Dylan Burke, who passed away in 2022 after a long battle with the disease.

Why it matters

The endowed chair was established by Dylan's parents, Dave Burke and Louise O'Reilly, to support research into immunotherapy approaches to fighting cancer. Meshinchi's appointment highlights Fred Hutch's commitment to advancing innovative cancer treatments and honoring the legacy of patients like Dylan who inspire researchers to push the boundaries of what's possible.

The details

Meshinchi, a hematologist/oncologist and professor at Fred Hutch, is a world leader in developing novel approaches to treating acute myeloid leukemia (AML). He first came onto the Burke family's radar when they were researching treatment options for their son Dylan, who was diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) at age 9 which later progressed to AML. The Burke family chose to have Dylan treated at Fred Hutch specifically because of Meshinchi's expertise. Even after Dylan's passing, the family decided to endow a chair in immunotherapy research to honor his memory and support Meshinchi's continued work in this critical area.

  • Dylan Burke was diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) at age 9 in 2019.
  • Dylan came to Fred Hutch Cancer Center for treatment in 2019.
  • Dylan received a bone marrow transplant at Fred Hutch and was in remission for nearly two years before relapsing in 2021.
  • Dylan passed away on June 26, 2022 after exhausting all available treatment options.
  • The Dylan Burke Endowed Chair in Immunotherapy was established by his parents in 2020.

The players

Dr. Soheil Meshinchi

A hematologist/oncologist and professor in the Translational Science and Therapeutics Division at Fred Hutch Cancer Center, as well as a member of its Immunotherapy Integrated Research Center. He is a world leader in developing novel approaches to treating acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

Dylan Burke

A young patient who was diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) at age 9, which later progressed to acute myeloid leukemia (AML). He received treatment at Fred Hutch Cancer Center under the care of Dr. Meshinchi before passing away in 2022.

Dave Burke

Dylan's father, a Google advisor and chief technology officer at the Arc Institute, a biomedical research organization.

Louise O'Reilly

Dylan's mother, who along with her husband Dave, established the Dylan Burke Endowed Chair in Immunotherapy at Fred Hutch in 2020.

Stan Riddell

A Fred Hutch immunologist who served as the inaugural holder of the Dylan Burke Endowed Chair in Immunotherapy.

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What they’re saying

“Soheil was largely the reason we chose Fred Hutch and Seattle Children's Hospital. He's a really creative scientist and clinician who thinks outside the box and is disruptive and makes things happen. He is persistent. I have seen him fight not just for Dylan but for other children.”

— Dave Burke, Dylan's father, Google advisor and chief technology officer at the Arc Institute

“Dylan never wanted to give up, and Soheil was an awesome partner. Pediatric oncology as a vocation is incredibly tough. Soheil works so hard to push the science forward to help these kids.”

— Dave Burke, Dylan's father, Google advisor and chief technology officer at the Arc Institute

“We wanted to give back a little. I'm a big believer in harnessing the body's immune system to fight cancer. Our goal is to accelerate the research that enhances this natural defense.”

— Dave Burke, Dylan's father, Google advisor and chief technology officer at the Arc Institute

The takeaway

Dr. Meshinchi's appointment to the Dylan Burke Endowed Chair in Immunotherapy underscores Fred Hutch's commitment to advancing innovative cancer treatments and honoring the legacies of brave patients like Dylan Burke who inspire researchers to push the boundaries of what's possible. This endowed chair will help accelerate critical immunotherapy research that could lead to new lifesaving therapies for acute myeloid leukemia and other deadly cancers.