Meghan A. Higman MD, PhD
Meghan A. Higman
MD, PhD
Clinical Assistant Professor
Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences
Specialty/Research Focus
Pediatric Hematology-Oncology; Pediatrics
Contact Information
Patient Care
Patient Care
This faculty member is affiliated with UBMD, practicing physicians who are also professors in the Jacobs School.
View this physician on UBMDProfessional Summary:
My name is Meghan Higman and I am a Pediatrician who treats children, adolescents and young adults who have blood disorders and cancers. This includes care of children with illnesses such as anemia, platelet problems, white blood cell abnormalities, bleeding disorders as well as cancers such as leukemias, lymphomas and other cancers. Together with our talented team, we care for the children of Western New York at John R. Oishei Children’s Hospital (OCH) and at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center (RPCCC).
I focus my research and a majority of my clinical work on the care of patients who need cellular therapy and stem cell transplant to cure their disease. While we continue to make great strides in the care of young people with cancer and other disorders of the blood, some are only cured by replacing their bone marrow and immune cells with new cells from donors. We work as a team to limit complications while curing their disease.
My interests include supporting the whole patient and family through this experience. This includes helping them understand the science and helping them make informed decisions throughout the process. We discuss as a team the goals the family has for their child and for older patient - what goals they have for themselves. Treating the patient includes treating the whole patient and the family as well. Understanding their lived experiences as well as cultural and religious norms is frequently as important as understanding the science of our trade. This fits well with my role in coaching medical students in the Jacobs School of Medicine.
We actively enroll patients on clinical trials when possible to provide State of the Art therapy. As a member of the Institutional Review Board, I help to assure the safety and availability of quality studies.
I work to teach the next generation of physicians through my teaching of the medical students, residents as well as fellows. As a Coach in the new Jacobs School of Medicine Well Beyond curriculum, we aim to guide the students in understanding the role physicians play in the care of patients and in the community. Understanding more about our patient helps us meet them where they are.
Education and Training:
- Fellowship, Pediatric Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine (2001)
- Residency, Pediatrics, Children‘s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC (1998)
- Internship, Pediatrics, Children‘s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC (1996)
- MD, Medicine, University at Buffalo, Magna Cum Laude (1995)
- PhD, Biochemistry, University at Buffalo, Magna Cum Laude (1995)
- BA, Chemistry, Niagara University, Summa Cum Laude (1986)
- BS, Biology, Niagara University, Summa Cum Laude (1986)
Employment:
- Co-Chair IRB 1, RPCCC (2024-present)
- Assistant Professor, Pediatric Oncology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center (2006-present)
- Attending Physician, Hematology/Oncology, Oishei Children's Hospital (2006-present)
- Attending Physician, Hematology/Oncology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center (2006-present)
- Clinical Assistant Professor, Pediatrics, University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (2006-present)
- Chair of IRB 3, RPCCC
- Fellowship Program Director, Hematology/Oncology, University at Buffalo (2010–2018)
- Assistant Professor, Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine (2001–2006)
- Assistant Professor, Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine (2001–2006)
Awards and Honors:
- Top Doctors in Western New York (2025)
- Top Doctors in Western New York (2022)
- Outstanding Female Graduate (2004)
- Mid-Atlantic Task Team Recognition for Outstanding Medical Team Leadership (2003)
- Erwin Neter Award (1993)
- Father Dana Duggan Award (1986)
- Niagara University: Dr. Thomas H. Morton Medal for Excellence in Biology (1986)
- Exceptional Women in Medicine (2018-2024)
- Top Doctors in Western New York (2013-2018)
- Top Doctor 2012 to present
Research Expertise:
- Coach - Jacobs School of Medicine
- Pediatric Hematologist/Oncologist: Board Certified in Pediatrics and Pediatric Heme/Onc
- Stem Cell Transplant and Cellular Therapy Physician: In Pediatric and AYA patients
Grants and Sponsored Research:
- July 2014–June 2015
Early administration of intravenous antibiotics for pediatric oncology patients with fever
Univ. of Buffalo
Role: Contributor - September 2012–September 2014
Bone marrow transplant for solid tumors
Hyundai Hope on Wheels
Role: Principal Investigator
$75,000 - January 2003–January 2008
Children's Oncology Group
NCI
Role: Co-Investigator - July 2002–June 2007
Lymspoma SPORE
NCI
Role: Co-Investigator - April 2002–March 2007
Adult Hodgkins Disease and Epstein-Barr Virus
NCI
Role: Co-Investigator - March 2003–December 2006
Ex vivo expanded cord blood cells
NCI
Role: Co-Investigator - December 2004–November 2006
Transplantation of expanded and unexpanded cord blood units following myeloablative chemotherapy for hematologic malignancies
CCF
Role: Principal Investigator - June 2001–June 2003
A Strategy to prevent EBV lymphoma in a high-risk population
Cure for Lymphoma
Role: Principal Investigator
$105,000
Patents:
- IND Number BB-IND 10049 Autologous EBV+ Lymphoblastoid Cell Line Treated with Synthetic Psorlen (S-59) and Ultraviolet A Light
Journal Articles:
- Ronald S Go, Eric Jacobsen, Robert Baiocchi, Ilia Buhtoiarov, Erin B Butler, Patrick K Campbell, Don W Coulter, Eli Diamond, Aron Flagg, Aaron M Goodman, Gaurav Goyal, Dita Gratzinger, Paul C Hendrie, Meghan Higman, Michael D Hogarty, Filip Janku, Reem Karmali, David Morgan, Anne C Raldow, Alexandra Stefanovic, Srinivas K Tantravahi, Kelly Walkovich, Ling Zhang, Mary Anne Bergman, Susan D Darlow. (2021) Histiocytic Neoplasms, Version 2.2021, NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology. J Natl Compr Canc Netw (Nov)(11): 1277-1303. doi:10.6004/jnccn.2021.0053
- Martone GM, Nanjireddy P, Craig RA, Prout AJ, Higman MA, Kelly KM, Ambrusko SJ. (2021) Acute hepatic encephalopathy and multiorgan failure in sickle cell disease and COVID-19. Pediatr Blood Cancer (Jan)
- Fabrizio VA, Kernan NA, Boulad F, Cancio M, Allen J, Higman MA, Margossian SP, Mauguen A, Prockop S, Scaradavou A, Shah N, Spitzer B, Stieglitz E, Yeager E, O‘Reilly RJ, Brentjens RJ, Jan Boelens J, Curran KJ. (2020) Low Toxicity and Favorable Overall Survival in Relapsed/Refractory B-ALL Following CAR T Cells and CD34-selected T-cell Depleted Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplant. Bone Marrow Transplant (May)
- Chen GL, Hahn T, Wilding GE, Groman A, Hutson A, Zhang Y, Khan U, Liu H, Ross M, Bambach BJ, Higman MA, Neppalli V, Sait S, Block AW, Wallace PK, Singh AK, McCarthy PL. (2019) Reduced-Intensity Conditioning with Fludarabine, Melphalan, and Total Body Irradiation for Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation: The Effect of Increasing Melphalan Dose on Underlying Disease and Toxicity. Biol Blood Marrow Transplant (Apr), 25(4): 689-698.
- Welch JJG, Schwartz CL, Higman MA, Chen L, Buxton A, Kanakry JA, Kahwash SB, Hutchison RE, Friedman DL, Ambinder RF. (2017) Epstein-Barr virus DNA in serum as an early prognostic marker in children and adolescents with Hodgkin lymphoma. Blood Adv (Apr), 1(11): 681-684.
- Williams KM, Agwu AL, Dabb AA, Higman MA, Loeb DM, Valsamakis A, Chen AR. (2009) A clinical algorithm identifies high risk pediatric oncology and bone marrow transplant patients likely to benefit from treatment of adenoviral infection. J Pediatr Hematol Oncol (Nov), 31(11): 825-831.
- Williams KM, Higman MA, Chen AR, Schwartz CL, Wharam M, Colombani P, Arceci RJ. (2008) Successful treatment of a child with late-onset T-cell post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder/lymphoma. Pediatr Blood Cancer (Mar), 50(3): 667-670.
- Savage WJ, DeRusso PA, Resar LM, Chen AR, Higman MA, Loeb DM, Jones RJ, Brodsky RA. (2007) Treatment of hepatitis-associated aplastic anemia with high-dose cyclophosphamide. Pediatr Blood Cancer (Dec), 49(7): 947-951.
- Jacobsohn DA, Chen AR, Zahurak M, Piantadosi S, Anders V, Bolanos-Meade J, Higman MA, Margolis J, Kaup M, Vogelsang GB. (2007) Phase II study of pentostatin in patients with corticosteroid-refractory chronic graft-versus-host disease. J Clin Oncol (Sep), 25(27): 4255-4261.
- Neuman DL, Farrar JE, Moresi JM, Vogelsang GB, Higman MA. (2005) Toxic absorption of tacrolimus [corrected] in a patient with severe acute graft-versus-host disease. Bone Marrow Transplant (Nov), 36(10): 919-920.
- Milstone AM, Ruff AJ, Yeamans C, Higman MA. (2005) Pseudomonas aeruginosa pre-septal cellulitis and bacteremia in a pediatric oncology patient. Pediatr Blood Cancer (Sep), 45(3): 353-353.
- Swierczynski SL, Hafez MJ, Philips J, Higman MA, Berg KD, Murphy KM. (2005) Bone marrow engraftment analysis after granulocyte transfusion. J Mol Diagn (Aug), 7(3): 422-426.
- Higman MA, Vogelsang GB, Chen A. (2004) Pentostatin - pharmacology, immunology, and clinical effects in graft-versus-host disease. Expert Opin Pharmacother (Dec), 5(12): 2605-2613.
- Higman MA, Vogelsang GB. (2004) Chronic graft versus host disease. Br J Haematol (May), 125(4): 435-454.
- Liem RI, Higman MA, Chen AR, Arceci RJ. (2003) Misinterpretation of a Calvert-derived formula leading to carboplatin overdose in two children. J Pediatr Hematol Oncol (Oct), 25(10): 818-821.
- Higman MA, Port JD, Beauchamp NJ, Chen AR. (2000) Reversible leukoencephalopathy associated with re-infusion of DMSO preserved stem cells. Bone Marrow Transplant (Oct), 26(7): 797-800.
- Niles EG, Christen LA, Higman MA. (1994) Direct photolinkage of GTP to the vaccinia virus mRNA (guanine-7-) methyltransferase GTP methyl acceptor site. Biochemistry (Aug), 33(33): 9898-9903.
- Higman MA, Niles EG. (1994) Location of the S-adenosyl-L-methionine binding region of the vaccinia virus mRNA (guanine-7-) methyltransferase. J Biol Chem (May), 269(21): 14982-14987.
- Higman MA. (1994) The mRNA (guanine-7-)methyltransferase domain of the vaccinia virus mRNA capping enzyme. Expression in Escherichia coli and structural and kinetic comparison to the intact capping enzyme. J Biol Chem (May), 269(21): 14974-14981.
- Stuart DT, Upton C, Higman MA, McFadden G, Niles EG. (1993) A poxvirus-encoded uracil DNA glycosylase is essential for virus viability. J Virol (May), 67(5): 2503-2512.
- Christen L, Higman MA, Niles EG. (1992) Phenotypic characterization of three temperature-sensitive mutations in the vaccinia virus early gene transcription initiation factor. J Gen Virol (Dec), 73(Pt 12): 3155-3167.
- Higman MA, Christen LA, Niles EG. (1992) The vaccinia virus mRNA (guanine-N7-)-methyltransferase requires both subunits of the mRNA capping enzyme for activity. J Biol Chem (Aug), 267(23): 16430-16437.
Books and Book Chapters:
- Fung HC, Higman MA, van Besien K. (2006) Stem Cell Transplantation. In: American Society of Hematology Self-Assessment Program 3rd edition. Wiley-Blackwell
- Higman MA. (2004) In: "Leukemias and Lymphomas". Lippincott Williams and Wilkins
- Vogelsang G, Huff CA, Higman MA. (2004) Stem Cell Transplantation. In: American Society of Hematology Self-Assessment Program, 2nd edition. Wiley-Blackwell
Abstracts:
- Fabrizio V, Boulad F, Cancio MI, Higman MA, Margossian SP, Mauguen A, Prockop S, Scaradavou A, Shah NC, Spitzer B, Yeager N, Kernan NA, O‘Reilly R, Jan Boelens J, Curran KJ. (2019) Allogeneic CD34-Selected HSCT Following CAR T-Cells Is Associated with Low TRM and Favorable OS in Pediatric/Young Adult Patients with Relapsed/Refractory B-ALL. Blood, (Nov) 4582-4582
- Liu H, Hahn T, Wilding G, Groman A, Bambach BJ, Higman MA, Ross M, Chen GL, McCarthy PL. (2011) Fludarabine, Melphalan and Low Dose Total Body Irradiation for Reduced Intensity Conditioning (RIC) Prior to Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation (AlloHCT). Blood, (Nov) 4570-4570
- Hepgur M, Saito NG, Hahn T, Starostik P, Wallace P, Bambach BJ, Higman MA, Dubel K, McCarthy PL, Khan A, Battiwalla M. (2010) Atypical Presentation of Vaginal GvHD with Multiple Abdominal Pain Crisis. Biol Blood Marrow Transplant, (Feb) S315-S315
- Hepgur M, Saito NG, Hahn T, Starostik P, Wallace P, Bambach BJ, Higman MA, Dubel K, McCarthy PL, Battiwalla M. (2010) Early Complete Donor Lymphoid Chimerism with Fludarabine, Melphalan and Low Dose (400CGY) Total Body Irradiation Reduced Intensity Conditioning. Biol Blood Marrow Transplant, (Feb) S291-S291
- Horton TM, Sheehan AN, Lopez-Terrada D, Hutchison RE, Narendra S, Higman MA, Wu M-F, Liu H. (2008) Coordinate Regulation of NF-B Subunit Expression in EBV Negative, but Not EBV Positive, Pediatric Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Blood, (Nov)
- Higman MA, Schwartz CL, Chen L, Chen AR, Freidman D, Hutchinson R, Kahwash SB, Orr C, Ambinder RF. (2008) Epstein Barr Viral DNA in the Serum of Children and Adolescents with Hodgkin Disease and Early Response to Chemotherapy. J Clin Oncol, (May)
- Mitchell S, Reeve B, Cowen E, Fall-Dickson J, Gilbert L, Guadagnini JP, Robinson M, Turner M, Willis G, Schubert M, Bolanos-Meade J, Higman MA, Jacobsohn D, Thormann K, Vogelsang G, Pavletic S. (2005) Feasibility and Reproducibility of the New NIH Consensus Criteria to Evaluate Response in Chronic GVHD - A Pilot Study. Blood, (Nov)
- Bolanos-Meade J, Jacobsohn D, Anders V, Higman MA, Chen A, Phelps M, Vogelsang GB. (2005) Pentostatin Steroid-Refractory Chronic Graft-Versus-Host Disease. Blood, (Nov)
- Jacobsohn D, Browning B, Thormann K, Higman MA, Phelps ML, Chen AR, Vogelsang GB. (2004) Pentostatin: Efficacy in Refractory Chronic GVHD in Children. Blood, (Nov)
Professional Memberships:
- Pediatric Transplantation and Cellular Therapy Consortium (2001–present)
- Childrens Oncology Group (2001–present)
Presentations:
- "Design Cancer Therapies: An Overview of Targeted Cancer Therapy" Pediatric Grand Rounds; University at Buffalo (2012)
- "Cord Blood: Should We Save the Baby‘s Cord Blood?" Pediatric Grand Rounds; University at Buffalo (2008)
- "Neuroblastoma" Pediatric Surgery Teaching Conference; Women and Children‘s Hospital of Buffalo (2007)
- "Cord Blood Transplantation - The Ins and Outs of Talking to Parents" Pediatric Trends; Johns Hopkins University (2005)
- "Lymphadenopathy in Children and Adolescents" Pediatric Trends; Johns Hopkins University (2002)
Service Activities:
- Work-Life Balance Tri-Institutional MD-PhD Research Day; Medical Alumni Breakout Session (2024–present)
- Provide Support and Guidance to students at Jacobs School of Medicine; Coach (2024–present)
- Niagara Falls ‘Miracle’ Baby Beats Aggressive Leukemia After Successful CAR-T Cancer Immunotherapy in Buffalo; Primary Stem Cell Transplanter (2020–present)
- Strategic Plan - Engagement Committee; Co-Physician lead (2020–present)
- Burn Out Committee Peds Heme/Onc (2018–2020)
- RPCI IRB III Chair; Chair (2016–present)
- Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center: Institutional Review Board III; Co-Chair (2008–2016)
- Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center: Institutional Review Board III; Board Member (2007–present)
- Women and Children‘s Hospital of Buffalo: Committee for Hematology/Oncology Center of Excellence; Committee Member (2006–present)
- University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences: Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Fellows Conference; Advisor (2001–2006)
- Johns Hopkins University: Oncology Diversity Action Council; Member (2001–2006)
- Women and Children‘s Hospital of Buffalo: Pediatric Oncology Performance Improvement Committee; Committee Member (2000–2006)
- Camp Sunrise; Director (1999–2005)
- Children‘s Oncology Group: Hodgkins Disease Steering Committee; Committee Member
- Comprehensive Cancer Control Plan of Maryland End of Life Committee; Committee Member
- Hodgkin‘s Disease Biology and Banking Subcommittee; Committee Member
- Children Oncology Group AHOD 0031 A Phase III Study of Dose-Intensive, Response-Based Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy for Children and Adolescents with Newly Diagnosed Intermediate Risk Hodgkins Disease; Committee Member
- American Board of Pediatric, Question of the Week; Early Reviewer
- UBMD Pediatrics Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion UBMD Pediatrics (2022- ); member
- NCCN Histiocytic Neoplasms Panel; Member
- RITN Tabletop exercise (2019); Pediatric Representative
- Childrens Oncology Group AHOD04B1 Hodgkin Disease (HD) Banking Trial; Study Chair