Targeting cancers of the blood and bone marrow
Supported by expert physician-scientists, the Hematologic Malignancies Program conducts innovative research to advance the understanding and treatment of leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, and related amyloid and myeloid diseases.
Overview
The Hematologic Malignancies Program of Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center conducts research on cancers of the blood and bone marrow. Investigators in our program focus on the genetic, molecular and cellular basis of hematologic malignancies and the translation of these findings into novel clinical trials and new therapeutic treatment options that will ultimately improve patient care and outcomes.
Our program has three main research goals:
- Investigating the epidemiology and mechanisms of progression for hematologic malignancies
- Characterizing the cell biology and molecular nature of hematologic malignancies to identify new therapeutic targets
- Developing new therapies for hematologic malignancies
To accomplish these goals, our program is organized into four disease-oriented groups:
- Acute leukemia and myeloid neoplasms
- Chronic lymphocytic leukemia
- Lymphoma
- Myeloma/dysproteinemia
Our investigators in these disease-oriented groups explore all facets of hematologic malignancies, including the causes and genetics behind cancers of the blood, how cancer progresses, and the development of new treatments, such as immune targeting drugs and gene therapy.
The Hematologic Malignancies Program conducts research at all three Mayo Clinic campuses — in Scottsdale, Arizona; Jacksonville, Florida; and Rochester, Minnesota.
SPORE research grants
The program also participates in two Specialized Programs of Research Excellence (SPOREs):
Program leadership
The program is directed by Stephen M. Ansell, M.D., Ph.D.; Leif Bergsagel, M.D.; and Asher (Asher) A. Chanan-Khan, M.B.B.S., M.D., M.B.B.S.
- Dr. Ansell is a hematologist and an oncologist at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. He is also a professor of medicine at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science. Dr. Ansell's research focuses on understanding the biology of B cell malignancies, including Hodgkin's lymphoma, Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and on exploring the role of the tumor microenvironment in supporting cancer cell growth and survival.
- Dr. Bergsagel is an oncologist at Mayo Clinic in Phoenix, Arizona. He is also a professor of medicine at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science. Dr. Bergsagel studies the molecular pathogenesis of multiple myeloma and its precursor, monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS).
- Dr. Chanan-Khan is a hematologist at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida. He is also a professor of medicine at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science. Dr. Chanan-Khan's research is dedicated to advancing and discovering treatments for patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia, Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia and multiple myeloma.