Saad J. Kenderian, M.B., Ch.B.

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SUMMARY

The research of Saad J. Kenderian, M.B., Ch.B., and his team focuses on developing and optimizing novel engineered T-cell therapies for cancer treatment. T cells also are called T lymphocytes. Immunotherapy — using the immune system to treat cancer — has emerged as a powerful and potentially curative approach. Recent advances in engineered T-cell therapies highlight their promise as a new cornerstone in the treatment of hematological malignancies.

Focus areas

• Modified cellular therapies. Dr. Kenderian's team creates and refines safe and effective next-generation modified cellular therapies, with the goal of expanding their application to treat a broad range of hematological and solid tumors.
• Resistance to immunotherapy. Despite the reported success of immunotherapy and engineered T-cell therapy in the treatment of hematological malignancies, a significant percentage of patients do not respond. Dr. Kenderian's laboratory seeks to identify mechanisms of resistance to immunotherapy in chronic lymphocytic leukemia and other hematological cancers.
• Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation. Allogeneic transplantation remains the only potentially curative option for several hematological malignancies. However, it is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, largely due to graft-versus-host disease. To address this challenge, Dr. Kenderian's laboratory investigates modified cellular products designed to enhance the safety of allogeneic transplantation.
• Combination immunotherapy. To strengthen the efficacy and safety of modified T-cell therapy, Dr. Kenderian and his team evaluate combinatorial strategies that integrate these approaches with signal inhibitors, small molecules and other immunotherapies.

Significance to patient care

Dr. Kenderian's team develops new immune-based treatments for patients with blood cancers that have come back or haven't responded to treatment. Dr. Kenderian and his team work closely with other experts at Mayo Clinic, and some of their therapies are already being tested in early clinical trials.

Professional highlights

• Mayo Clinic:
  • Leader, David F. and Margaret T. Grohne Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapeutics Research Program, Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center, 2024-present.
  • Research Career Impetus Award, 2026-2030.
  • New Investigator Award, Department of Medicine, 2018.
  • Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation Award in Cancer Research, Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center, 2017.
  • Hematology/oncology award for outstanding achievement, 2013.
  • Mayo Clinic Scholar, 2013.
• Collaborative Cancer Research Program award, Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center and Cancer Research Karolinska Institute, 2023-2024.
• Research award, Minnesota Partnership for Biotechnology and Medical Genomics, 2023.
• Gilead Research Scholar Award, Gilead Sciences, 2019.
• American Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation:
  • Best abstract award, 2017.
  • Plenary presentation award, 2015-2017.
• Biotechnology/Biobusiness Award, Regenerative Medicine Minnesota, 2017.
• Young Investigator Award, National Comprehensive Cancer Network, 2017.
• Alexandra J. Kefalides Memorial Award, Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, 2014.
• McLaren Hospital, Michigan State University:
  • Consummate Physician Award, 2009.
  • Team Leader Award, 2009.
  • Outstanding Resident of the Year Award, 2007, 2008.