SUMMARY
Cadman L. Leggett, M.D., is a gastroenterologist who studies methods to improve and personalize care for people with Barrett's esophagus and esophageal cancer. Dr. Leggett's research emphasizes the clinical implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) and other technologies that enable earlier detection and improved diagnostic accuracy, risk stratification and treatment of neoplasia.
Dr. Leggett also is a principal investigator of the Developmental Endoscopy Laboratory, which develops new devices and technology, designs and conducts clinical studies, and offers education and training in advanced endoscopic procedures.
Focus areas
- Advanced endoscopic imaging for early neoplasia detection. Dr. Leggett's research focuses on evaluating and implementing advanced endoscopic imaging technologies to improve the detection and characterization of dysplasia and early esophageal cancer. Dr. Leggett investigates such modalities as digital chromoendoscopy, confocal laser endomicroscopy, optical coherence tomography and microwave imaging. These technologies enable real-time, high-resolution visualization of mucosal and subsurface abnormalities that may not be detectable with conventional white-light endoscopy.
Dr. Leggett and his colleagues conduct prospective clinical studies to assess the diagnostic performance of these imaging platforms in identifying precursor lesions in Barrett's esophagus. Their goal is to improve early detection rates, reduce sampling error associated with random biopsies and identify patients who would benefit from minimally invasive endoscopic therapies that effectively prevent progression to invasive cancer.
- Molecular biomarkers for risk stratification and personalized surveillance. Dr. Leggett is interested in the clinical use of molecular biomarkers that can identify people with Barrett's esophagus who are at an increased risk of progression to esophageal adenocarcinoma.
Dr. Leggett's research has contributed to the validation of biomarker panels by using clinical specimens and longitudinal patient cohorts to determine their predictive value for disease progression. Dr. Leggett aims to understand the impact of molecular risk stratification on clinical practice. He hopes to identify people at high risk who may benefit from intensified surveillance or early therapeutic intervention while reducing unnecessary procedures for those at low risk.
- AI for enhanced diagnostic performance in endoscopy. This research focuses on translating AI technologies into clinical practice by ensuring robust validation and seamless integration into existing endoscopic workflows. Dr. Leggett's research includes the development, validation and clinical evaluation of AI models designed to improve lesion detection and diagnostic accuracy during endoscopic procedures.
Dr. Leggett and his colleagues participate in prospective clinical trials to evaluate the safety, effectiveness and clinical utility of AI-assisted endoscopy systems. These trials include multicenter international randomized controlled studies, such as the Gastroenterology Artificial Intelligence System for Detecting Colorectal Polyps (GAIN) clinical trial. This study investigates computer-aided polyp detection to improve adenoma detection rates.
Significance to patient care
Dr. Leggett's research goal is to find esophageal cancer earlier, make treatments work better and provide safer, more personalized care for people with Barrett's esophagus.
Dr. Leggett studies new tools to spot cancer as soon as possible. When cancer is found early, it can often be treated with a simple procedure using a scope instead of surgery. He also studies biomarkers and uses AI to figure out which people are more likely to get cancer. This helps with choosing the right care for each person.
Through this work, patients can avoid procedures they don't need and healthcare providers can focus more on the people who need help the most.
Professional highlights
- Mayo Clinic:
- Associate program director, Esophageal Diseases Fellowship, 2024-present.
- Teacher of the Year, Mayo Fellows Association, Department of Internal Medicine, 2023.
- Endoscopy Teacher of the Year, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, 2022.
- Chair, International Committee, American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, 2025-present.
- Member, Research Committee, American College of Gastroenterology, 2025-present.
- Associate editor, Diseases of the Esophagus, 2024-present.