Andrea E. Wahner Hendrickson, M.D.

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SUMMARY

Andrea E. Wahner Hendrickson, M.D., is a physician-scientist who develops and tests new treatments for cancer. In particular, Dr. Wahner Hendrickson evaluates novel therapeutics focusing on small molecules that target DNA repair and antibody drug conjugates. She also researches mechanisms of resistance to novel antineoplastic agents. In addition, Dr. Wahner Hendrickson studies the effects of novel antineoplastic agents on their intended targets in phase 1 and 2 clinical trials.

Focus areas

• Next-Generation TOP1 Inhibition To Treat Ovarian Cancer. Dr. Wahner Hendrickson is a co-leader of an Ovarian Cancer SPORE research project within Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center. The project entails conducting preclinical studies to better understand determinants of TOP1 inhibitor sensitivity, including a phase 2 clinical trial of one of the new generations of TOP1 inhibitors in ovarian cancer.
• Poly-(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors. Dr. Wahner Hendrickson is the principal investigator for a study evaluating how DNA repair pathways respond to inhibition of the PARP enzyme in epithelial ovarian, primary peritoneal and fallopian tube cancers. The study is funded by the National Cancer Institute (NCI). Dr. Wahner Hendrickson's research is based on preclinical data that was generated in the laboratory of former Mayo Clinic researcher Larry M. Karnitz, Ph.D.
• MTH1 inhibition for ovarian cancer. In collaboration with Oxcia AB, Dr. Wahner Hendrickson is investigating a first-in-human MTH1 inhibitor and its impact on ovarian cancer cell lines. These preclinical studies are leading to development of a phase 1 clinical trial for platinum-resistant ovarian cancer.

Significance to patient care

As a practicing oncologist, Dr. Wahner Hendrickson wants to find better ways to prevent cancer or stop it from getting worse. Her long-term research goal is to find new targets for anticancer treatments, especially for gynecologic cancers like ovarian cancer. She also runs early-phase clinical trials for people with advanced cancers in the hope of finding better treatment options.

Professional highlights

• Mayo Clinic:
  • Enterprise leader, phase 1 program, Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center, 2025-present.
  • Enterprise chair, Experimental and Novel Therapeutics Disease Group, Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center, 2023-present.
  • Mayo Clinic Ovarian Cancer SPORE Career Development Award, 2011-2013.
  • Outstanding Medical Oncology Fellow Award, 2012.
• Member, Adult CIRB — Early Phase Emphasis, Central Institutional Review Board, National Cancer Institute, 2021-present.
• Paul Calabresi Program Career Development Award for Clinical Oncology, National Institutes of Health, 2012-2016.
• Clinician-investigator, General Mills Foundation, 2008.