Academic History
Leif Bergsagel, MD, obtained his medical degree from the University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada. Following this, Dr Bergsagel underwent an Internship at Sunnybrook Medical Centre, Toronto, Canada, and residencies at both Stanford University Medical Center, Stanford, CA, and Sunnybrook Medical Centre. Finally, he completed his Medical Oncology Fellowship at the National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD.
Dr Bergsagel is a consultant in the Division of Hematology/Oncology in the Department of Internal Medicine at the Mayo Clinic Hospital in Phoenix, AZ, and a Professor of Medicine at the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine.
Speaking on disease biology and resistance mechanisms in multiple myeloma
Dr Bergsagel’s research focuses on the molecular pathogenesis of multiple myeloma (MM) and aims to elucidate the molecular mechanisms leading to the development of the precursor condition monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) and its subsequent progression to myeloma. Other focus areas of his research include the association of chromosome translocation and myeloma, ectopic gene expression, and developmental therapeutics. Dr Bergsagel identified the t(4;14) chromosome translocation in myeloma patients and has led the development of targeted therapies for the treatment of this patient population. Throughout his career, Dr Bergsagel has received numerous prestigious awards in recognition of his contribution to the understanding of myeloma biology.
