Dr. Angela Dispenzieri is a distinguished hematologist and internationally recognized authority in plasma cell disorders at Mayo Clinic. She currently serves as Professor of Medicine and Laboratory Medicine and Pathology while holding leadership positions including Chair of Hematology Research and Vice Chair of the Clinical Research Committee at Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center. After completing her undergraduate studies at Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1985, she earned her medical degree from Albert Einstein College of Medicine in 1991, followed by comprehensive training in internal medicine, hematology, and oncology through residency and fellowship at Mayo Clinic. Dr. Dispenzieri joined the Mayo Clinic faculty in 1998, establishing herself as a leading clinical researcher in hematological malignancies with dual appointments in hematology and clinical chemistry that facilitate her interdisciplinary approach.
Dr. Dispenzieri has made seminal contributions to the understanding and treatment of plasma cell disorders, most notably developing the first internationally recognized staging system for AL amyloidosis in 2004 which revolutionized prognostic assessment and treatment planning for this complex condition. Her research program spans multiple plasma cell disorders including multiple myeloma, amyloidosis, POEMS syndrome, and other rare entities, with a particular emphasis on translating laboratory discoveries into clinical applications through innovative clinical trials. She serves as Principal Investigator for significant studies including a Phase II trial investigating ixazomib citrate, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone for POEMS syndrome treatment and has been instrumental in advancing virotherapy approaches for multiple myeloma through collaborative research projects. Her extensive publication record demonstrates a consistent focus on improving patient outcomes through clinically relevant research that bridges laboratory medicine and bedside care.
Beyond her direct research contributions, Dr. Dispenzieri has significantly shaped the field through leadership roles including past presidency of the International Society of Amyloidosis and chairing the Amyloid Interest Group at Mayo Clinic. She has mentored numerous hematology fellows and junior faculty, fostering the next generation of specialists in plasma cell disorders while maintaining an active clinical practice that informs her research priorities. Dr. Dispenzieri continues to drive innovation in the field through ongoing clinical trials and translational research aimed at developing more effective, less toxic therapies for patients with complex plasma cell disorders. Her current work focuses on refining treatment approaches for amyloidosis and myeloma while leveraging her expertise in stem cell transplantation and novel therapeutic agents to improve long-term outcomes for patients with these challenging conditions.
