David Scadden, M.D.

David Scadden, M.D.

Harvard Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology
Massachusetts General Hospital
David Scadden, Harvard Stem Cell institute

The Scadden laboratory focuses on blood, in particular the regulation of the hematopoietic stem cell by its microenvironment or niche. Their goal is to make bone marrow transplants safer and easier for both patients and donors.

Using a combination of genetics, imaging and pharmacology, the laboratory has defined key components of the niche and how stem cells traffic to and engraft the bone marrow. It has demonstrated methods of altering niche interactions that have resulted in two clinical trials in the use of stem cells to treat hematologic malignancies.

Based on understanding mechanisms by which normal stem cells are governed in normal tissues, the laboratory has emphasized the role of the niche in disease. They have demonstrated the primary role the microenvironment can play in disordered tissue homeostasis and the emergence of malignancy. This work is the basis for investigating niche based approaches to cancer.

Biosketch

David Scadden is the Gerald and Darlene Jordan Professor of Medicine at Harvard University. He is a practicing hematologist/oncologist who focuses on bringing stem cell biology to patient care. Scadden is a hematologist/oncologist, and founded and directs the Center for Regenerative Medicine at the Massachusetts General Hospital. Together with Douglas Melton, he co-founded and co-directs HSCI. Scadden is a member of the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies of Science, the Board of External Experts for the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute and a former member of the National Cancer Institute’s Board of Scientific Counselors. He has received multiple honorary degrees, awards and memberships in honorary societies. His work emphasizes targeting the stem cell niche to attain novel therapies for blood diseases.

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Clinician-Scientist