SUMMARY
The career focus of Sikander Ailawadhi, M.D., is on treatment of plasma cell disorders such as multiple myeloma and Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia.
Dr. Ailawadhi's core research efforts aim to improve understanding of the epidemiology and pathophysiology of these diseases. He evaluates the benefit of therapeutic strategies in different populations based on racial, ethnic and socioeconomic diversity. He conducts phase 1 through phase 3 clinical trials for new drugs, including cellular therapies such as chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy.
Focus areas
- Drug development in multiple myeloma. Dr. Ailawadhi has led several clinical trials for drug development in multiple myeloma and related plasma cell disorders. Study topics have included the therapeutic mechanisms of BCL-2 inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies and immunomodulatory agents. These were investigator-initiated, cooperative group-led and pharmaceutical-supported trials ranging from phase 1 to phase 3.
- Cellular therapy in plasma cell disorders. Dr. Ailawadhi has led large international clinical trials of CAR-T cell therapies in multiple myeloma. These trials have contributed to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of these groundbreaking treatments.
- Healthcare disparities research. Outcomes for patients with cancer from different age, gender, racial and ethnic groups can be variable even if the same treatment options are available. This is due to disparities in socioeconomic status and healthcare access and use. Dr. Ailawadhi is a leader in defining and addressing healthcare disparities, with a special focus on disparities in participation in and access to clinical trials.
- Pragmatic, real-world clinical trials. Dr. Ailawadhi develops and supports the development of pragmatic and real-world clinical trials that overcome barriers and disparities. Through his leadership position at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and the NCI-supported Southwest Oncology Group, Dr. Ailawadhi has been involved in modifying and standardizing clinical trial inclusion criteria so that real-world patients can be enrolled in these trials. These changes will help overcome healthcare disparities by achieving trial results that are generalizable to the broader population in the United States.
Significance to patient care
Multiple myeloma is the second most common blood-related cancer, and despite several treatment advances, it remains incurable. Developing new treatment options through clinical trials is key to improving patient outcomes. So is making sure that these trials represent the real-world population they are meant to serve.
Dr. Ailawadhi's leadership in drug development clinical trials has led to several new treatment options for patients with cancer. These new options are now being reviewed for approval by the FDA to be made available to patients across the United States.
Professional highlights
- Diversity, equity and inclusion lead, Multiple Myeloma Specialized Program of Research Excellence (SPORE), Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center, 2023-present.
- Enterprise deputy director, International Cancer Program, Mayo Clinic, 2023-present.
- Member, Myeloma Steering Committee, National Cancer Institute, 2023-present.
- Vice chair, Myeloma Committee, Southwest Oncology Group, 2022-present.
- Editor, Cancers, 2020-present.
- Member, board of directors, Florida Society of Clinical Oncology, 2016-present.