Leif Bergsagel, MD

Leif Bergsagel completed his graduation in science and MD from University of Toronto. He did Internship and Residency in Sunnybrook Medical Centre, Toronto. Dr. Bergsagel mainly treats these conditions: amyloidosis, monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance, multiple myeloma, and Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia.

Dr. Bergsagel has been involved in the studies on molecular pathogenesis of multiple myeloma, a tumor of mature, isotype-switched plasma cells. It is a uniformly fatal malignancy that is frequently preceded by a common (1 percent of adults), benign preclinical phase known as monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS). Dr. Bergsagel’s laboratory is focused on understanding the molecular events that lead to the development of MGUS and its progression to multiple myeloma.

The research of Dr. Bergsagel and his colleagues has identified important subtypes of multiple myeloma that respond differently to treatment, are associated with different survival rates and form the basis for a risk-adapted approach to therapy.

Representative Publications:

Treatment With Bortezomib-based Therapy, Followed by Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation, Improves Outcomes in Light Chain Amyloidosis: A Retrospective Study

Oncolytic immunotherapy and bortezomib synergy improves survival of refractory multiple myeloma in a preclinical model 

Identification of lenalidomide resistance pathways in myeloma and targeted resensitization using cereblon replacement, inhibition of STAT3 or targeting of IRF4

Microbiota-driven interleukin-17-producing cells and eosinophils synergize to accelerate multiple myeloma progression