Dr. Ashkan Emadi

Dr. Ashkan Emadi, MD, PhD, is a nationally recognized physician-scientist specializing in hematologic malignancies, with a focus on acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and cancer metabolism. He serves as the Alexander Bland Osborn Distinguished Professor and Chair of the Department of Medical Oncology at the West Virginia University Cancer Institute, where he also holds leadership roles as Physician-in-Chief for Medical Oncology and Associate Director for Translational Research. Dr. Emadi received his medical degree from Tehran University of Medical Sciences and earned a PhD in organic chemistry from the Illinois Institute of Technology. He completed his residency in internal medicine at the University of Cincinnati and fellowship training in hematology and oncology at Johns Hopkins University. He is board-certified in Hematology and Medical Oncology and is widely regarded for his translational research in leukemia and amino acid-targeted cancer therapies.

A pioneer in the application of glutamine metabolism targeting for hematologic cancers, Dr. Emadi has led groundbreaking preclinical and clinical studies investigating the therapeutic potential of pegcrisantaspase and other glutamine-depleting agents. His work bridges laboratory innovation and patient care, and he has designed multiple investigator-initiated clinical trials that integrate novel metabolic strategies into the treatment of refractory AML. Dr. Emadi has authored over 150 peer-reviewed publications and his contributions have helped shape emerging approaches to biomarker-driven treatment and cancer pharmacology. His research integrates chemistry, biology, and clinical medicine to develop targeted therapies that address the unmet needs of patients with difficult-to-treat malignancies.

In addition to his scientific and clinical leadership, Dr. Emadi is an accomplished educator and mentor, having trained dozens of students, residents, and fellows who have gone on to pursue academic and clinical careers across the United States. He is the author of three illustrated textbooks, including a widely used manual on cancer pharmacology. Known for his integrative and collaborative approach to translational medicine, Dr. Emadi continues to advance the fields of leukemia research and experimental therapeutics. Through his commitment to innovation, mentorship, and patient-centered care, he is helping to redefine the landscape of hematologic oncology.