Dr. Mark D. Pegram

Dr. Mark D. Pegram, MD, is an internationally recognized medical oncologist and physician-scientist renowned for his pioneering contributions to breast cancer research and targeted cancer therapies. He serves as the Susy Yuan-Huey Hung Professor of Medical Oncology at Stanford University School of Medicine and is Associate Dean for Clinical Research Quality. In addition, Dr. Pegram is the Medical Director of the Clinical Translational Research Unit within the Stanford Cancer Institute, where he leads initiatives to bridge laboratory science with clinical application. He earned his medical degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and completed his internal medicine residency and oncology fellowship at UCLA, where his early research into HER2-targeted therapies helped lay the foundation for breakthrough treatment strategies in breast cancer.

Dr. Pegram is widely celebrated for his instrumental role in the development of trastuzumab (Herceptin), the first FDA-approved targeted therapy for HER2-positive breast cancer. His work has helped revolutionize treatment for a subset of patients with aggressive disease, significantly improving survival rates and quality of life. A prolific researcher, he has authored more than 150 peer-reviewed articles and has contributed to numerous clinical trials that have shaped the standard of care in oncology. His translational research focuses on novel molecular pathways, resistance mechanisms, and next-generation targeted therapies that continue to push the boundaries of precision medicine in breast cancer and beyond.

In addition to his groundbreaking research, Dr. Pegram is a respected educator and mentor. At Stanford, he is actively involved in the training and professional development of future oncologists, guiding residents and fellows through both clinical and research disciplines. He holds leadership positions in national and international organizations, including the American Society of Clinical Oncology, and he frequently presents at major global conferences. Through his unwavering commitment to innovation, compassionate patient care, and scientific excellence, Dr. Pegram remains a transformative figure in oncology, advancing the future of cancer treatment through collaboration and discovery.