John F. Dipersio MD, PhD

Dr. John F. DiPersio is an internationally recognized hematologist, oncologist, and physician-scientist specializing in leukemia, stem cell transplantation, and cellular immunotherapy. He serves as the Virginia E. and Sam J. Golman Professor of Medicine in Oncology at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis and is Deputy Director of the Siteman Cancer Center.

Dr. DiPersio is widely recognized for building one of the nation’s leading bone marrow transplantation and hematologic malignancy programs. Since joining Washington University in 1994, he has led major expansions in translational oncology research, integrating genomics, immunology, and stem cell biology into innovative cancer therapies. His research has focused on leukemia biology, stem cell mobilization, graft-versus-host disease, and the development of novel cellular immunotherapies, including CAR-T cell approaches and gene-edited transplant strategies.

Among his many scientific contributions, Dr. DiPersio played a key role in the development of plerixafor, an FDA-approved drug used to mobilize hematopoietic stem cells for transplantation in patients with multiple myeloma and lymphoma. His laboratory has also advanced “off-the-shelf” CAR-T therapies and innovative approaches to improve transplant outcomes while reducing complications such as graft-versus-host disease.

Dr. DiPersio has authored hundreds of peer-reviewed publications and book chapters and has received numerous honors for his contributions to cancer research and patient care, including recognition from the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, the American Society for Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, and the American Italian Cancer Foundation. He is also recognized as an outstanding mentor and leader in translational medicine, helping shape the next generation of physician-scientists in hematology and oncology.