Karen S. Anderson

Karen S. Anderson, M.D., Ph.D. is a Professor of Medicine at Mayo Clinic in Phoenix, Arizona, where she serves as a Contract Physician in the Division of Hematology/Oncology within the Department of Internal Medicine. Her clinical practice focuses on breast cancer, and she is affiliated with the Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center and the Breast Clinic. As an active researcher, Dr. Anderson leads clinical trials in breast cancer immunotherapy and biomarker development.

Dr. Anderson's educational background includes:

• Medical Scientist Training Program (MD), Duke University School of Medicine (1994)
• Ph.D. in Microbiology and Immunology, Duke University (1994)
• BA in Chemistry, University of Virginia (1986)
• Internship and Residency in Internal Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston
• Fellowship in Adult Hematology and Oncology, Dana Farber Cancer Institute

Dr. Anderson's research focuses on cancer immunology with particular emphasis on breast cancer biomarkers, ovarian cancer biomarkers, pancreatic cancer biomarkers, cancer vaccines, and HPV-related cancers. Her work spans from basic immunology to clinical applications, with a strong focus on translating laboratory findings into clinical practice. She has developed innovative approaches for early cancer detection and has been instrumental in advancing breast cancer immunotherapy through clinical trials.

Analysis of Dr. Anderson's recent publications reveals a consistent focus on breast cancer immunology, biomarker discovery, and HPV-related cancers. Her work integrates molecular biology, immunology, and clinical oncology to develop novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. Notably, her research has expanded to include computational approaches for neoantigen prediction and has addressed public health challenges including HPV-related cancer screening and even COVID-19 vaccine strategies.

Dr. Anderson has received several prestigious awards:

• Outstanding Faculty Mentor Arizona State University Faculty Women's Association (2020)
• Chief Resident West Roxbury VA Hospital (1996)
• Phi Beta Kappa University of Virginia (1986)
• Merck Scholar (1986)
• Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society (1986)
• Echols Scholar University of Virginia (1982)

Dr. Anderson has been actively involved in mentoring students and early-career researchers, serving on numerous thesis committees at Arizona State University across multiple departments including Molecular and Cellular Biology, Chemistry, and the Barrett Honors College. Her research is supported by multiple grants from the National Cancer Institute, including her role as Co-Chair of the Breast and Gynecologic Cancers Collaborative Group within the Early Detection Research Network.

Dr. Anderson is a key member of the Arizona Biomarker Alliance Executive Committee and has established collaborative research teams focused on cancer biomarker discovery and validation. Her laboratory work integrates protein microarray technology, immunology, and cancer genomics to develop novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for breast and HPV-related cancers.