Scott A. Armstrong, MD, PhD, "Targeting Chromatin Complexes in Leukemia"

Special SSCI Seminar featuring Scott A. Armstrong, MD, PhD, a leading expert in pediatric oncology and cancer epigenetics.

Dr. Scott Armstrong is a leading physician-scientist whose research focuses on the molecular mechanisms driving leukemia, particularly in children. His work has uncovered how chromatin remodeling complexes and epigenetic regulators contribute to leukemia development and maintenance. As Chief Strategy Officer at Dana-Farber, he also plays a key role in shaping institutional research priorities and driving innovation.

Chromatin Epigenetic Regulation in Leukemia:

• Studies how chromatin structure and epigenetic modifications contribute to the development of leukemia
• Focuses on MLL-rearranged leukemias, a particularly aggressive subtype that primarily affects infants and children

Leukemia Stem Cells:

• Identifies and characterizes leukemia stem cells that sustain disease and resist treatment
• Aims to develop therapies that specifically target these cells to prevent relapse

Transcriptional Control of Oncogenesis:

• Investigates how transcription factors and chromatin regulators drive abnormal gene expression in leukemia cells
• His lab has identified key oncogenic programs that can be therapeutically targeted

Development of Target Therapies:

• Collaborates on developing small molecules and targeted therapies that disrupt leukemia-specific epigenetic and transcriptional machinery
• Several of these approaches are in clinical trials or preclinical development

Chief Strategy Officer, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

Director of the Sanford Stem Cell Institute, UC San Diego

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Here are some of the key learning objectives:

1. Effective Treatment: Participants will learn to treat patients with stem cells more effectively through multidisciplinary discussions.
2. Research Dissemination: Participants will be able to disseminate the latest research and clinical advances in stem cell science.
3. Clinical Application: Participants will apply new knowledge to improve clinical practices and patient outcomes.

These objectives aim to ensure that attendees are well-equipped to integrate the latest scientific advancements into their clinical practice. The University of California, San Diego School of Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians. The UC San Diego School of Medicine designates this live activity for a maximum of 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)TM. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Info: "Coffee and Conversation" will be held on the patio terrace for attendees. Attendees can grab coffee before the presentation and catch up with their colleagues.

Info: Dr. Armstrong served as the President of Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center from 2019 to 2025 and was Chairman of the Department of Pediatric Oncology at Dana-Farber from 2016 to 2025.


Dr. Armstrong was previously director of the Center for Epigenetics Research at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Professor of Pediatrics at the Weill Cornell Medical College. He earned his medical degree and PhD from University of Texas Southwestern Medical School in 1996. After internship and residency training with the Boston Combined Residency Program (BCRP) at Boston Medical Center and Boston Children’s Hospital, he completed a hematology/oncology fellowship at Dana-Farber/Boston Children’s.


The major focus of Dr. Armstrong's career has been on delineating the biology of leukemia and the development of new therapeutic approaches for children and adults with cancer.

Info: Q&A participation with the audience and Zoom attendees.

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